Only 25% of Retail Websites Using AJAX Web Application According to Brulant Study

Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) April 7, 2007

A recent study of 115 leading retail websites found that only 25% currently employ AJAX web applications, a widely touted Web 2.0 technology.

The study showed that 19% of the websites were developed using 'simple' AJAX, while only 6% were developed using advanced AJAX techniques. Online solutions provider Brulant, an internet marketing company, completed the study in November 2006.

"AJAX is arguably the best rich internet application available to developers right now, but its complexity and the disruption to traditional development processes seems to be hindering the widespread adoption predicted by many experts," said Mark Fodor, senior vice president with Brulant's web development consulting company, whose clients include Hallmark, Borders and other leading retailers.

"AJAX has the ability to vastly improve the customer's online experience, and the benefits of implementing AJAX web application in terms of customer satisfaction and conversion rates are argument enough for its implementation," added Fodor.

Fodor also noted, "At the same time, developers are suspicious of anything that they perceive as 'hype.' Add to this massive confusion about which AJAX solutions to use at what level, and how many, and you've got a situation where adoption is happening at a much slower pace. The net-net is that companies are missing out on the benefits at a pretty high opportunity cost."

About Brulant, Inc.

Brulant is one of the nation's preeminent online solutions experts, fusing leading-edge technology with breakthrough interactive services including marketing and creative design. The internet marketing company, which has a well-known website development consulting arm, was recently ranked by Advertising Age Magazine as the 36th largest interactive firm in the country and the 4th largest in the Midwest. Ultimately, Brulant is focused on delivering multi-channel solutions that increase client's market share by improving customer service, brand loyalty and market reach while reducing customer acquisition, retention and conversion costs.

Brulant is a true multi-channel integration partner focused on ensuring one compelling customer experience across all channels, from web initiatives to call centers, stores, kiosks, etc. Brulant celebrates a proven track record throughout its core competencies, including interactive marketing and strategy, creative website design and usability, technology services, portal and web development, and business intelligence.

The internet marketing and website design company's clients are middle-market to Fortune 2000 companies within the consumer products, financial services, healthcare and retail sectors. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company works with clients on a national basis including: Bass Pro Shops, Borders, Carhartt, Charter One Bank, Citizens Bank, The Cleveland Clinic, Hallmark, ICI Paints, JoAnn Stores, Key Bank, Luxottica, MTD Products, Macrovision, National City Bank, Nationwide, Pearle Vision, Sears Portrait Studios, Steris, Things Remembered and University Hospitals.

###

Only One Week Left to Vote in the 'Are You Carhartt Tough' Contest

Cincinnati, OH (Vocus/PRWEB) February 21, 2011

Only one week of voting remains before the toughest of the tough are announced as winners of the Are You Carhartt Tough? contest at http://www.CarharttRental.com, and the top three finalists have maintained their standings since last week.

Tens of thousands of votes have been cast, and the top three finalists for two consecutive weeks have been (in no particular order): Jonathan Backus, a lineman from Hampton, VA; Steve Nicholson, a firefighter from Quincy, CA; and Bubba Peters, a tow truck driver from Seattle, WA.

Finalists? standings have changed many times during the first three weeks of voting, so there are no guarantees that any of the participants mentioned above will win. All 12 finalists still have a chance, but it will require the support of their communities and industries participating in the voting process.

Cintas Corporation launched the Are You Carhartt Tough? last February and has generated hundreds of nominations. Each of the 12 quarterly finalists are featured on the contest?s web site where the public is encouraged to vote. Two grand prize winners will be chosen based on public votes.

The contest was created in conjunction with a new partnership between Carhartt, the nation?s leading manufacturer of premium work wear for over 120 years, and Cintas Corporation, North America?s largest uniform supplier, and the roll-out of the new Carhartt Rental Workwear line, which is available exclusively through Cintas (http://www.cintas.com/carhartt).

?This contest is really a reflection of our companies,? says Chuck Helmes, Director of Garment Strategy at Cintas Corporation. ?Both Carhartt and Cintas are known for providing tough products and dependable service, and we want to celebrate workers who reflect those same characteristics.?

With Ducks Unlimited acting as media sponsor, contest organizers have reached out to the American workforce to identify people who are strong, dependable, resilient and rugged. The two grand prizes include a weekend duck hunt trip designed by Ducks Unlimited or a trip for two to The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series in 2011.

The other nine finalists in the running are:

????Cori Dixon, a Farm Manager from Kutztown, PA
????Tim Zweber, a Dairy Farmer from Elko, MN
????Gabe Butler, a Navy Deep Sea Diver from Coranado, CA
????John Irish, a Truck Driver and Roofer from West Allis, WI
????Elizabeth ?EJ? Robertson, a Laborer/Journeyman from Peoria, IL
????David Huskins, a Field Technician from Denver, CO
????Matthew Clark, a Snowmaker from Boalsburg, PA
????Joanna Davis, an Electrician from Centennial, CO
????Peter Lindbeck, a Heavy Equipment Operator from Brownsville, WI

More information about these finalists, including their entry essays and high-resolution, downloadable photos, can be found at http://www.cintas.com/customer_applications/CarharttRental/images.asp.

?This is a great way for two well-respected work wear brands to showcase the men and women behind some of the toughest jobs out there,? said Steve Carter, Vice President of Corporate Sales for Carhartt. ?Our customers work hard and play hard, and these are two fabulous prizes that we look forward to presenting to our top two finalists.?

About Cintas Corporation: Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types primarily throughout North America. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid, safety, fire protection products and services and document management services for approximately 800,000 businesses.

###