Turning clicks into commerce has been Rakuten Affiliate Network's plan since 1996. The company (formerly known as LinkShare), operates a performance-based affiliate marketing network. Clients, which have included retailers Dell and Land's End, market their products through promotional links placed on affiliate websites. Rakuten Affiliate Network charges clients based on volume of traffic and purchases made. The firm also offers tools that help clients manage, track, and analyze affiliate, search, and e-mail marketing campaigns. It has offices throughout the US, as well as in the UK and Japan. Rakuten Affiliate Network was founded in 1996 by brother and sister Stephen and Heidi Messer. Today it is part of Japanese online retailer Rakuten.