February 1, 2008 (Vol. 28, No. 3)

URL:
http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/Technical_Service/Technical_Service_Home/Web_Tool_Box.html

Rating:
Strong Points: Full of useful info and tools
Weak Points: A bit commercial

Summary:
When I first received notice of this site from someone inside Sigma, I dismissed it as another company trying to get some free advertising via mention in my column. I submit this article as evidence that not only can I be wrong but I can also own up to my mistakes. To be sure, there are several sections of the site that are aimed at pointing visitors to ordering Sigma products. Even this isn’t all bad, as the info is well integrated in the site and users looking through this material will likely often be looking to buy materials. Other sections contain useful tools that have nothing to do with selling Sigma products. Highlights include a buffer calculator, educational cell-signaling slides, a PCR master mix calculator, a peptide calculator and a DNA calculator. I’ve got to hand it to these guys. Even when they’re selling something, it is not in your face and is linked to an item that is of interest to the visitor. Kudos for a great commercial site.

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