This latter feature - the ability to link to the systems of
retailers, distributors, and other types of vendors - is the
"barcode" function of the DOI. Like barcode technology, it
helps to automate the supply chain, and update the inventory,
ordering, billing and invoicing, accounting, and re-ordering
databases and functions. Besides tracking content use and
distribution, the DOI allows to seamlessly integrate hitherto
disparate e-commerce technologies and facilitate
interoperability among DRM systems.
The resolution itself can take place in the client's browser
(using a software plug-in), in a proxy server, or in a
central, dynamic server. Resolving from the client's PC, e-
book reader, or PDA has the advantage of being able to respond
to the user's specific condition (location, time of day,
etc.). No plug-in is required when a proxy server HTTP is used
- but then the DOI becomes just another URL, embedded in the
page when it is created and not resolved when the user clicks
on it. The most user-friendly solution is, probably, for a
central server to look up values in response to a user's
prompt and serve her with cascading menus or links.
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