Many companies rely on Google Adwords to drive users to their web sites.  Google Adwords is a pay-per-click program where companies bid to ensure top placement in the search engines for designated keywords.  In the coming days, Google will be unveiling its new ranking system, which is aimed to improve the quality of its results.

Have you ever taken a photo on a family vacation and not been able to get the full scope of the moment in a single digital camera shot?  Microsoft launched a new web site and tool that allows users to upload their digital camera shots and have them strung together into a single panoramic scene.

I had an opportunity to try out the new site this morning.  I saw the demo of this product several months ago at a technology expo and have been excited to use it ever since.  You can tell the site is new and somewhat overloaded with excited new users because it was a bit on the slower side.  The site prompts you to install a plug-in for its product and then to create an account if you want to make 'synths' of your own.  I created a panoramic shot of the Core3 office using three digital photos.  It turned out to be quite impressive.  The final shot allows you to zoom in and move the point of reference around the room.

Core3 is pleased to launch the following web sites recently...

LaKritz-Weber (www.lakritzweber.com)
LaKrtiz-Weber is a retail real estate company specializing in the leasing of shopping centers and freestanding retail buildings, sale leasebacks and land acquisition, and disposition.  LaKritz-Weber came to Core3 requesting a web site to separate themselves from their competition.  They didn't want another boring, corporate site and wanted to adopt a presence that was more creative and unique — something that speaks to the retail industry.  Out of this was born the new LaKritz-Weber web site.  Check it out and see the subtle touches we put throughout the site.

In addition to the new look and feel, Core3 also developed an extensive backend content management system to allow LaKritz-Weber to control every aspect of their web site internally.

Each year, across the nation, one event brings together entire communities to take part in the fight against cancer.  That event is the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.  Core3 will be participating in the Relay For Life this weekend.  The event will take place on May 31-June 1, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Troy Community Center.  This marks the fourth straight year of involvement from Core3 with the Relay For Life.

If you would like to donate to the Core3 team, you may do so at http://relay.core3solutions.com by clicking the Donate button.

Growth in web sales are expected to increase 17% in 2008, despite a sluggish economy that has affected the overall sales of many brick-and-mortar stores.  This report, according to Yahoo News, is in stark contrast to the outlook that many traditional retailers have seen recently with the onset of higher gas cost, higher food costs, a weak housing market, and a weak job market.  Online sales continue to be a bright spot in the retailing industry.