|
Competitive Bidding Processes (Auctions & RFQ/RFP) A large fraction of government and corporate procurement happens through competitive bidding. We are developing the software technology to support these processes on the Internet. Key research issues in this area are security, scalability, real time update of client information, and a wide variety of optimization problems arising when bids are submitted for combinations of goods. Auctions are practiced across the world with many different rules. Sealed bid, open cry and Dutch auctions are some common styles. Reserve price and order bids are some of the additional services provided by the auctioneers. We are developing a flexible architecture for the auction system that can be easily customized to support the auction rules of individual users, provide the desired security features and meet the scalability and real time response requirements. Promotions & Coupons Advertising is in vogue on the Internet. In the real world more money is spent on sales promotions such as coupons and free trial offers, than on plain advertising. We are developing technology to support sales promotions on the internet. One major effort in this area is digital coupons. Key research issues in this area relate to effective use of data mining and rule based systems to target the delivery of coupons to intended (most profitable / responsive) consumer segments. We are also developing software components to define, distribute, capture / store and redeem coupons. As in all important internet application security and prevention of fraud is important and controlling unauthorized duplication of a digital coupon, especially with low overhead costs, is also an important research issue. Contact: Manoj Kumar Back to Top |
