Technology - January, 2006
Illuminations debuts Spanish language version of Web site; hopes to attract Hispanic customers
Alliance Data shortens name, updates site
Dickson introduces next generation temperature, humidity monitoring instruments
Illuminations debuts Spanish language version of Web site; hopes to attract Hispanic customers
To address the needs of online Hispanic customers, Illuminations, a leading resource for premium candles and distinctive home decorating solutions with 42 retail stores and outlets throughout the United States, today announced the launch of a complete Spanish-language version of its Web site, http://www.illuminations.com.
By clicking on the "en espanol" button on the Illuminations home page, Spanish-speaking customers can now access full product information, holiday assortments and decor, and special seasonal offers entirely in Spanish. In addition, customers now have the ability to purchase any of Illuminations' unique products by conducting the entire online shopping experience "en espanol." Illuminations also provides telephone customer service in Spanish.
"We place great value on our Hispanic customers and believe they are currently underserved in the world of online commerce," said Clay Lingo, vice president, direct-to-consumer, at Illuminations. "Each of our largest online markets -- California, Florida and Texas - enjoys a strong Latino presence, so we decided to act quickly to ensure our Spanish-speaking customers have complete access to our website in the language they are most comfortable. We value their continued business, and that we will continually strive to provide them with best online experience possible."
Illuminations used MotionPoint Corporation's proprietary TransMotion® technology to quickly, easily and cost-effectively develop and launch its Spanish website. The successful website translation required no complicated technical work, nor any investment in additional IT resources from Illuminations, and took less than ten weeks from start to finish. Going forward, MotionPoint will maintain the Spanish-language version of the site, while Illuminations will continue to update its English-language site as it always has.
"We considered creating and maintaining the Spanish site in-house, but quickly realized it wasn't an option given the ongoing time, effort and expense it would entail," Lingo added. "While Illuminations' expertise is retail and merchandising, we chose MotionPoint for its leadership position in website translation technology and in understanding the nuances of online Spanish content."
"Illuminations' unique attention to the Hispanic market demonstrates both loyalty to its customers and savvy foresight," said Will Fleming, president and CEO of MotionPoint Corporation. "Online commerce among Hispanics is growing exponentially, and we're pleased to help Illuminations capitalize upon this growth."
Alliance Data shortens name, updates site
Transaction, credit and marketing services provider Alliance Data Systems (Dallas, Texas) has shortened its market-facing name to Alliance Data.
The company has updated its logo and revamped its Web site.
“Over the past few years, we’ve received consistent input from our clients that the word ‘systems’ made it appear as if we were primarily a technology company and really didn’t reflect the added value we bring to their business,” said Mike Parks, CEO of Alliance Data.
“Clients tell us they derive value from our ability to create strategic alliances with them and from the insight that we glean from data that enables them to form strong, mutually beneficial relationships with their customers,” he said. “So we decided the two words, Alliance Data, are a more accurate moniker for us in the marketplace.”
The company’s New York Stock Exchange symbol remains ADS and its legal name is still Alliance Data Systems Corp.
Dickson introduces next generation temperature, humidity monitoring instruments
Inventory and other collections spoilage can now be minimized by using maximum-featured temperature and humidity monitoring technology now available at approximately half the price –- the new TH8 line of 8-inch Temperature/Humidity Chart Recorders and the new KT8 line of K-Thermocouple Remote Sensing 8-inch Chart Recorders.
These TH8 and KT8 Chart Recorders, though offered at a much discounted price, have a number of added features making them newly practical for protecting supplies, product inventory, archives, and other collections– from larger charts for readability, to smaller footprint designs, audio and visual alarms, and more.
There are three different models of Dickson TH8 8” Temperature/Humidity Chart Recorders and five different models of KT8 K-Thermocouple Remote Sensing Chart Recorders, with each optimized for different humidity and/or temperature ranges. Users are able to interchange 24-hour, 7-day, or 31-day charts as desired, opt to display temperature or humidity, and specify preferred traceable calibration methods.
Additional product information can be found at http://new8.dicksonweb.com.