#Japan #Tokyo #Shopify #AI Commerce #Universal Commerce

Major Tech Companies Unite for a Common Objective

In a significant development in the e-commerce landscape, tech giants Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Stripe have officially joined the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) Tech Council. This announcement was made by Shopify Japan, the local branch of global commerce leader Shopify, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo. The council is tasked with creating technical guidelines for an new form of commerce known as agent-based commerce—where AI agents assist in product discovery and transaction processes.

The inclusion of these renowned companies adds to the initial members of the council, including Google, Shopify, Etsy, Target, and Wayfair. As AI agents increasingly become the primary interfaces for product discovery and purchasing, the need for a common open protocol to tackle the complexities of commerce has never been more vital. Without such protocols, different platforms operate under separate systems, leading to interoperability challenges.

The UCP aims to address these issues, ensuring a consistent commerce experience across various platforms and payment processors, from product discovery to cart building, checkout, and post-purchase interactions. Each member of the UCP Tech Council comes with diverse and extensive expertise in global commerce and payment strategies, collaborating towards a shared vision of building an open ecosystem for agent-based commerce.

Vidhya Srinivasan, Vice President and General Manager of Google Ads & Commerce, emphasized the importance of the UCP, stating, "The Universal Commerce Protocol is rapidly establishing the foundation for a new era of agent-based commerce. We take pride in the industry coming together under this common, open standard. This initiative promises significant value for businesses and consumers worldwide."

Vanessa Lee, Vice President of Product at Shopify, also shared her insights: "Our goal is to build a protocol that allows commerce to function at operational scales. While AI holds great promise for creating new shopping experiences, establishing clear standards among retailers, businesses, and applications is vital for realizing that potential. We are excited about the prospect of furthering this initiative in partnership with many collaborators."

The influx of these companies into the UCP signifies an increasing industry alignment towards a single open standard in agent-based commerce. This convergence is expected to create new value for both businesses and consumers alike.

About Shopify

Shopify is a crucial platform that provides the essential internet infrastructure for commerce. It supports businesses throughout their lifecycle—from launch and operation to growth—utilizing an all-in-one platform that enables sales across various channels, including online stores and physical locations. With a reach spanning over 175 countries, Shopify serves millions of merchants, garnering support from both entrepreneurs and major brands. In Japan, numerous brands such as DAISO, Lifestyle's Tree, Allbirds, KANADEMONO, and PAUL & JOE leverage Shopify's services. For further details, visit Shopify Japan.