WO2001050323A2 - E-mail marketing method and system - Google Patents
E-mail marketing method and system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001050323A2 WO2001050323A2 PCT/US2000/035480 US0035480W WO0150323A2 WO 2001050323 A2 WO2001050323 A2 WO 2001050323A2 US 0035480 W US0035480 W US 0035480W WO 0150323 A2 WO0150323 A2 WO 0150323A2
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
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- software
- user
- users
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- transmitting
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to data processing systems and, more particularly, to e-commerce systems.
- ESD electronic software distribution
- the ePOS may be a conventional World Wide Web site, for example, and may represent a software reseller or publisher, such as Macromedia or iGO.com.
- the software can be downloaded to the user and the user can make payment electronically via the network, without the need for any physical storage medium or physical remuneration to change hands.
- wrapping Prior to being downloaded, the software generally undergoes certain preparation, which is referred to as "wrapping.” Wrapping may include adding certain information to the software product to associated the product with a particular source (i.e., reseller, distributor, etc.), such as a bitmap of the source's logo. Wrapping solutions have been described in Ser. No. 09/134,691 by the same Assignee, hereby incorporated by reference. Although wrapping enables the software publisher to outsouce their software, it does not necessarily enable companies to deliver, market, or sell more software.
- Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide a marketing system that enable software publishers to create a one-on-one marketing campaign for new software releases.
- the marketing system provides a complete start to finish process to launch new software.
- An introductory e-mail is sent out to various end users. If an end user is interested in obtaining a trial version of the new software, the end user fills a profiler form out and downloads a wrapped trial version of the software. Afterwards, scheduled e-mail messages are sent to the end user.
- the end user may purchase the trial software by providing an online merchant with purchase information, such as a credit card and billing address.
- This novel marketing system not only permits the software publishers to completely and reliably outsource their e-commerce and target market end users, but it also enables the publisher to market, sell and deliver software online.
- Figure 1 depicts a data processing system suitable for practicing methods and systems consistent with the present invention
- Figure 2 depicts a more detailed diagram of the client computer depicted in Fig. 1 ;
- Figure 3A depicts a more detailed diagram of the wrapping facility depicted in Fig. 1 ;
- Figure 3B depicts a more detailed diagram of the e-commerce server depicted in Fig. 1 ;
- Figure 3C depicts a more detailed diagram of the marketing server depicted in Fig. 1 ;
- Figure 4 depicts a flow chart of the steps performed by the data processing system of Fig. 1 when providing recommendation in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention
- Figure 5A depicts a more detailed flow chart of the wrapping process depicted in Fig. 4;
- Figure 5B depicts a more detailed flow chart of the distribution process depicted in Fig. 4;
- Figure 5C depicts a more detailed flow chart of the marketing process depicted in Fig. 4.
- Figure 6A depicts a profiler form interface used in accordance with methods and systems of the present invention
- Figure 6B depicts a sales agent interface used in accordance with methods and systems of the present invention
- Figure 6C depicts a billing form interface used in accordance with methods and systems of the present invention
- FIGS. 6D-6E depict sample e-mail messages used with methods and systems of the present invention.
- Figures 7A-7B depict sample reports created with methods and systems of the present invention.
- Systems consistent with the present invention enable software publishers to launch new software to end users using the Internet.
- the systems provide trial software for evaluation purposes to end users while maintaining an open channel of communication with each end user that downloaded trial software.
- Systems consistent with the present invention obtain marketing demographic information pertaining to various end users.
- marketing information an end user fills out a profiler form to obtain new trial software.
- the marketing information may be used to build marketing databases, or supply marketing information to software publishers.
- the end user may request a copy of a trial software.
- the trial version is a "try-before-buy" mode, in which the end user can use the trial software for a limited time with the option to purchase it, subject to certain constraints, such as a time limitation or a limitation on the number of useable features.
- the end user obtains the trial software by any appropriate technique, such as an HTTP request. Once a request is sent to the marketing system, the system downloads the trial software to the end user.
- the end user provides an input for initiating or otherwise selecting the downloaded software, such as double-clicking on a displayed program icon on the computer desktop.
- the executable code of the trial software is launched.
- a marketing system periodically transmits e-mail messages to the end user pertaining to the trial software.
- each e-mail message may include instructions for operating the trial software as well as promotional electronic coupons for other products by the software publisher.
- the e-mail messages also indicate the expiration date of the trial software.
- the marketing system maintains realtime statistics and provides detailed reports to the software publishers, such as the number of downloads, number of e-mail messages, and number of purchases. If at any point the end user is interested in purchasing the software, the end user enters user information and payment information in a sales agent interface associated with the trial software, further described below. When the end user has entered all of the required information, the payment information is then transmitted to a clearing house for authorization. Upon receiving authorization to proceed from the clearing house, the trial software "unwraps" and provides the end user with a fully functional version of the software.
- the marketing system may provide notifications of launches aside from software. For example, if a third party needed to create a marketing promotion using the Internet, the marketing server could periodically transmit e-mail messages with coupons to potential interested users (based on information provided in the profiler form).
- Fig. 1 depicts a data processing system 100 suitable for practicing methods and systems consistent with the present invention.
- Data processing system 100 comprises a client computer 150 and a software publisher 160 connected to a marketing system 110 via a network 170, such as the Internet.
- a user uses client computer 150 to receive and transmit information to e- commerce server 130 and marketing server 140 at marketing system 110.
- client computer 150 may contain many more client computers.
- software located at marketing system 110 may be located at various points throughout system 100.
- FIG. 2 depicts a more detailed diagram of client computer 150, which contains a memory 220, a secondary storage device 230, a central processing unit (CPU) 240, an input device 250, and a video display 260.
- Memory 220 includes a browser 222 and an e-mail program 224.
- Browser 222 allows users to interact with e-commerce server 130 by transmitting and receiving files, such as web pages.
- a web page may include images or textual information to provide an interface to receive identification information from a user using hypertext markup language (HTML), Java or other techniques.
- An example of a browser suitable for use with methods and systems consistent with the present invention is the Netscape Navigator browser, from Netscape.
- E-mail program 224 allows a user to transmit and receive e-mail messages.
- An example of such a program is the Eudora e- mail client, from Eudora.
- wrapping facility 120 includes a memory 302, a secondary storage device 306, a CPU 308, an input device 310, and a video display 312.
- Memory 302 includes a wrap engine 304 that wraps software on- the-fly in a manner that is customized for a software publisher 160. More information on wrapping facility 120 is available in US Patent Application No. 09/134,691 , hereby incorporated by reference.
- e-commerce server 130 is similarly configured to wrapping facility 120.
- Memory 320 includes e-commerce application 322 and interface software 324.
- E-commerce application 322 may be any type of online store that sells goods over the Internet.
- Interface software 324 is provided to interface with wrapping facility 120 and marketing server 140.
- Interface software 324 receives wrapped software from wrapping facility 120 and transmits end user information to marketing server 140. To receive and transmit the software and end user information, interface software 324 may be an Application Program Interface (API), or other input interface.
- API Application Program Interface
- An API is a set of routines, protocols, or tools for communicating with software applications. APIs provide efficient access to the e-commerce server without the need for additional software.
- Secondary storage device 326 includes a database 328 that stores wrapped software, user purchase information in order file 330 and marketing demographic information in user file 332.
- user file 332 may contain information such as, an end user's e-mail address, a unique user identification, or user shipping information.
- marketing server 140 is similarly configured as wrapping facility 120.
- Memory 340 contains e-mail distribution software 342 and reporting software 344.
- E-mail distribution software 342 queries interface software 324 on e-commerce server 130 to obtain user information stored in order file 330 and user file 332, such as the end-user's e-mail address, name of trial software downloaded, and date of download. With this information, e- mail distribution software 342 transmits periodic e-mail messages to the end users, using well-known techniques.
- Reporting software 344 creates various reports that include statistical information about the status of the trial software, such as transmitted e-mail messages, end user response rates, and end user downloads. Reporting software 344 obtains the information to create the reports from e-commerce server 130.
- aspects of the present invention are described in terms of digital software, one skilled in the art will appreciate that these aspects may be any type of digital good, such as a digital book or digital music. Additionally, although aspects of the present invention are described as being stored in memory, one skilled in the art will appreciate that these aspects may be stored on or read from other computer readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, and CD-ROM; a carrier wave received from a network like the Internet; or other forms of ROM or RAM. Additionally, although specific components and programs of the various servers have been described, one skilled in the art will appreciate that these may contain additional or different components or programs. Overview of the Launch Process
- FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart of the steps performed by marketing system 110.
- the launch process is initiated by receiving a digital good, such as software from a software distributor 160 (step 402).
- Wrapping process 402 creates wrapped software (trial software) from the software and sends the trial software to e-commerce server 130.
- the wrapping process ends by providing a means to obtain the trial software, such as a link to a web page from e-commerce application 322.
- a distributing process begins (step 404). This process entails obtaining marketing information from end users and distributing the trial software.
- the marketing process provides targeted information to the end user using scheduled e-mail messages, and information to software publisher 160 using marketing reports (step 406).
- marketing process 406 may provide targeted marketing to the end user in other ways, such as by facsimile, by automated telephone messages, or by mailed CDROMs or DVDs.
- wrapping process 402 is initiated, for example, by receiving and encrypting software (step 502).
- the software is transmitted from a software publisher 160 into wrapping facility 120.
- software publisher 160 may use File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or a CDROM to transfer the software to wrapping facility 120.
- FTP File Transfer Protocol
- wrap engine 304 implements a wrapping process to create a trial software, the wrapping process is described in greater detail in US Patent Application No. 09/134,691.
- the trial software is then transmitted to e-commerce server 130 where it resides and remains available for download by any end user (step 504).
- wrap engine 304 communicates with interface software 324 on e-commerce server 120.
- wrap engine 304 may transmit the trial software through well-known sockets to interface software 324.
- interface software 324 After interface software 324 receives the trial software, interface software 324 includes the trial software in database 328.
- e-commerce application 322 creates a URL link to obtain the trial software (step 506).
- the link does not provide immediate access to the trial software. Instead, the link connects to a profiler form for the end user to fill out, further described below. After the end user fills out the profiler form, e-commerce application 322 transmits the trial software to the end user.
- the link is widely distributed to end users by sending out mass e-mail messages or by banner-advertising on other web sites (step 508).
- Each e- mail message sent includes an HTML clickable link.
- browser 222 displays the web page corresponding to the link.
- the end user may instead obtain the trial software and profiler form on CDROM or DVD, or at a trade show.
- Distribution Process 404 is initiated by an end user selecting the profiler form link on e-commerce server 130 (step 512).
- e-commerce application 322 displays a web page on browser 222 (step 514).
- the web page may consist of an explanation of the trial software, and a profiler form 600 for the user to fill out, as shown in Fig. 6A.
- Profiler form 600 requires personal information 602.
- personal information 602 may include the user's name, address, and e-mail address.
- personal information 602 may include other information, such as age, hobbies, or personal likes and dislikes.
- Profiler form 600 also includes a "Tell-A-Friend" feature 604. If an end user selects feature 604, e-commerce application 322 transmits a second form (not shown) with fields for additional end user's e- mail addresses. E-commerce application 322 then transmits the link embedded in an e-mail message to the additional end user.
- profiler form 600 is displayed on the user's browser 222, the user can enter personal information 602 into the profiler form (step 516).
- the user may then submit profiler form 600 to e-commerce application 322 using the HTTP protocol standard (step 518).
- Marketing server 140 uses the entered information to provide targeted marketing to the end user.
- the application transmits the trial software to the end user using any well-know transmission technique, such as HTTP, FTP or e-mail (step 520).
- the end user then executes the trial software (step 522).
- the end user provides an input for initiating or otherwise selecting the downloaded trial software, such as double clicking on a displayed program icon.
- the executable of the trial software launches a sales agent interface 610 that controls access to the trial software, as shown in Fig. 6B.
- Sales agent interface 610 contains a sales pane 612 that enables the end user to enter user information and payment information. The end user may decide at any time to purchase the trial software by selecting purchase button 614.
- Fig. 6C depicts an interface screen 630 displayed to the end user after selecting purchase button 614.
- the end user is required to provide complete billing information as well as credit card information.
- the trial software is decrypted and the end user is notified that the purchase has been approved (e.g., by a popup dialog box). More information regarding the decryption process may be found in US Patent application No. 09/134,691 , hereby incorporated by reference.
- the clearing house also informs e-commerce server 130 that the trial software has been purchased and to update database 330 and order file 332. Software publishers can, at this point, run reports (described below) that indicate the amount of money to be paid to them.
- marketing system 110 may provide checks to each publisher representing the number of digital goods sold for that publisher. However, if the end user does not purchase the software, marketing process 406 sends scheduled targeted e-mail messages to the end user to promote the software and encourage the end user to purchase the software.
- Marketing Process Fig. 5C is a flow chart of the steps performed by marketing server 140.
- marketing server 140 communicates with end users (step 520).
- e-mail distribution software 342 receives user information from interface software 324 on e-commerce server 130.
- interface software 324 transmits user information including the end user's e-mail address, software downloaded, and date of download to e-mail distribution software 342.
- E-mail distribution software 342 also communicates with the end user on a predetermined schedule.
- the schedule may be modified to obtain a maximum response from the end users.
- the schedule may indicate communications with the end user either daily or weekly, or any time the end user visits a particular web page.
- e-mail distribution software 342 transmits an initial e-mail message to the end user, as depicted in Fig. 6D.
- the initial e-mail message provides a confirmation that the end user has successfully downloaded the trial software.
- the message may indicate an expiration date for the trial software.
- a second e-mail message is sent out to the end user, as depicted in Fig 6E.
- the second e-mail message is used to remind the end user that there is an expiration date for the trial software.
- Also included in the second e-mail message may be various software tips and promotional coupons for other software approved by software publisher 160.
- a third e-mail message is sent out to the end user (not shown).
- the third e-mail message is in a similar format as the second e-mail message and may provide a final reminder of the expiration date of the trial software.
- the direct marketing campaign targeted to the end user provides novel e- commerce outsourcing capabilities to a software publisher 160.
- reporting software 344 communicates with software publishers (step 530).
- Reporting software 344 provides daily reports 700 (step 532), such as goods sold, depicted in Figure 7A, and detailed end user reports 710 (step 534), such as transactions completed, sales, and end user profile statistics, depicted in Figure 7B.
- reporting software 344 may contain a well-known web based query tool that accesses the va ⁇ ous databases located in marketing system 110.
- a software publisher may download accounting information to update their own account receivables. For example, once a month a software publisher may download the total units sold and total price.
- Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide a marketing system that enable software publishers to create a one-on-one marketing campaign for new software releases.
- the marketing system provides a complete start to finish process to launch new software.
- An introductory e-mail is sent out to various end users. If an end user is interested in obtaining a trial version of the new software, the end user fills a profiler form out and downloads a wrapped trial version of the software. Afterwards, scheduled e-mail messages are sent to the end user.
- the end user may purchase the trial software by providing a clearing house with purchase information, such as a credit card and billing address.
- This novel marketing system not only permits the software publishers to completely and reliably outsource their e-commerce and target market end users, but it also enables the publisher to market, sell and deliver software online.
- the foregoing description of an implementation of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practicing of the invention.
- the described implementation includes software but the present invention may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software or in hardware alone.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU27413/01A AU2741301A (en) | 2000-01-05 | 2000-12-29 | E-mail marketing method and system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US47768000A | 2000-01-05 | 2000-01-05 | |
US09/477,680 | 2000-01-05 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2001050323A2 true WO2001050323A2 (en) | 2001-07-12 |
WO2001050323A3 WO2001050323A3 (en) | 2002-08-22 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/US2000/035480 WO2001050323A2 (en) | 2000-01-05 | 2000-12-29 | E-mail marketing method and system |
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AU (1) | AU2741301A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001050323A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8831974B1 (en) | 2009-04-24 | 2014-09-09 | Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | Campaign specification system and method |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP0809221A2 (en) * | 1996-05-23 | 1997-11-26 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Virtual vending system and method for managing the distribution, licensing and rental of electronic data |
US5963916A (en) * | 1990-09-13 | 1999-10-05 | Intouch Group, Inc. | Network apparatus and method for preview of music products and compilation of market data |
WO1999050775A1 (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 1999-10-07 | Net Sanity, Inc. | Method for targeted advertising |
US6009525A (en) * | 1997-08-29 | 1999-12-28 | Preview Systems, Inc. | Multi-tier electronic software distribution |
-
2000
- 2000-12-29 AU AU27413/01A patent/AU2741301A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-12-29 WO PCT/US2000/035480 patent/WO2001050323A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5963916A (en) * | 1990-09-13 | 1999-10-05 | Intouch Group, Inc. | Network apparatus and method for preview of music products and compilation of market data |
EP0809221A2 (en) * | 1996-05-23 | 1997-11-26 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Virtual vending system and method for managing the distribution, licensing and rental of electronic data |
US6009525A (en) * | 1997-08-29 | 1999-12-28 | Preview Systems, Inc. | Multi-tier electronic software distribution |
WO1999050775A1 (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 1999-10-07 | Net Sanity, Inc. | Method for targeted advertising |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8831974B1 (en) | 2009-04-24 | 2014-09-09 | Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | Campaign specification system and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2001050323A3 (en) | 2002-08-22 |
AU2741301A (en) | 2001-07-16 |
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