Users can start by browsing through the catalog's structured hierarchy to view available categories and products. All product information is provided with rich, illustrated content: product descriptions and specifications, images, drawings, prices, downloadable documents and links to both complementary products (cross-selling) and products with additional features or higher quality (up-selling). Flexibility is provided through a virtual catalog view that groups items from across the hierarchy by attributes such as style, brand or promotion. Users can explore the content of the catalog in a completely intuitive fashion and instantly retrieve the information they need to make an informed buying decision.

Multiple search options are accessible from any point in the catalog. Users can conduct a standard search by simply entering keywords or product numbers. An advanced search combines filters and pre-specified criteria to generate a list of products that match the request within seconds, regardless of catalog location. Product comparison presents technical specifications and prices of selected products side-by-side on a single page to facilitate choice. All search and comparison functions are completely dynamic and require no prior effort to compile or index the catalog.

Cameleon eCatalog comes complete with a simple, clean user interface that is generated dynamically based on catalog content and user profile. Templates and style sheets provide full customization capabilities to deliver a targeted user experience consistent with your overall brand image. This allows rapid publication of customized catalogs throughout different sales channels.

Cameleon eConfigurator is a powerful product configurator capable of meeting the widest range of complex selling needs. Integration with Cameleon eCatalog allows products to be configured from the catalog. Cameleon ePricer is a pricing configurator engine that automates the calculation of pricing logic from the simplest to the most complex. Integration with Cameleon eCatalog provides automatic display of discounts and promotions throughout the pages of the catalog. Out-of-the-box integration between these Cameleon offerings provides a consistent user experience that can be rapidly deployed across the entire spectrum of products and sales channels.

Activated by the user, the needs analysis process unfolds in three successive steps. First, users describe their needs by answering questions that are validated against the constraint engine. Next, they are prompted to prioritize their needs or preferences to initiate a search for “matching” products using fuzzy logic. The user is then presented with a list of ranked results or recommendations indicating fit with their uniquely prioritized selections. Based on innovative multi-criteria optimization technology, Cameleon eCatalog offers unmatched sophistication through the guided selling process. By replicating the Q&A process a sales rep goes through to identify needs and recommend solutions, new reps and channel partners can sell like your most experienced reps, reducing training time and costs associated with complex product offerings. When deployed direct to the customer, it's like having a virtual sales rep that guides the customer throughout the buying process.

Cameleon eCatalog includes a rules engine that customizes catalog content based on user profile. Access to content is easily controlled to match any number of go-to-market strategies. Catalog content can also be managed by use of effectivity dates, allowing pre-publication and distribution of updates that will become active at a later time. These advanced management functions simplify catalog maintenance and related distribution processes.

Cameleon eCatalog blends seamlessly into existing information architectures and systems. Communication is managed via XML messaging and can be called through web services or directly through Java or C++ APIs. Cameleon eCatalog adheres to a multi-tier J2EE architecture, ensuring reliable data access, supporting a secured high volume of simultaneous connections, and optimum management of traffic surges.