A week or so ago Microsoft had released a new beta program called Microsoft Tag. The program allows users to “scan” a multicolored barcode consisting of small red, yellow, and blue triangles with the phone’s onboard camera to redirect to a special website. These types of 2D barcode scanner applications have been very popular in certain parts of Asia.

The program allows advertisers to put a special image on a poster or print which will eliminate the task of having to type in a URL to their website. Many years ago RadioShack tried to implement a similar “scanner” that required a QueCat USB peripheral that would direct users to advertiser’s websites by swiping over a newsprint barcode. That device however failed very quickly. The Microsoft Tag beta is available for Android, Blackberry, PalmOS, Symbian S60 1ST, 2ND, and 3rd editions, as well as Windows

Mobile.

Newsday.com is reporting that the new Tag Program will allow retailers to embed the small barcodes on isles and products. They expect consumers to scan the item in-store to deter the use of online shopping by showing the shopper the research on the product right in the palm of their hand.

“Every retailer has the same issue,” said Stephen J. Sparrow, senior industry marketing manager for Microsoft. “How do I create a stickiness that keeps the customer coming back and that doesn’t make me a test facility for online purchase.”

Could this marketing method help boost the economy? Only time will tell if this will be as popular in the US and Europe as it is currently in Asia.