Microsoft Network (MSN) As Shopping Portal

"To get more than a million new businesses into e-commerce we need to help their software speak the language of business in a consistent way. Up until now it has been extremely difficult for companies to conduct business easily over the Internet because of the lack of a single technology vocabulary for describing business processes. BizTalk provides a framework that will greatly accelerate the adoption of e-commerce because it provides that vocabulary for software across any platform or technology." said Bill Gates, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft.

Microsoft''s plans are to use MSN as the ultimate shopping portal for consumer purchasing. Microsoft has also added the Passport service, acquired last year by Microsoft from Firefly Network, to enhance MSN with secure e-wallets, site registration services, and single sign-on capabilities to 3rd-party sites that license the technology from Microsoft. As part of those licensing agreements, Microsoft will require 3rd-party operators to register with TRUSTe and Better Business Bureau Online (BBBOnline) to help underscore the importance of personal privacy for consumers. For more information about TRUSTe and related initiatives, read my article, "E-Commerce Seals Of Security And Trust."