If not MSFT then perhaps someone else. There are numerous large internet companies that do not possess the technology to conduct full internet-wide pricing comparisons yet. As this technology is clearly the next step in customer service, all major internet portals must offer this service or else risk loyalists shifting alliances to other sites. If MSFT, who is usually aggressive with their predictions, believes it will take 6-9 months for them to develop their pricing service, then it is probable that other portals are at least a year behind.
My statement that internet companies believe they must have this technology is me blowing smoke, either. Lets take Amazon.com, for instance, who logic would tell us would be one of the last companies to welcome the advent of internet-wide pricing comparisons. AMZN, though, recently acquired Junglee.com and features its price comparison technologies right on its home page under the heading 'Shop the Web'. If Amazon.com is willing to purchase pricing comparison technology then who among the major players won't be?
Moreover, lets remember that Amazon.com is always the trailblazer for e-commerce sites. Once AMZN does something other e-retailers are quick to follow for fear of losing market share. I wouldn't be surprised to see other retailers follow suit and scramble to obtain price search technology.
In sum, developments in the technology race have put EXGP in an excellent position. EXGP has already developed the technology that others are scrambling for, yet sports a tiny market cap. I wouldn't be surprised if major players, and those who wish to be major players, are currently in discussions with EXGP as we speak. |
