Linux Provider Unleashes E-Commerce Magic

Magic Software Enterprises (Nasdaq: MGIC) announced that it has become a player in the field of Linux-based e-commerce solutions, debuting its eMerchant product for the increasingly popular open-source operating system (OS) at the LinuxWorld Expo in San Jose last week.

Jack Dunietz, CEO of Magic Enterprises, made the announcement at a press conference with John “Mad Dog” Hall, a founder of the Linux movement, and MeL, a live penguin, by his side. MeL later presided over hourly demonstrations of the new product which “combines enterprise-level processing power and security, and rapid integration with back-end corporate systems,” he said in a company statement.

eMerchant Features

“Magic eMerchant for Linux has the ability to store past customer orders, as well as present detailed and summarized versions of a customer’s purchase folders,” commented Dunietz. “It also can make suggestions based upon a customer’s past history and a product’s current availability.”

The new e-commerce product supports database technologies by Informix and Oracle, and features transaction processing, order entry and profiling capabilities along with advanced security features. “eMerchant adheres to all Web Authorization and Control standards (WAC) by uniquely identifying each customer who logs in, and limiting application access based upon specific sets of user criteria,” said the company.

E-Commerce Solutions for Idiots

The product also integrates with back office systems to reduce the amount of time required for companies to create an online presence. The most significant draw for this product, however, will probably be the fact that it has tapped into the power and cost-effectiveness of open-source software. According to industry analysts, an increasing amount of businesses are choosing Linux over the proprietary code of Windows NT.

According to the company, eMerchant was designed with set-up simplicity in mind. “eMerchant’s ability to quickly and transparently connect to many databases and servers translates into an easy-to-implement e-commerce solution with the capability to scale rapidly to accommodate business change and growth,” added Dunietz. Business-to-business and business-to-consumer e-commerce operations have implemented Magic e-commerce solutions.

Your Chance To Hang Out With the Coolest Penguins on Earth

The Irvine, California-based company launched “The Magic for Linux Really Cool Contest” in late spring in order to encourage solutions development for the platform. Running though October 15, the contest will award the developer who builds what is judged to be the best e-commerce solution for Linux with a 10-day cruise for two to Antarctica, to meet “the coolest penguins on the face of the earth.”

Additionally, Magic has become a board member of Linux International, a non-profit organization founded with a mission to advance international acceptance for the OS. “As a member of the Linux International Board,” stated Dunietz, “we are committed to increasing the visibility for Linux as a viable alternative for companies worldwide who want to actively exploit the benefits of doing business over the Internet.”