UPC Link originated the concept of redirecting URLs containing product codes to a server operated by the manufacturer of the products designated by those codes. The technique originated from the efforts of UPC Link to find a better way to deliver affordable book data to independent bookstores. Beginning in July, 1998, UPC Link operated an experimental prototype which successfully proved the workability of the concept. Using a private server to translate ISBN numbers into Internet addresses, links in the bookseller's web pages were automatically redirected to the descriptive information from participating publishers, including Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, Little Brown/Time Warner, Random House, Bantam Doubleday Dell, Warner Books, Wm. Morrow, Workman, and John Wiley & Sons. Participating online booksellers included Powell's, Wordsworth, and A1Books
As this earlier work progressed, it became apparent that this same technology could be used to provide information about all barcoded products and to provide the connectivity needed for supply chain transactions. Moreover, a number of factors made it clear that the demands of e-commerce could be best met by using the existing Internet Domain Name System to redirect product code links to the manufacturer's servers. .
Through a program of low cost patent and technology licensing, and by forming partnerships with Internet software and service providers, as well as domain name registrars. UPC Link intends to make this technology universally available at low cost to all interested manufacturers, distributors and resellers. Contact Us for more information about the way in which this technology can help your company.
Copyright 2000 UPC Link, L.L.C.