If iPhrase has the wrong idea, the user can refine the query. And unlike other natural-language search products, iPhrase takes people to the best page rather than serving up a list of links. If a specific one does not exist, iPhrase can gather all the relevant information from the site's database and dynamically build the Web page. In the case of iPhrase's first customer, Charles Schwab, the search engine could create a page when a person asks to see all California-based companies with a certain market cap. But Napa, Calif.-based Internet Plus is hoping the little silver platters have some life left in them.
Consumers pop the discs in their PCs and peruse rich-media catalogs and videos.
So far, fashion magazine Marie Claire is slated to offer a CD with designer clothes and products from some 47 vendors. If this catches on, it could mark a comeback for both CD-ROMs and online retail.