Abstract: A method and system for selection of a task in proportion to a desired distribution. Specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention discloses a method and system for selecting a task associated with a visiting customer to a web site over a communication network. The customer is assigned to a segment of a target customer base that most closely resembles the customer's characteristics. A plurality of tasks is associated with the segment and can be expressed as a distribution of tasks performed. A current distribution of tasks is determined. The task which provides a new distribution that is closest to a desired distribution of the plurality of tasks is selected to be performed. In one embodiment, the task to be performed is the offering of an advertising promotion to the customer over the communication network.

Abstract: A method and system for selection of a task in proportion to a desired distribution. Specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention discloses a method and system for selecting a task associated with a visiting customer to a web site over a communication network. The customer is assigned to a segment of a target customer base that most closely resembles the customer's characteristics. A plurality of tasks is associated with the segment and can be expressed as a distribution of tasks performed. A current distribution of tasks is determined. The task which provides a new distribution that is closest to a desired distribution of the plurality of tasks is selected to be performed. In one embodiment, the task to be performed is the offering of an advertising promotion to the customer over the communication network.

Abstract: The offerings of promotions to prospective customers are differentially allocated on the basis of customer segmentation, which is a mapping of the customers to a smaller number of segments that reflect commonalities of purchasing attributes. An optimization engine includes inputs of customer segment information, promotion information, market information, management information, and supply chain information. The various forms of information are utilized to provide promotion strategies on a promotion-by-promotion basis and a segment-by-segment basis. Preferably, the market information includes “null promotion data” for the individual customer segments. The null promotion data relates to conversion probabilities, revenues and costs for those occasions on which there are no promotions offered to the customers.

Abstract: A method and system thereof for segmenting customers by promotion. Each customer in a test group of customers is segmented into a segment in a plurality of segments for each promotion in a plurality of promotions. Accordingly, for each promotion, there is a corresponding set of segments, each segment representing a first respective group of customers having a certain response to the promotion. The customers are then separated into a plurality of meta-segments, wherein each meta-segment represents a second respective group of customers having a certain response to all of the promotions in the plurality of promotions. The use of meta-segments facilitates the design and optimization of an advertising campaign by maintaining a desirable level of detail while reducing the number of input parameters.