I just got back from Internet Retailer in Chicago where Everest Software had a booth among over 400 other vendors to the small business marketplace. I know many of you were not able to attend, so I want to give you my list of top picks from the conference. 

Shop Together
http://www.decisionstep.com/

Have you ever been shopping for something on the Web and wished you could get someone else's opinion? The Shop Together solution allows retailers to have shoppers share their shopping experience with a friend.  By simply giving them a short code, shoppers can see which products each friend is browsing and share their favorites.     

Data feeds - CNET Channel and Etilize
http://ics.cnetchannel.com/
http://www.etilize.com/

In speaking with customers at our recent Everest World user conference, one of the consistent pains I heard expressed by merchants was how to get quality product details into their system. Both the CNET Channel and Etilize provide subscription to product feeds from manufacturers that contain marketing details. The only downside is that their solutions target specific industries. From what I saw CNET is focused into the consumer electronics industry, while Etilize has expanded into home & garden, appliances and sporting goods.

Product Photography - Ortery Technologies
http://www.ortery.com/

Because we have added enhanced image functionality to Everest eStorefront (Everest Ecommerce), I was asked by many customers how to get the pictures needed to take advantage of these new features. This mini-photography studio is the answer. You can spin products, take multiple images and have them quickly saved to a folder.  Everest can read that folder and show the images on the Web without any data entry needed.

Dynamic Product Imaging - LiquidPixels
http://www.liquidpixels.com/demos/Outfits/

Apparel businesses should take a look at the solution by LiquidPixels. This technology makes it possible to change what a model is wearing without having to take pictures in each piece of clothing. You use a single image and then apply a mask to dynamically alter the image with a fabric or color.  This functionality should motivate customers to buy more because it allows shoppers to select an entire outfit ensemble and see all the pieces together.

Marketing Data Feeds - MerchantAdvantage
http://www.merchantadvantage.com/

OK not exactly an objective choice, but a great opportunity for sellers to expand their channels. I was excited to see our friends at MerchantAdvantage, but I was disappointed that I did not have a chance to play Wii at their booth.  They facilitate the marketing of your products through online shopping sites, coupon sites and mobile commerce sites.  Everest and MerchantAdvantage recently partnered to offer a complete ecommerce software solution to all Everest customers so they can easily manage their product feeds through these expanded marketing channels.

Complete Business Management Software - Everest Software
http://www.everestsoftwareinc.com/

For an Internet retailer there is no software that provides a better all-in-one business management software solution to run your entire business. Sales, Marketing, eCommerce, Purchasing, Accounting, and CRM (and more!) are all in one software package that you own.  Everest is now offering the "most e-commerce out of the box" - Everest eStorefront.