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NEWS
RetailVision
Round-Up Issue
INDIAN WELLS, CA - RetailVision was held April 26-29 at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, CA. Many exciting new products and record number of Vendors and Retailers created an optimistic atmosphere and made for one of the most productive RetailVision Events in quite some time. In total, more than 1000 people registered for the Event including more than 200 Retailers.
"The enthusiasm and confidence at this RetailVision, from both the retail and Vendor side of the aisle, was almost unprecedented. We think the Event is a great indicator for the good fortune facing the industry for the balance of the year and heading into next year," said Senior Director Pete Prentice.
According to Melissa Park, Sr. Event Manager, there were more than 200 Retailers in attendance and most of the leaders from the industry were represented. And some were new players, some old players and old players at new places, like Jim Hamilton (Radio Shack), Adam Hanan (Entertainment Warehouse), Ahron Schacter (RCS), Jackie Trilling (Elephant Wireless) and Dan Shilling (Shop at Home) were among many of the RetailVision veterans representing new companies. It was great seeing such a strong Event. Park added that most Retailers have have already reconfirmed their attendance for the next Event (RetailVision, Sept. 7-10, San Diego, CA).
Prentice and RetailVision attendees were also very positive on the new Consumer Electronics section for the Event and the extra attendance from Asian manufacturers and Prentice expects the area to grow even larger at the next event.
Following are a list of companies who made announcements at the show.
 The CD Library The CD Library was again well received by the retail community during the Indian Wells event. "RetailVision was the perfect format for the introduction our new product lines, The Gamer Library & The Digital Photo Library," stated Brad Lane, president of CD Library. "This was a natural addition to our CD and DVD Library lines and we gained some new placements from our meetings."
The CD Library offers a high-end media storage solution as an alternative to dusty racks and bulky, nylon zippered wallets. Their Disc-Detector software is cutting edge recognition technology that helps the consumer organize their media collection without data entry.
 Computer Associates had a very strong presence at the show and introduced their new line of anti virus software. Western Digital, PalmOne, etc. were among the other leading brand name Vendors making major announcements at the show.
 KiSS Technology, a leading manufacturer of next-generation consumer electronics products, today announced that they will work with DivXNetworks, Inc., to develop a DivX Certified DVD Player optimized for the high-resolution HDTV playback of DivX video files. KiSS Technologies demonstrated DivX Certified DVD players to major Retailers at RetailVision North America, where DivXNetworks was an Event Sponsor. The DivX Certified DVD player from KiSS Technologies offers the additional ability to playback high-resolution DivX videos optimized for HDTVs. The player will enable DivX users to archive high-definition broadcast content on their PCs and easily playback DivX video encoded from high-definition on HDTVs. Additionally, as a DivX Certified Home Theater device, the KiSS DVD player will support playback of all versions of DivX video, including secure, video-on-demand content from DivXNetworks' content partners. "DivX video combined with this cutting-edge KiSS DVD player will offer a great technology solution to bring HD content from the PC to the millions of HDTVs in home theatres all over the world," said Jim Geison, Director of Sales at DivXNetworks, Inc. "We look forward to working closely with KiSS Technologies to ensure that their DivX Certified DVD player solution is optimized for HDTV DivX playback." "There exists a huge addressable market of high-definition televisions waiting for DVD players that are optimized to take advantage of high-resolution video, and we're excited to work with DivXNetworks to bring the first of these devices to market as soon as possible," said Peter Wilmar Christensen, CEO of KiSS Technology.
First Intelligent Array announced general availability of the FIA On3 Digital Media Player and Library, an easy-to-use home entertainment device that lets users view videos and photos on the TV, and listen to MP3 music on personal stereos. The FIA On3 offers a tremendous feature set, including playback, remote access, an abundant storage library, and easy installation for an amazingly low starting price of $449. The FIA On3 can be purchased through online merchants PC Connection, Tiger Direct, and Zones, and direct from FIA at www.fiaon3.com. Also today, FIA announced that it will raffle its new On3 digital media player and library, valued at $449 retail price. The raffle is only open to registered RetailVision attendees and within the premises of the event. "We are now fully shipping the FIA On3 and expect to build a solid customer base through Retailers and online merchants nationwide, said Ben Marchak, Vice President of Sales at FIA. "The FIA On3 differentiates itself in the marketplace as the first Digital Media Player to provide instant playback in stand-alone mode (without a PC), and the first unit that condenses all digital media from camera, MP3 audio, and videos onto its high-capacity 80 or 120 gigabytes of network-attached-storage, at an unbelievably low price." Additionally, the FIA On3 condenses all digital media and stores information onto one unit then disperses it in up to 4 rooms throughout the house using an optional FIA On3-xr station. The information is managed remotely and streamed through broadband or a wireless connection. The FIA On3 and On3-xr station come with software features to simplify viewing and audio playing. Simple setup functions let you quickly and easily install the unit in less than five minutes, making your entertainment media instantly accessible. The FIA On3 comes in two models of 80 GB for $449, 120 GB for $599, and the FIA On3-xr (extra room) Station for $249, respectively. With the 80 or 120 GB storage library, users can store thousands of digital files. The portable unit can be used alone or connected to Ethernet LAN. The low-cost FIA On3 Player is simple to use, and supports industry standard operating system MS Windows. All products are suggested retail price, are listed in US dollars, and are backed by a limited one-year manufacturer's warranty. Retailer pricing will vary, and special discounts are available for quantity purchases. Additional information about the FIA On3 can be found by visiting the company's web site at http://www.fiaon3.com.
 StarTech.com bowed TV Jockey, a unique new product that allows users to view television and connect their console video game systems (XBOX, PlayStation 2, Nintendo, etc.), DVD players, VCRs and camcorders to their existing PC monitor. This reduces clutter and saves money, as a separate TV is not required. The TV Jockey includes a 24-button infrared remote control, allowing users to conveniently switch from computer to TV mode, adjust the volume, change channels, switch video sources, or alter the on-screen display from a comfortable distance. Mutant Mods are a new line of computer mod products that represent the first comprehensive line of retail-ready computer mod products on the market and includes such products as the "Cool Cathode Kit", "Luminous LED Fan" and "Unreal USB 2.0 Cables with LEDs". Mod products allow computer users to customize the look of their PC by replacing existing parts and adding new parts that add light and unique designs to their CPU. Some products have a functional purpose such as the LED fans which illuminate a PC while cooling its components. Other products are strictly for appearance such as Electro Luminescent Wire that adds a unique glow to the inside of a PC.
DivXNetworks Inc., the company that created the patent-pending DivX(R) video compression technology, today announced that it has closed a $7M Series C Round of financing. The round was lead by Zone Ventures and included both new and existing investors: WI Harper Group, Draper Atlantic, Wasatch Venture Fund, Springboard-Harper, Tim Draper, Cardinal Venture Capital, ALi Corp., and Cyberlink International Technology Corp. (B.V.I.). DivXNetworks is a profitable company and will use the funds to bolster its leadership position in the digital video space through increased marketing, sales, engineering, and support efforts. DivX is one of the world's most popular video technologies with over 120 million PC and consumer electronics installations worldwide. The DivX technology suite is powered by the DivX(R) codec, a best of class compression technology that enables DVD-quality video at 1/10th the original file size, along with a full video-on-demand distribution system featuring proprietary security and digital rights management technology. DivXNetworks has built a profitable business by licensing its technology and brand name to leading consumer electronics, application software, and content distribution companies. The company's DivX Certification program, designed to enable consumers to playback DivX files on numerous types of consumer electronics devices, will drive to market over 20 million DivX Certified products in 2004, including devices from notable manufacturers such as Philips, JVC, Samsung, Plextor and more. "We've had strong support from a great group of investors since the inception of the company. This has been a key driver in our success and we're pleased to continue the tradition with a C round that includes a mix of strategic investors combined with new and existing venture capital," said Shahi Ghanem, President of DivXNetworks Inc. "Our consumer electronics, software licensing and video-on-demand business units are growing at an incredible rate thanks to the international popularity of our technology and the DivX brand name. This new round of funding will allow us to maintain our leadership position and to maximize shareholder value by intelligently managing expansion while capitalizing on key market opportunities." "DivXNetworks has an excellent team that has built a profitable, thriving world-wide business around a great technology and a strong brand," said Frank Creer, Managing Director of Zone Ventures. "DivX is leading the way in driving IP video to the TV through next-generation consumer electronics devices. The success of the DivX Certification program and the company's high-profile partnerships with leading consumer electronics and software companies reinforce this position in the marketplace."
mUrgent used RetailVision as a springboard for their e-marketing service product, EMPACT, and announced they had begun selling it on the shelves at all 26 Fry's Electronics locations, making them the first application service provider (ASP) to ever sell their service on retail shelves. EMPACT is a software application service, meaning it is web-based and may be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection without ever having to install anything. Application services are paid for through subscriptions, so users are able to spread the cost over a long period of time. The ASP model is rapidly taking over the software industry and mUrgent is setting the standard for how these services will be sold. "Using an ASP is basically like being able to rent software month to month rather than paying for a package that is going to be outdated as soon as a new version is released," says mUrgent CEO, Boris Bugarski.
GetConnected CEO, Sasha Novakovich, was promoting their wireless and broadband sales kiosk that has product, pricing availability and other information to help Resellers of wireless and communication products.
Mobile Edge was promoting its extensive life of computer cases, "totes" and backpacks, featuring a high-end line targeting the female and female professional market. Also significant is the charitable contributions that Mobile Edge is making to the Susan Komen (Breast Cancer) Foundation. The Company was also showing its Bluetooth and SPAM-proof solutions. The rapidly growing accessories maker created significant buzz at RetailVision.
CompUSA's Vice President, Bill Maddox, and Marketing Manager, Christine English, presented its story for delivering to the SMB market, which it describes as 98 percent of all businesses is 20 percent of CompUSA's sales and is serviced by most of CompUSA's 225 stores and 675 sales reps. CompUSA was also promoting special marketing services that it offers Vendors to reach this market.
Analyst Jennifer Gerlach of ARS/Current Analysis discussed how companies such as Dell, Gateway/eMachines, and HP effect shelf share, merchandising strategies, pricing strategies, product margins, selling strategies, and service strategies. She further discussed how the Dell's of the world have caused others to change by making price a major issue, changing target markets, increasing click and mortar integration strategies, increased product promotion and sales staff knowledge. The issue, Gerlach suggests, is that now with all of the PC OEMs having multiple product lines, how does the manufacturer's relationships with the Retailer change from a total supply chain perspective. For a copy of the presentation contact her at jgerlach@ars1.com.
Another incremental but very valuable new product was introduced from Battery-Biz, Inc. Battery-Biz introduced the PowerPlus 60 Universal Laptop Battery, which is a 60Wh rechargeable and widely compatible and has a suggested retail price of $229.
NexConcepts was sharing Mobile NoteTaker, which it markets as the "ultimate handwriting capture device." The mobile product allows you to capture and share notes, drawings, etc. thru handwriting character recognition and built in LCD confirms what you have saved and stores up to 50 pages of notes. The product is being distributed by Synnex.
Synapse Micro signed an agreement with Wow Wee Toys to be the primary distributor of the first affordable intelligent entertainment humanoid - the Robosapien. According to the company, it's the first robot based on the science of applied biomorphic robotics. MSRP is $99.
Insider Marketing's presentation "Defining the Digital Dilemma" offered ways for Retailers and manufacturers to clear up the confusion consumers face when shopping for technology and convergence products. Ed Belleba, Vice President of Worldwide Channel Strategies, focused on simplification that touches communication, marketing and differentiation.
 LaCie, a leading producer of state-of-the-art storage devices received a rare triple nomination for RetailVision's® 2004 "The Best of RetailVision Awards"™ in the following categories: Best Hardware, Best Peripherals, and Best Vendor. These bi-annual technology accolades are the only awards voted on exclusively by attending Retailers. "Being nominated by a panel of Retailers and partners for awards in three different categories is a great honor to LaCie," says Mat Gasquy, Vice President of Sales. "We appreciate being recognized not only for the success of our storage products in the Best Hardware and Best Peripherals categories, but for our approach to the channel as well in the Best Vendor category."
Buffalo Technology, a global leader in wired and wireless networking solutions demonstrated its new AirStation OneTouch Security SystemTM (AOSS), which instantly configures a wireless network at the touch of a button. AOSS addresses the difficulty most home users experience while setting-up a wireless network and wireless security. Buffalo also displayed its line of networking solutions including its LinkStation Network Storage Center and its user-friendly router/repeater kit. Buffalo's dedication to providing high-performance yet simple-to-use products has catapulted the company to the forefront of the US retail market. Buffalo's products can now be seen through online Resellers and in stores regionally and nationally at CompUSA, Fry's, J&R, Baillio's and DataVision.
Buslink, a leading manufacturer of computer storage peripherals, announced their entry at RetailVision into the consumer electronics business. The initial products are two 42" plasma monitors, VPM421WW-5 and VPM421W-6, a HDTV and EDTV respectively. Buslink provides for one year ON-SITE warranty for its Plasma monitors, included in its price. Also displayed were a Digital Recorder, combination six head VCR and progressive scan DVD player and two slim-line, progressive scan DVD players.
The new products coincide with Ingram Micro's consumer electronics initiative, Buslink's primary distributor. Ingram Micro has developed a "White Glove" solution for handling large screen TVs. In addition to DVD and CD-RW optical drives, Buslink also displayed its unique three way hard drive interface: USB 2.0, Fire Wire and the new Serial ATA connection. A SATA connected hard drive may be configured to be "Bootable", thus providing true disaster recovery in the event of a internal hard drive or system crash. In addition, SATA PCs are three times faster than the standard IDE bus.
 Tentoe President, Tom Fristoe, presented their content management system that allows Vendors to better manage product information. According to Fristoe, TenToe has signed up 70 channel partners who access their software and allow them to access product data seamlessly, in addition to all interactive and graphical content. "We are essentially a one stop shop for Vendors to deliver channel product information to the channel and to also help our customers understand consumption of reporting by partner, product, etc." Fristoe added that the company has agreements with 12 Vendors but growing fast. Pricing to the Vendor community is based on a subscription model and varies based on the features and tools the partner subscribes to.
Mobile Digital Media (MDM), the world's largest publisher of plug-and-play consumer software for mobile phones and PDAs on SD/MMC cards, today announced it drove fourth quarter revenue growth 371 percent in 2003 over the fourth quarter in 2002. In related news, MDM today also announced a formal publishing relationship with Nokia, the world's largest manufacturer of mobile phones (see "MDM Selected To Publish Nokia-Branded Software On Multimedia Expansion Cards"). Capitalizing on its compelling products and growing retail and online distribution, MDM increased its Q4 revenue from $1.4 million in 2002 to $6.6 million in 2003. MDM's total sales for 2003 were $16.5 million, making the company the unrivaled leader in the emerging category of plug-and-play consumer software for mobile phones and PDAs. Poised for growth and success in 2004 and beyond, MDM operates at the intersection of two significant worldwide trends in consumer electronics: the growing dominance of SD as the platform of choice for flash media, and the explosive growth of mobile devices manufactured with expansion slots for the SD/MMC format. To take advantage of these trends, MDM is the first and only publisher to develop cross-platform software for all mobile device platforms, including Palm OS, Windows Mobile and Symbian OS. "Our sales growth in 2003 proved that our focus on high-quality, branded content on SD/MMC for a wide range of mobile devices works," said Barry Cottle, MDM CEO. "And, with our publishing agreement with Nokia, the largest manufacturer of phones with expansion slots in the world, we've set a great stage for the company in 2004." And keep an eye out for Greatest Mobile Games, Study Bible, Directions on the Go and Sports titles later this year.
Alera Technologies was showing a new generation of DVD/CD Duplicator including DVD/CD Copy Cruiser Pro, the 1:1 stand alone DVD/CD Duplicator that copies DVDs at up to 8x on both DVD-R and DVD+R with no computer required. The new DVD/CD Copy Cruiser Pro uses Dual Standard DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW Technology supporting all popular DVD formats. "The DVD/CD Copy Cruiser Pro is a new, integrated DVD/CD duplicating and recording system that can duplicate DVDs at up to 8x. It is twice as fast and 17 percent lower priced than its award winning predecessor; clearly the DVD/CD Copy Cruiser Pro is destined to be a success," said Perry Solomon, Alera's President.
Syntax was showcasing a bevy of quality LCD TVs, notebook computers, card readers and other products that it is starting to market to regional Retailers, according to Senior Vice President Dennis Karpelese. Karpelese, a veteran of the CE industry, is working closely with a large Asian factory and distributor to deliver high-quality features and benefits and price points. They are currently experiencing strong sales with several leading technology direct and web Retailers. Another player in the CE/Convergence space is Advent TV, which was represented by long time Best Buy veteran Lee Schoenfeld, who is also working with an Asian manufacturer to deliver a select number of quality SKUs and targeted price points. We are working on bringing flat screen HDTVs, quality LCD TVs and a few other select lines, he said. Best Buy is selling the line and they are in discussions with several large regional players. "These products have great price points and nice margins. We are looking for a few more Retailers," Schoenfeld said.
 Aspire Digital's Maria Chang showed ChannelMedia its new line of DVD recorders, which were built in the company's new plant in China. They are developing products with and without firewire ports and also developing a line of speakers. The Company has already seen a lot of strong demand from its current channel partners but are looking for more Retailers. In addition, Aspire is licensing products and helping Retailers create branded and co-branded products.
Iolo, the leading utility management and security company, announced launching a new version of System Mechanic, System Mechanic Pro and System Recover.
Lenmar showed a new line of rechargeable batteries and is looking to expand distribution.
FingerSystem President, Joseph Oh, demonstrated a pen that allows you to write directly into your computer and converts your work into digital text. The product supports color and comes with high-quality OCR software. Fry's is currently selling the product but they are looking for more partners.
Mike del Vecchio of Synnex attended RetailVision to promote several new lines of consumer and small business targeted products. The Company is also working with Trend Micro, to help that company increase its US presence in the security software arena.
RetailVision Awards
RetailVision Spring 2004 - Awards
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Best Hardware
- Foxconn Group
- LaCie
- Micro Solutions
- TomTom
- Visioneer, Xerox Licensing Partner
Winner: Visioneer, Xerox Licensing Partner
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Best Software
- Computer Associates
- Global Hauri
- Jasc Software
- Susteen
- You Software
Winner: Global Hauri
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Best Accessory
- Gemini Industries
- JMTEK-NETAC Mobile Technologies
- Kensington
- Logitech
- Wacom
Winner: Logitech
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Best Digital Home
- DivXNetworks
- KiSS Technology
- Pacific Digital
- Route 66
- Visart Technologies
Winner: KiSS Technologies
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Best Peripheral
- American Power Conversion - APC
- JMTEK-NETAC Mobile Technologies
- LaCie
- Logitech
- Visioneer, Xerox Licensing Partner
Winner: Visioneer, Xerox Licensing Partner
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Best Merchandising:
- Belkin
- Western Digital Technologies
- Logitech
- Monster Cable Products
- Peerless Industries
Winner: Monster Cable Products
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Best Strategy:
- Belkin
- Computer Associates
- LG Electronics
- Logitech
- NEC Solutions
Winner: Belkin
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Best Presentation:
- Gemini Industries
- NEC Solutions
- Sakar International
- Synapse Micro
- You Software
Winner: Synapse Micro
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Best New Technology:
- AMD
- BAFO Technologies
- GrandTec USA
- KiSS Technologies
- Route 66
WINNER: Route 66
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Best Vendor:
- Belkin
- Kensington
- LaCie
- Logitech
- You Software
Winner: Belkin
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Retail Top 10
By Editor Keith Newman
- Gateway announced that it has appointment of Scott Bauhofer as Senior Vice President, direct. Bauhofer, at the age of 52, previously held the position of Senior Vice President of online stores at Best Buy. Bauhofer had worked for Best Buy since 1996, prior to Best Buy; he had spent 20+years working in the industry for players such as The Good Guys, MobilWorks and Home Express. His responsibilities will include overseeing all Web and consumer phone sales activities. He will report directly to Gateway President and CEO Wayne Inouye.
- Best Buy has launched two outlet stores on eBay. The first, a Best Buy branded outlet store, offers consumer electronics and computing products to consumers nationwide. The second, Best Buy's first regional outlet store on eBay, offers select scratch-and-dent and returned products to consumers in the Washington D.C. area. "eBay represents a powerful new distribution channel for Best Buy. Establishing a virtual outlet store on eBay helps us sell excess inventory while allowing us to acquire new customers," said Allen Lenzmeier, President and Chief Operating Officer of Best Buy. The Best Buy Outlet on eBay features new-in-box products, including computers, computing peripherals, consumer electronics and accessories. Customers can purchase these products in a variety of auction and fixed price formats and have them shipped directly to their homes. At checkout, customers have the option of buying additional related accessories and extended service plans. Customers buying on the Best Buy Outlet pay for shipping. The Best Buy Regional Outlet offers returned products and scratch-and-dent appliances and large televisions. Products sold on the Regional Outlet can be shipped to the customer for a fee or picked up at a Best Buy regional distribution facility. Other Regional Outlet locations are expected to be opened over the course of the next year. Best Buy employees are not permitted to bid or buy on either outlet site. Michael Vitelli has joined Best Buy as Senior Vice President of consumer electronics and product management. Vitelli reports to Ron Boire, Executive Vice President and General Merchandise Manager. "The leadership and expertise Mike brings to Best Buy are extraordinary assets as we continue our growth and efforts to provide our customers with the technology and entertainment products that best match their particular needs," said Boire. "Mike is positioned to make a major impact in advancing our product management strategies. We are extremely pleased that he has joined our management team." Vitelli, age 48, most recently held the position of Executive Vice President of Sony Electronics.
- Programmer's Paradise said revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 was $20.7 million compared with $15.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2003. This year-over-year increase of 36 percent reflects a more favorable IT spending environment, improved productivity and expansion of our account executive team. Bill Willett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Our seasoned account executives continue to gain market share and with the improved market condition we will continue to expand our account executive team." Programmer's Paradise, Inc. is a marketer of technical software and hardware for microcomputers, servers and networks in the United States and Canada. Programmer's Paradise offers a wide variety of technical and general business application software, PC hardware and components from a broad range of publishers and manufacturers.
- Allyson Seelinger, Symantec's Vice President of North American channels, has been promoted to Vice President, Global Channel Sales and Strategy. In her new role, Allyson will be responsible for developing and executing Symantec's global channel strategy. She will also lead the worldwide partner organization, continuing to deliver best-in-class programs and processes that provide value to Symantec's partners. Allyson reports to Tom Kendra, Symantec's Senior Vice President of Sales. She will continue to be Symantec's channel spokesperson. Randy Cochran joins Symantec as Vice President of North American channels. He has more than 23 years experience in leading channel operations for companies such as Computer Associates, PSI Net and Legent Corporation. He will be responsible for retail, distribution, corporate Resellers, direct marketers, VARs, online, ISP, and OEM partners in North America
- Leading online discount Retailer eCOST.com, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PC Mall, Inc. announced that Adam Shaffer has joined eCOST.com as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Shaffer is a 19 year veteran of the direct marketing industry. He most recently was CEO of Safety-911, a national direct marketer of public safety equipment and apparel targeting law enforcement, fire departments and EMS agencies. He also served as the Director of Brand Development for Dennis Publishing's Maxim Magazine where he developed and managed the brand development department and was responsible for extending the brand into other products and services. Mr. Shaffer was with Micro Warehouse from April 1992 until July 2000. "Adam brings with him years of experience and success in the direct marketing industry, and I am confident that he will contribute to eCOST.com's continued success in the online retail market," stated Frank Khulusi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PC Mall. "Adam joins Gary Guy, President of eCOST.com, and a talented and experienced ecommerce team whose mission is to offer customers a wide range of quality discounted merchandise with world class service."
- Staples said that it plans to purchase the United Kingdom office products company Globus Office World plc from the Swiss-based Globus-Group for 32.5 million pounds. Based outside of London, Globus Office World plc operates 59 stores. "The office products market in the United Kingdom has tremendous opportunities for growth," said Theo Van Brandenburg, President, Staples European Retail. "With this acquisition Staples gains Office World's talented associates and great retail locations increasing our ability to serve customers more conveniently and with lower costs." The transaction will be reviewed by the Office of Fair Trade in the United Kingdom.
- PC Connection finished first in two categories at the 6th Annual New Hampshire Internet Awards. PC Connection's Web site took first place in two categories, "Best Use of Technology" and "Best Corporate Site." Judges praised PC Connection's site, www.pcconnection.com for its ease of use and clean design. In awarding PC Connection first place in the Best Use of Technology award, judges' comments included, "Very well organized and intuitive shopping cart. The site loads and works fast. Great job!" For the Best Corporate Site Award, judges wrote, "Very clean design, easy to use considering all the items and functionality. Very well thought-out, and consistent throughout." PC Connection's main Web site acts as a portal to several Company Web sites that market IT products and solutions to specific customer segments. The sites offer complete and up-to-date information on more than 60,000 IT products, provide advanced search and product comparison capabilities, and are fully equipped for secure e-commerce. In addition, large enterprise customers are served by the Company's MoreDirect subsidiary through its Web site at www.moredirect.com. PC Connection Chairman and CEO, Patricia Gallup, was the keynote speaker at the event, which recognizes excellence in the Web sites of New Hampshire-based firms, organizations, and individuals. More than 300 Web sites were entered in this year's competition; the sites were evaluated by a panel of independent judges. "Don't forget the customer," Gallup told attendees. "No matter what you think your Web site should do - splashy graphics, streaming video, whatever - it's not about you. It's about the customer."
- Digital River signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held element 5 AG. Under the terms of the agreement, Digital River paid $120 million in cash. As part of the transaction, Digital River established a $45 million secured line of credit with Harris Trust and Savings Bank. "The acquisition of element 5 is an important step in Digital River's international growth strategy," said Joel Ronning, CEO of Digital River. "This acquisition significantly adds to our market presence in Europe, enhances our ability to compete in the fast-growing international markets and is expected to increase the financial returns to our shareholders. This acquisition combines Digital River's proven strengths in e-commerce outsourcing with element 5's network of international software publishers. By leveraging these two complementary companies, we expect to accelerate Digital River's growth in 2004 and beyond." Founded in 1996, element 5 is the leading, privately-held provider of outsourced e-commerce solutions for software publishers in over 150 countries. With a significant presence in Europe, element 5 is the second largest worldwide e-commerce outsource provider to software publishers. The company processes over two million transactions annually for more than 10,000 clients. As a result of the acquisition, element 5 becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Digital River and its operations remain in Cologne, Germany. "element 5 shares Digital River's commitment to outsourced e-commerce for the software publisher market worldwide," said Gerrit Schumann, CEO and Co-founder of element 5. "We have been successful growing our business and joining Digital River gives us an even greater opportunity to scale going forward. Together, we believe Digital River and element 5 will have the world's largest library of software titles and network of channel partners, which will increase our value to publishers and Retailers."
- Prudential Equity Group said Staples "is the best operator in the office superstore sector." Prudential said, "The company's rate of growth continues to outpace its main competitor, Office Depot (in just about every segment of the business, as it has over much of the past 10 years." Prudential initiated coverage of Staples at "overweight" with a $30 target price; the firm also initiated coverage of Office Depot at "neutral weight" with a $19 target price. Prudential said Staples' contract sales operation is much smaller than competitors unit Corporate Express, Boise Cascade and Office Depot. The research firm said Staples' contract sales has the most room to grow; Staples has contract sales of about $1 billion a year while Corporate Express has $4 billion, Boise Cascade has $3.5 billion and Office Depot has $2 billion. Prudential said, "While the smaller scale would put the company at a disadvantage in normal competitive circumstances, we believe the buying power from Staples's retail, catalog, and contract operations, combined, match or exceed the buying power of each of its competitors."
- Insight Enterprises CEO, Tim Crown, plans to relinquish his position as CEO and President of the company and replace his brother Eric Crown as Chairman of the Board. The company will immediately launch a search for a new CEO and Tim Crown will remain as CEO and Eric Crown will remain as Chairman until a new CEO is in place. Net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 increased 3 percent to $732.7 million from $711.3 million in the same period in 2003. Net earnings and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2004 were $16.6 million and $0.34, respectively, compared to first quarter 2003 net earnings and diluted earnings per share of $7.0 million and $0.15, respectively. "I am pleased to report our fourth consecutive quarter of sequential growth in both net earnings and earnings per share," said Timothy A. Crown, Chief Executive Officer. "The migration of Insight's small- to medium-sized business ("SMB") account executives serving United States' customers to our new Maximus system was completed in January, and although the quarter got off to a slow start while our account executives were becoming familiar with the new system, March was a strong month and momentum seems to have continued into April." Insight North America's earnings from operations increased 242 percent to $13.5 million in the first quarter of 2004, compared to earnings from operations of $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2003. Excluding restructuring expenses of $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2003, earnings from operations increased 117 percent.
Q&A
with Avanquest CEO by ChannelMedia
Elibrium Joins Avanquest to Bring a World of Software to Retailers
Elibrium, Inc. has been known as a software developer and publisher to many in the retail world for nearly 20 years. Its popular MySoftware line of personal productivity and SOHO titles have sold over 10 million copies. Now, following the recent acquisition of the company by French software firm BVRP Group, Elibrium has become part of Avanquest, a global software publishing network that promises to change forever the way Retailers source their software. We sat down with Christina Seelye, an Executive Director of Avanquest and President and CEO of Avanquest USA, as Elibrium is now known, and asked her opinions on the global retail software market.
Q. Christina, tell us a little more about BVRP and Avanquest.
A. BVRP is a software developer and publisher - much like us - based in Paris, France. Also like us, they began making software about 20 years ago, and then started to publish titles later, first as a way to deliver their own software to end-users and then, when they had developed an expertise and created trust and credibility in the retail channel, to help third-party companies distribute their products through those established channels.
Q. OK, and what about Avanquest?
A. Avanquest takes this concept and brings it to a worldwide level, which exponentially expands our opportunities for sourcing world-class software on behalf of our retail customers.
Q. What will Elibrium's joining Avanquest mean for Retailers?
A. Well, in addition to providing access to more software titles in more categories from a single supplier, it will also mean that great new software concepts from other countries can land on U.S. Retailers' shelves a lot more quickly, and because of the depth and breadth of services Avanquest provides - from testing and debugging all the way through to customer support - Retailers can be sure those products are 100 percent ready for the market.
Q. What are the primary differences you have seen between the U.S. and European packaged software markets?
A. The U.S. market is far more structured than in Europe. In the U.S., we get detailed spreadsheets every Monday morning from retail telling us exactly how much of each product has sold through and what our coverage per store is. This allows for a far deeper level of pre-planning, thus product launches tend to require a slightly longer lead time than in Europe.
Q. What about from the consumer's viewpoint?
A. From a consumer perspective, the needs are remarkably similar. Also, both markets are becoming more dominated by the brand players. As Avanquest emerges as a reliable source for world-class software worldwide, we think this consolidation will work to our benefit.
Q. Do you see any "break-out" categories for packaged software in 2004?
A. Digital multimedia products continue to grow dramatically. Consumer interest in doing creative things with digital audio, video and images is definitely on the rise around the world. Avanquest recently signed a publishing agreement with CyberLink, a Taiwanese developer of world-class products in this area. They make titles like PowerDVD, which is the #1 software DVD player as rated by C/NET and numerous other publications. Security and privacy software is another hot category. Tenebril, a developer company started by two young Harvard graduates, has an outstanding product called GhostSurf Pro which lets users protect their personal and financial information on the Internet, hide their identity, remove spyware and block hackers, and it stops pop-up ads at the same time. GhostSurf Pro is one of the fastest-growing products in the entire Avanquest network, and Tenebril will have some great new software coming out later this year, as well. The third area where we expect a lot of activity is in mobility software. As cell phones become smartphones that hold applications, ringtones, and all sorts of other data, products that connect them with computers are increasingly desirable. Mobile PhoneTools, developed by BVRP, connects a cell phone with a PC so users can manage their phone data on their PC, which offers a lot of benefits. For example, it eliminates manual re-entry of contacts and other data from an old phone to a new phone, an increasingly common occurrence here in North America with the advent of wireless local number portability. At the same time, you can use your mobile phone to connect your laptop to the Internet.
Q. Will Avanquest ever publish games and other entertainment products?
A. Avanquest's mission is to publish world class software, worldwide. Today this means mostly utilities and business and productivity titles. Games and entertainment are each very different parts of the software business than our core competency; however, if our retail channel partners express an interest in sourcing games and entertainment software from us, if we find the right titles we would certainly give it careful consideration.
Retail Digest
By ChannelMedia Staff
Keyspan has rolled out its USB Server that connects USB devices to a Mac or PC via a wired or wireless Ethernet-based LAN. The USB Server will ship in late Q1 2004 with an MSRP of $129. Much like a USB print server, the USB Server enables attached USB devices to be used and shared by client PCs on a LAN. In addition to printers, the USB Server supports other USB devices such as hard drives, scanners, and more. The USB Device Server provides 4 ports for connecting to USB devices at Full Speed USB (12 Mbps). It connects to 10/100 Ethernet networks via an RJ45 connector and supports static IP, DHCP, and Apple's Rendezvous address assignment. Client PCs must be running Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Mac OS
X 10.2.8 or higher. This USB Server makes it possible to use and share USB printers, scanners, and hard drives across a LAN, noted Mike Ridenhour, President of Keyspan. Yet, its most innovative use may be to enable Wi-Fi-based laptops to connect to remote USB devices.
Fuji Photo Film announced the results of its Year Three Digital Camera Retail Printing Study. The study reveals that the percentage of consumers now aware that they can print digital images at retail locations has doubled since the Year Two study. In addition, the survey, conducted by InfoTrends Research Group for Fujifilm in January 2004, shows a significant increase in the number of consumers now choosing to print at retail. The study surveyed the preferences of digital camera owners and prospective buyers in the areas of digital camera use, printing and storing of digital images. Today, morethan 30 percent of U.S. households own at least one digital camera. Thatnumber is expected to reach 40 percent by the end of 2004. As digital images proliferate, consumers must store and manage their pictures. Currently, a quarter of digital camera users employ printing as a method of storing images. This number is expected to rise in proportion to increasing image management needs in the future. "With the rapid adoption of digital cameras in mainstream households, we know consumers are looking for ways to manage their pictures, including printing images at home and at retail," said Joe Welch, Director of Marketing, Retail Digital Systems, Commercial Imaging Division, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. "Studies such as our annual consumer printing survey with InfoTrends allow us to identify consumer and Retailer needs, and to address them by providing a variety of convenient choices for printing at home, from home and at retail." According to the study, 68 percent of consumers now know their local film developing locations can print photos from a digital camera. This dramatic rise in consumer awareness, from 34 percent in 2002, has led to a significant increase in retail printing of digital photos. The study reports that 17 percent of digital camera owners who print snapshots are now printing their digital images at local Retailers, up from just 5 percent in 2002's Year Two survey. Digital camera owners who print at retail cited quality and cost savings as factors for choosing to print at retail.
ScanSource has partnered with HP and Microsoft Business Solutions to provide a total retail point-of-sale solution that includes the HP rp5000 point-of-sale device and Microsoft Business Solutions Retail Management System. Available exclusively through ScanSource, the hardware and software solution enables Resellers' end-user customers to upgrade their POS systems at a low cost and with some of the industry's best-of-breed technology. The retail solution is available with a standard monitor or a touch screen, as well as with other ScanSource peripheral POS products. Through this relationship, HP, Microsoft and ScanSource are providing Resellers with the tools they need to help their customers harness the power of desktop automation in the retail market, allowing them to significantly reduce their IT budgets and provide better service to their customers. The overall pricing, features and services available through the combined solution help Resellers to be more competitive, as they assist their end-user customers in choosing a reliable, user-friendly, easy-to-maintain solution. The feature-filled hardware and software solution is purpose-built for the retail environment, providing Resellers with a flexible, proven POS offering. "Providing a turnkey solution with the HP rp5000 and Microsoft Retail Management System, coupled with the value-added services and support that ScanSource offers, ensures Resellers can provide their customers a simplified, cost-effective solution," said Mike Baur, President and CEO, ScanSource, Inc. "We're excited to offer this solution to the channel."
InFocus introduced the ASK Proxima C110, the first value product in the ASK Proxima-branded portfolio of projectors. The ASK Proxima C110 provides ease-of-use features, wireless capabilities and excellent image quality for customers looking for a flexible, entry-level projector. The ASK Proxima C110 also includes an extended lamp life, contributing to hundreds of dollars in savings and a superior cost of ownership. With the ASK Proxima C110, A/V specialists can satisfy customers who desire a multi-use projector that is designed for business applications and can also project video with outstanding quality. The ASK Proxima C110 is also an excellent solution that addresses the specific needs of small and medium businesses, government agencies, and educators where value and ease-of-use are top priorities. The ASK Proxima C110 provides outstanding image quality with 1500 lumens, 2000:1 contrast ratio and automatic deinterlacing for smooth, true-to-life images. Educators will especially appreciate the C110's monitor loop through and color-coded cable connections. Pair the ASK Proxima C110 with the InFocus LiteShow(R), InFocus' secure wireless solution, and experience wireless freedom at its finest. Now multiple presenters can share the projector with a touch of a button instead of hassling with a cable. "The introduction of the ASK Proxima C110, the first value product in the ASK Proxima portfolio that includes an extended bulb life, further demonstrates our dedication to providing innovative and comprehensive solutions to our global channel partners," said Kyle Ranson, President and Chief Operating Officer a InFocus Corporation. "Offering a multi-use projector that provides value, convenience and versatility to our partners and customers enables people who may be unfamiliar with projectors to take full advantage of its benefits."
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RESEARCH
PC Sales Update: Q1 Sees Strong Increase
By Gartner
PC Vendors received a boost in sales in the first quarter of 2004 as businesses increased system purchases. Driven by the business segment, worldwide PC shipments totaled 45.3 million units in the first quarter of 2004, a 13.4 percent increase from the same period last year, according to Gartner, Inc. "The business segment was supported by increased PC replacement activity, as business confidence improved in most regions," said Charles Smulders, Vice President of Gartner's Computing Platforms Worldwide group. "Our forecast model shows strong PC replacement demand throughout 2004." The top 5 Vendors, all of whom experienced double-digit growth, propelled the worldwide PC industry's growth. Dell returned to the No. 1 position based on shipments (see Table 1), as it showed solid growth across all regions. Dell's overseas expansion continued with overseas sales exceeding 40 percent of Dell's total shipments for the first time.
| Table 1 |
| Preliminary Worldwide PC Vendor Unit Shipment Estimates for 1Q04 |
| (Thousands of Units) |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
1Q04 |
1Q04 |
1Q03 |
1Q03 |
1Q03 - 1Q04 |
| Company |
Shipments |
Market Share |
Shipments |
Market Share |
Growth |
|
|
(%) |
|
(%) |
(%) |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Dell |
7,493 |
16.5 |
5,825 |
14.6 |
28.6 |
| Hewlett-Packard |
6,334 |
14.0 |
5,441 |
13.6 |
16.4 |
| IBM |
2,243 |
4.9 |
1,866 |
4.7 |
20.2 |
| Fujitsu/Fujitsu Siemens |
1,834 |
4.0 |
1,626 |
4.1 |
12.8 |
| Acer |
1,384 |
3.1 |
1,022 |
2.6 |
35.4 |
| Others |
26,026 |
57.4 |
24,174 |
60.5 |
7.7 |
| Total |
45,314 |
100.0 |
39,953 |
100.0 |
13.4 |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Note: Data includes desk-based PCs, mobile PCs and IA-32 servers. |
| Source: Gartner Dataquest (April 2004) |
Hewlett-Packard had slower growth than the past few quarters, as the company suffered an inventory surplus in the U.S. retail market in the early part of the first quarter. Gartner analysts said HP scaled back orders in February and reduced inventory to more normal levels by the close of the quarter.
In the United States, the professional market showed increased sales in the quarter. However, this was offset by weaker sales in the U.S. retail market. U.S. PC shipments grew 11.6 percent in the first quarter of 2004 (see Table 2) as Dell's market share surpassed 30 percent.
| Table 2 |
| Preliminary U.S. PC Vendor Unit Shipment Estimates for 1Q04 |
| (Thousands of Units) |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
1Q04 |
1Q04 |
1Q03 |
1Q03 |
1Q03 - 1Q04 |
| Company |
Shipments |
Market Share |
Shipments |
Market Share |
Growth |
|
|
(%) |
|
(%) |
(%) |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Dell |
4,489-+ |
30.3 |
3,634 |
27.4 |
23.5 |
| Hewlett-Packard |
2,544 |
17.2 |
2,274 |
17.1 |
11.9 |
| IBM |
606 |
4.1 |
568 |
4.3 |
6.7 |
| eMachines |
479 |
3.2 |
364 |
2.7 |
31.5 |
| Gateway |
405 |
2.7 |
489 |
3.7 |
-17.2 |
| Others |
6,274 |
42.4 |
5,932 |
44.7 |
5.8 |
| Total |
14,797 |
100.0 |
13,262 |
100.0 |
11.6 |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Note: Data includes desk-based PCs, mobile PCs and IA-32 servers. |
| Source: Gartner Dataquest (April 2004) |
All regions experienced an increase in PC shipments in the first quarter of 2004. The growth rates ranged from 17 percent PC shipment growth in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to nearly 6 percent growth in Japan. These results are preliminary. Final statistics will be available soon to clients of Gartner's PC Quarterly Statistics Worldwide by Region program. This program offers a comprehensive and timely picture of the worldwide PC market, allowing product planning, distribution, marketing and sales organizations to keep abreast of key issues and their future implications around the globe. To subscribe to this program, please call 408-468-8000. Additional research can be found on Gartner's Client Platforms Focus Area on Gartner's Web site at http://www.gartner.com/research/focus_areas/asset_57051_815.jsp.
PDA Market Share Update
By Gartner
| Table 1 |
| Preliminary Worldwide PDA Shipment Estimates by Operating System for |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
1Q04 |
1Q04 |
1Q03 |
1Q03 |
|
| Company |
Shipments |
Market Share |
Shipments |
Market Share |
Growth |
|
|
(%) |
|
(%) |
(%) |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Palm OS |
1,113,089 |
40.7 |
1,403,418 |
49.0 |
-20.7 |
| Windows CE |
1,099,931 |
40.2 |
1,051,401 |
36.7 |
4.6 |
| Research in Motion |
405,000 |
14.8 |
89,500 |
3.1 |
352.5 |
| Linux |
52,300 |
1.9 |
52,967 |
1.8 |
-1.3 |
| Others |
64,490 |
2.4 |
268,278 |
9.4 |
-76.0 |
| Total |
2,734,810 |
100.0 |
2,865,564 |
100.0 |
-4.6 |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Note: Totals include cellular PDAs such as RIM BlackBerry 7230, but
not smartphones. PalmOne results include Handspring PDA shipments. |
| Source: Gartner Dataquest (April 2004) |
Research in Motion experienced the strongest growth among PDA Vendors as its shipments increased 352 percent. Its market share jumped to 14.8 percent in the first quarter of 2004, up from 3.1 percent in the first quarter of 2003 (see Table 2).
"In the last nine months there has been tremendous growth in the use of RIM BlackBerry devices. Given the number of e-mail messages sent or received each day by mobile professionals, it makes sense for many of them to have a pocket wireless device that can be used to keep up with e-mail," Kort said. "RIM has begun licensing its technology to Nokia, Siemens, and Motorola for use in mobile phones, as well as to several PDA Vendors. This will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to sales of a wide variety of wireless handheld devices beginning in the second half of 2004."
Betty Ann Wilkins, Publisher/Webmaster
New Business Start-ups - Working from Home
Resources, Information & Tons Of Freebies:
http://www.the-work-at-home.com/
HDTV - Not a Question of If or When, but What, Where and How?
By Steve Koenig, CEA
A consumer survey examining HDTV ownership conducted by CEA in March found that half of U.S. consumers plan to purchase a HDTV for their next TV. Still, 34% of consumers do not plan to buy a HD set as their next TV and 25% of consumers go further to say they have decided against buying a HD set for now. Confusion and price initially surfaced as the underlying reasons leading consumers to decide against buying an HDTV. But looking deeper into the survey results, CEA found more probable motives.
Since 1998 the ranks of HDTV owners have steadily grown and the industry as a whole has taken giant strides forward in making HD technology more affordable for consumers, while boosting the availability and accessibility of HD programming. The digital TV course has been set and we are well underway.
This year CEA estimates the number of factory-to-dealer shipments of digital television sets in the U.S. will top 5.7 million units - almost 40% more than the 4.1 million units shipped in 2003. Over the next several years, unit shipments of digital televisions will continue to ramp-up, approaching 23 million units in 2007. An accelerating shipment volume in conjunction with falling street prices and new, emerging display technologies will help drive HDTV penetration in the U.S. steadily higher. CEA believes HDTV penetration among U.S. households is now close to 10%; however the rising tide of digital TV shipments will push penetration to an estimated 53% by 2007.
The question then is which HDTV experience will consumers choose? At present, consumers have numerous technologies to pick from when selecting a digital set - CRT (tube TV), rear-projection, or a slim flat panel (either Plasma or LCD). CRT or tube displays will likely retain the greatest share of unit shipments for the foreseeable future. By 2007, CEA expects CRT displays to represent roughly half of all DTV shipments, with their flatter cousins (LCD and Plasma displays) accounting for about one-third of the overall unit volume. Meanwhile, rear-projection models, the kings of the big-screen, are expected to claim a 14% share of DTV unit shipments by 2007. New microdisplay technologies including DLP (digital light processing), LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), and LCD rear-projection have improved the picture quality and resolution of rear projection sets - drawing renewed consumer attention to the segment.
With an abundance of choice in the size, shape and display technology of DTV sets available today, what are some of the challenges facing consumers as they look to trade-up to high-definition television?
The study showed that approximately one in five consumers say they are confused about HDTV. Some of the beliefs describing confused consumers in the study included: can't be sure you're buying the right thing; too many TVs to choose from; or HDTV is too technical to understand. The study also found that confused consumers are more likely to populate lower income, lower education, and higher age brackets. Confused consumers were even unsure about where they were in the sales process, with few of these respondents conducting research, consulting with retail salespeople, or pricing any of the options.
This situation suggests a different explanation than just confusion - essentially, many consumers who had ruled out buying a HDTV had not performed much research. Thus - consumer confusion about HDTV could be diminished if consumers are willing to research the technology and the price options.
Apart from the confused crowd, price is one issue confronting the majority of consumers. The research shows over two-thirds of consumers who do not own a HDTV say they have not yet purchased a HD set because of price. Considering that household incomes vary widely, price can be a genuine and legitimate concern in some cases.
Street prices for DTV sets will continue to contract as they have since 1998, steadily lowering the cost of entry to the HDTV realm. As a result, consumer apprehensions over price will likely subside as HDTV sets proliferate the market. To put the price decline of DTV sets in perspective, consider that street prices for these models fell 50% during their first five years in the market. By comparison, prices for color TV sets dropped only about 6% in the first five years after their introduction.
One of the keys to growing the HDTV market is assuring consumers can obtain the right information about HDTV at the right time. In fact, the study reveals consumers overall would like more information about HDTV, but are not necessarily sure where to find it or whether the information is reliable or credible.
The study shows roughly one-third of consumers believe manufacturers' web-sites are the most credible (mostly or completely accurate) source of information about HDTV, followed closely by friends and family members at 31%. Only about one in five consumers believe retail salespeople deliver mostly or completely accurate information about HDTV - a statistic that CEA is already helping to change.
Retail salespeople are highly valued advocates of CE technology and are increasingly important sources of consumer information about HDTV technology and products.
At the 2004 International CES, CEA launched its web-based CEKnowHow program designed to assist retail sales professionals increase their CE product knowledge, including HDTV, and improve their selling skills. Sign up and learn at www.ceknowhow.com.
Steve Koenig is Senior Manager of Industry Analysis at the Consumer Electronics Association. Steve has covered technology products for the past 10 years, working at analyst firms ARS, PC Data, and NPD. In addition, Koenig was a senior editor at Computer Retail Week. Contact him at skoenig@ce.org.
Top-Selling Software
Week of April 25 – May 1, 2004 |
| All Categories |
| 1 |
Norton Antivirus 2004 |
Symantec |
$42 |
| 2 |
City Of Heroes |
NCsoft |
$40 |
| 3 |
Norton Internet Security 2004 |
Symantec |
$68 |
| 4 |
MS Office 2003 Student/Teacher Ed |
Microsoft |
$136 |
| 5 |
MS Windows XP Home Ed Upgr |
Microsoft |
$97 |
| 6 |
VirusScan 8.0 |
Network Associates |
$49 |
| 7 |
Norton System Works 2004 |
Symantec |
$69 |
| 8 |
Spy Sweeper |
Webroot |
$30 |
| 9 |
Lineage II: The Chaotic Chronicles |
NCsoft |
$42 |
| 10 |
Battlefield Vietnam |
Electronic Arts |
$38 |
| |
| Games |
| 1 |
City Of Heroes |
NCsoft |
$40 |
| 2 |
Lineage II: The Chaotic Chronicles |
NCsoft |
$42 |
| 3 |
Battlefield Vietnam |
Electronic Arts |
$36 |
| 4 |
Rise Of Nations: Thrones & Patriots Expansion Pack |
Microsoft |
$26 |
| 5 |
Far Cry |
Ubisoft |
$39 |
| 6 |
Unreal Tournament 2004 |
Atari |
$40 |
| 7 |
URise Of Nations |
Microsoft |
$32 |
| 8 |
The Sims Deluxe |
Electronic Arts |
$27 |
| 9 |
Call Of Duty |
Activision |
$40 |
| 10 |
Drop JC |
eGames |
$10 |
| |
| Business |
| 1 |
MS Office 2003 Student/Teacher Ed |
Microsoft |
$136 |
| 2 |
QuickBooks 2004 Pro |
Intuit |
$264 |
| 3 |
AD Guard |
Valusoft (THQ) |
$20 |
| 4 |
QuickBooks 2004 |
Intuit |
$198 |
| 5 |
Norton AntiSpam 2004 |
Symantec |
$40 |
| 6 |
MS Office 2003 Pro Upgr |
Microsoft |
$305 |
| 7 |
Pop-up Stopper Companion 3.0 |
Panicware |
$30 |
| 8 |
MS Office XP Student & Teacher Ed Acad |
Microsoft |
$130 |
| 9 |
Act! 6.0 |
Interact Commerce |
$216 |
| 10 |
Pop-Up AD Blocker JC |
Cosmi |
$10 |
| |
| Home
Education |
| 1 |
Adventure Workshop 1st-3rd Grade |
Riverdeep Interactive |
$17 |
| 2 |
Dora The Explorer Animal Adventures |
Atari |
$20 |
| 3 |
Instant Immersion Spanish JC |
Topics Entertainment |
$10 |
| 4 |
Adventure Workshop 4th-6th Grade |
Riverdeep Interactive |
$18 |
| 5 |
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 15.0 |
Riverdeep Interactive |
$18 |
| 6 |
Jumpstart Preschool Classic JC |
Vivendi Universal Publishing |
$10 |
| 7 |
Jumpstart Toddlers JC |
Vivendi Universal Publishing |
$10 |
| 8 |
Jumpstart Kindergarten JC |
Individual Software |
$11 |
| 9 |
Snap! Typing JC |
Individual Software |
$5 |
| 10 |
Blue's Treasure Hunt JC |
Atari |
$9 |
| |
| List is based on units sold by twenty-three channel partners. For more information, please contact The NPD Group at (703) 376-6226. |
COMMUNITY
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