I've reviewed the Microsoft patent (6,632,248) and it's very similar to the technique we used in creating our personalization software in early 1995.
Our first personalized site (in October 1995) was a Web catalog that captured B-to-B leads for client/server companies like Oracle, IBM, Gupta, and Microsoft.
So, it appears that Microsoft's sales department benefited from this personalization before Microsoft developed their software and filed for the patent!
Slashdot Mirror
I've reviewed the Microsoft patent (6,632,248) and it's very similar to the technique we used in creating our personalization software in early 1995.
Our first personalized site (in October 1995) was a Web catalog that captured B-to-B leads for client/server companies like Oracle, IBM, Gupta, and Microsoft.
So, it appears that Microsoft's sales department benefited from this personalization before Microsoft developed their software and filed for the patent!