Ubimall is a virtual environment that combines sophisticated online shopping with the best elements of social networks. Ubimall makes it possible for online stores to offer their customers service levels that are equal, if not superior, to those offered by in physical stores. Ubimall will make Internet shopping a fascinating, fun, social virtual experience for consumers and offer Internet stores totally new ways of serving their clientèle. Ubimall will also be positioned to offer a platform for unique targeted advertising and media opportunities.At present, online shopping is a lonely experience; shoppers to search for the suitable product from electronic catalogs, compare product prices and obtain product information all on their own. The customer service offered by online shops, in their current form, is limited to order confirmation and delivery notification. At the same, time, social networking over the Internet is booming, as the success of MySpace, LinkedIn and Facebook demonstrates. Ubimall will tap into this market, allowing users to bring their existing profile with them and enjoy Internet shopping together with their online friends.UbiMall is implemented using Rich Internet Application (RIA) technology developed over a period of nine years. The goal is for users to be able to access UbiMall without having to download or install any UbiMall client software and for the graphical user interface (GUI) to load and run rapidly. Emphasis will also be placed on the usability and attractiveness of the GUI so that users enjoy visiting UbiMall and want to return.
