Computer cataloger Multiple Zones International’s transition from mail order to multi-channel is a glimpse of how cataloging will look in years to come

By Melissa Sepos

E-mails come in rich media, contain graphics, audio and are being enhanced as technology changes. They employ sniffers to detect what a customer can open so the communication is always in an appropriate format. The e-postcard is one of MZI’s more innovative formats.

The postcard is used to send out perishable information. The most common use for the e-postcard is for new-product releases. MZI sent a representative to the August MacWorld show to gather details on the newly released iMac. From a cell phone, the representative relayed the information to Seattle. In under an hour an e-postcard was created outlining the computer’s specs, complete with graphics that were downloaded from Apple Computer’s site. The e-mail was sent out to Mac customers in two hours.