Amazon is a popular online retailer that allows customers to find and purchase a wide variety of products. It uses Linux-based technology to manage queries, historical data, and load information into its systems. Early on, Amazon introduced secure payment processing to allow customers to shop safely online. A variety of third-party sellers now use the Amazon platform to reach customers as well. Amazon's goal is to be the most customer-centric company for online shopping, though achieving that goal fully is challenging.