Stories by Linda Rosencrance

Customer Outrage Prompts Amazon to Change Policy

In the wake of customer outrage in response to a recent pricing glitch at Amazon.com Inc. as well as to its policy on price testing, the online retailer said it has decided to alter that price testing policy and refund money to consumers who paid higher prices for a particular item than other customers.

EPIC Severs Ties with Amazon

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) in Washington today said it is severing all ties with Amazon.com Inc. because of the change in the online retailer's privacy policy.

IBM Launches 'Blue Hammer' Web Server Cluster

IBM Monday unveiled Blue Hammer, its powerful new system for clustering Web-based servers. IBM said Blue Hammer will allow e-commerce companies to more easily manage their multiple, high-performance IBM computers used to host Internet sites.

Amazon.com Adds Online Computer, Video Games Store

Amazon.com Friday said it's launching a new computer and video games store that offers consumers one-stop shopping for casual and hard-core gamers.
According to a statement from the Seattle-based online retailer, the company will offer the largest selection of computer, video games and accessories available in off-line and online stores. Previously, video games were sold in the company's toy and video game section.

USPS, FedEx in Talks on Alliance

The U.S Postal Service and FedEx Corp. have confirmed that they are in talks to form an alliance that would save time and money -- while improving customer service -- for both companies. Such a partnership would help FedEx gain ground on its rival, the Atlanta-based United Parcel Service of America Inc. (UPS).

Customers Balk at Variable DVD Pricing

Some customers were angry this week that Amazon.com Inc. was charging different prices for the same product in a practice the company defended as a periodic test it runs on the prices of certain items.

Glitch at Amazon Exposes Some E-Mail Addresses

An apparent glitch in Amazon.com's computer system has released the e-mail addresses of some of Amazon's customers to another customer who participates in the company's Associates Program.

Amazon.com Charging Different Prices on Some DVDs

Consumers who shop for the DVD Planet of the Apes -- The Evolution on Amazon.com Inc.'s Web site today could be charged as much as $10 more than other customers purchasing the same product at approximately the same time -- a practice the company described as a periodic test that it runs on the prices of certain items.

Merisel Cuts 700 Jobs, Closes Four Warehouses

In an effort to streamline costs, Merisel, a technology products distributor in El Segundo, California, said it is cutting 700 jobs in the U.S. and Canada and closing four warehouses.

Privacy Group: Web Bugs Can Track MS Documents

Some Microsoft software has the potential to track documents sent through the Internet, providing information to the sender that identifies the recipient, according to a Denver-based privacy research organization.

Online retailers cut ad budgets to trim losses

A new survey of 66 North American online retailers released this week by the Shop.org trade association and a consulting firm indicates e-commerce companies are taking steps to cut down on their advertising costs and to fine-tune their marketing strategies as part of an increased focus on becoming profitable.

UPS Logistics Unit Makes Supply-Chain Acquisition

In an effort to increase its presence in Canada as well as in the health care sector, UPS Logistics Group today announced its fifth acquisition this year: the purchase of a pair of related companies that provide logistics and supply-chain management services to users in industries such as consumer products and pharmaceuticals.

Study: Net Retailers Cutting Ad Budgets to Survive

A new survey of 66 North American online retailers released today by the Shop.org trade association and a consulting firm indicates that e-commerce companies are taking steps to cut down on their advertising costs and to fine-tune their marketing strategies as part of an increased focus on becoming profitable.

Verizon Wireless Files for IPO

Wireless telephone company Verizon Wireless Inc. in Bedminster, N.J., today filed a registration statement for its initial public offering (IPO) with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Verizon Wireless is owned by Verizon Communications Corp. in New York and Vodafone Group PLC in the U.K.

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