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INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL EXHIBITION-11 MARCH 2009

2008-12-05T01:19:00.000+05:30

INTERNATIONAL PHARMA POWER - A REVOLUTION IN PHARMACEUTICAL BY EXHIBITION EXCHANGE

THE WORLDS BIGGEST EVER, ONLINE B2B EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE INTERNATIONAL FOR PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES OF THE WORLD WILL FIND THEIR COMMON PLATFORM WITH WWW.MADE-FROM-INDIA.COM.

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES ROUND THE WORLD SHOULD NOT MISS THIS EXHIBITION AS IT WILL HAVE HIGHEST NUMBER OF VISITORS FROM ENTIRE WORLD.

THIS EXHIBITION HAS ALREADY CAUGHT THE FANCY AMONGST AND BIG PLAYERS OF PHARMACEUTICAL BESIDE SME'S .

THIS WILL HAVE FOLLOWING TYPES OF EXHIBITORS :
A) DRUG MANUFACTURERS
B) PHARMACEUTICAL MACHINERY MANUFACTURERS
C) PATHOLOGY LEADERS
D) BIO MOLECULAR AND GENERIC LEADERS
E) WORLD RENOWNED EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS

THIS EXHIBITION WILL BE FROM 11TH MARCH TO 18TH MARCH 2009.VENUE WILL BE WWW.MADE-FROM-INDIA.COM , A B2B PORTAL FOR PHARMACEUTICAL BUSINESS AND EXHIBITIONS.

MANUFACTURERS, EXPORTERS, IMPORTERS, TRADERS, CONSULTANTS WILLING TO ATTEND THIS EXHIBITION AS EXHIBITOR MAY CONTACT AT exhibition@made-from-india.com AND info@made-from-india.com.

FIRST CUM FIRST BASIS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR ACCEPTING THE EXHIBITORS .TOTAL STRENGTH OF EXHIBITORS IN PHARMACEUTICAL WILL BE SOMEWHERE AROUND 800 AND MORE.

THIS IS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY TO BEAT RECESSION AS THIS FIRST AND BIGGEST EVER ONLINE B2B TRADE SHOW AND EXHIBITION IS GOING TO NOT ONLY CREATE HISTORY BUT ALSO CREATE DEMAND OF PRODUCT OF EXHIBITORS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD WITH INSTANT BRANDING AT NEGLIGIBLE COST OF $500 FOR THE SAID PERIOD .

IN THIS EXHIBITION , EXHIBITORS WILL BE ABLE TO EXHIBIT THEIR PRODUCT ALONGWITH THEIR DETAILS AND VIDEO AS WELL AS GETTING HIGH NUMBER OF LEADS FROM THE EXHIBITION AND MAXIMUM ROI WITH NEGLIGIBLE COST OF EXHIBITING TO THE WORLD WITHOUT INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY.

Beat Recession with revolutionary b2b exhibition

2008-12-04T01:12:00.004+05:30

Every other day there are conferences , seminars, workshops and round the table conferences amongst the corporate world so to beat recession . But , has any body found any way out from recession in market .

If the answer is no , then gone are the days , now one can beat the recession at ease with Exhibition. In the market when demand is not there , then the demand has to be created since every good thing is meant for sold and buyers are there but they don't buy by the time a need is not created in their mind. In the same manner , the recession has only one solution that is exhibition where b2b world gathers and shows the best product and demand and supply gets instantly created.

Further, to combat the costing , the online b2b exhibition is an option to be cherished for in order to beat the slackness and recession in the global market.

Online B2b exhibition is not only an alternative but is more effective and advantageous than offline exhibition in order to beat recession. Really , want to know how , then please read it very carefully:

a) No international Boundary – Online exhibition has deepest reach and penetration since any person at any point of time and from any part of the world can see the exhibitors products and services . No international boundary exist for the visitors who want to go for online exhibition, whereas, offline exhibition always have a barrier of international boundary. Since, entire world is for business and b2b portals just make it happen.

b) No Travelling – Neither the exhibitor need to travel to a place to show their products or service nor a visitor need to travel to see the products or services of the exhibitors.

c) Very Less Cost - The cost for travelling , lodging and boarding, cost of distribution stuff and manpower gets reduced to almost 5% .It is very cost effective since , costing is the need of the hour especially when entire world is pointing on costing.

d) No Time Limitation – Convenience is the other name of online exhibition since there is no restriction of time for visiting online exhibition. Any person can visit such exhibition at any time of day or night and see and find the products and services of his/her need. This is not possible with offline exhibition. With such innovative online B2b exhibition people don’t have to plan out time ,out of busy schedule to visit upto the place of offline exhibition but as per their convenience , it can be explored .

e) Maximum ROI- Business world always care for return on investment i.e profit , for them online exhibition always have maximum ROI in return .Since, not only it is cost effective and reaches maximum mass and targeted genuine audience but also more people can participate in exhibition.

f) Better Communication – On finding a particular exhibitor, a visitor can immediately contact him/her by email or call as entire details are available . It makes communication more effective and fast as well.

g) Maximum Exhibition can be Attended- One can attend atleast 5 online exhibitions at the cost of 1 offline exhibition. Moreover, frequency of participation also increases without much preparation and no need to settle again after visiting one exhibition before preparing for participating the other one.

h) Tension free- The term tension can include any and everything which is associated with offline exhibition . Whereas, online b2b exhibition is totally tension free and blended with latest technology to improve the chances of success.

i) Instant Branding - Since, entire world can see your product & therefore brand awareness is tremendous. Whereas, brand awareness is a long process & it takes time to get positioned to result into branding. With online exhibition, brand awareness & creation becomes not only easy, instant but worldwide as well.

The list of advantages are more and more …….just think once again !

Any Manufacturers, exporters, importers, suppliers, traders from any country of the world willing to participate in international online exhibition which is to start from 15th February 2009 on www.made-from-india.com. This event is going to be the worlds largest B2b Online exhibition held so far may contact at exhibition@made-from-india.com for further details .
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Looking For Export?

2008-11-28T00:55:00.002+05:30

Looking for Export , but how to Export ? Is this the question which hovers the most in the mind of every person looking to venture beyond boundaries of one’s country .Ofcourse, this was also the problem of Mr Nath , the marketing head of a corporate which wanted that they should also start export as their product is of very high standard .Whereas, inferior products than their products have good command in international market.

This made him to see me as to how to go for it .Before that they had no experience of international trade. The over confidence about their product with ignorance about international market was biggest challenge for me to make him understand that it is not always better product which can be exported but a lot matters which if does not exist , then transaction cannot be completed.

Anyhow, the gentleman agreed to give up the thought that only quality matters but various factors dominate an international business.

The factors which need to be understood for international business are :

a) Piloting with proper product – Even if one is manufacturing various products say three products and have very good market share in all of the three products , then too , the proper product has to be identified .

Here, one will say that ok , the theory is fine , but how to conclude that it is a proper product , then the answer has to be found by the person dealing in the products as he is the best judge in that case .Because, such person can only understand the minor aspects of any change if demanded or compelled in international market

b) Finding Proper Market - Every market has only one golden rule which is demand and supply compliment each other. The proper product should also get the most proper market. Since, merely because everything can be bought and sold in a market , any market cannot be said to be proper market.

Say, if ink pen has high demand in Russia and has very good potential , but it is being tried to be sold to USA which has least takers , then such market cannot be said to be proper market for ink pen.

This simple analogy if understood by an exporter at an early date , it can bring wonders for him as success of any international business is dependant upon proper market

The very next question which arises is that how to find out as to which is the best potential market. This question has solution on studying the following :
i) Research on customers behaviour in different countries
ii) Data on demand of a particular products in a particular country
iii) Export import data of the targeted countries
These all will give a strong signal that which country is having best potential for one’s product.

c) Product Specification in potential market- the very next step which comes as most important factor is identifying and matching the specification of demanded products and successfully implying in your potential product before it can be explored for exporting .

The product specification has to be considered in following important terms :
i) Segment usage
ii) Packing
iii) Warranty and after sales service
iv) Pricing
v) Pattern, shape ,size, color etc
On understanding the above factors, a exporter can have confidence to place the product in the potential market.

Hope , lot of unsolved puzzles are solved and many more will be in future as well. In the following sessions , we shall be highlighting about other crucial factors so that the fear of how to and shall I export will permanently vanish from the minds of manufacturers, exporters, trades, suppliers of the world including India.

The author is business editor with www.made-from-india.com, a world class B2b Portal especially meant for promoting business of SME’s .

ONLINE EXHIBITION, A WONDER OF B2B WORLD

2008-11-28T00:43:00.003+05:30

Gone are the days when one has to send communication through letters, fax or by other modes , today is the world of hi tech communicating modes say e-mail, sms, mms etc.

New media of internet has dominated the business as well, so is the high time when online exhibition should replace the offline exhibition.Since, online exhibition has following benefits :

a) No travelling
b) deep reach
c) less cost
d) more profit
e) 24 hrs live
f) no international boundary
g) more ROI
h) more exposure

in the history of b2b portals of the world including india , the online exhibition is for the first time introduced by www.made-from-india.com which is going to see not only area specific exhibitions but also industry specific exhibitions.

The first phase of exhibition is to start from 14 Decemeber 2008 and will last upto 31th January 2009 in which prominent exhibitors of indian industrial belts i.eAhmedabad, Aurangabad , Rajkot, Mumbai, Surat and vadodara will be highlighted.

During second phase, from 15the February 2009 to 31st March 2009,industry specific exhibitions will be for cotton, pharmaceutical, plastics, chemicals etc. This will also highlight some prominent manufacturers from entire world.Since,industry specific will be international exhibition.

This exhibition is going to be a great boon for manufacturer, exporters, importers, traders etc of entire world.

For participating in international exhibitions on cotton,plastics,chemicals, pharmaceuticals etc , one can contact on info@made-from-india.com .For further , querries , one can visit

Why New Markets are required For One's Products

2008-11-28T00:34:00.000+05:30

Before one understand this mystery , three factors are to be known for revealing the mathematics of any market players :

a) Demand and Supply
b) Quality at competitive rate
c) Growth for survival in tough competition

I remember , last Saturday I got a call from a senior president of a MNC , saying that I am looking for new market but cant make as to where shall I go for and especially when the management is insisting for fast set up of new supply chain in new markets but I am afraid with global melt down of economy , since , it has broken the backbone of every company irrespective of country.

I started to deal the situation with certain things which I am just reiterating so that some one can use it as to why new markets are required . New Markets can be set up by adopting any of the ways as is practiced by the global players :

a) Setting up a subsidiary unit
b) Making up channel sales force
c) Making business associates
d) Making assignment based agents
e) Generating continous leads for business deals

People may choose as per their best economy , nature of business and longetivity of business interest. But, the gentleman was sounding over enthusiastic and even said ,…….yes , Mr Becker , I know this all but my problem is still as such and repeated it as well for times .This made me to finally ask him to accompany me over tea which longed to dinner.

In our first sitting , he had a very long brain storming session and he was only interested to know an answer to why ? instead of knowing how to do it so , let us name it “Why Session” Why Session New Market means more business and new business as well. In other words means more profit and revenue irrespective of its sustainability .

Again the same question cropped as to why new market , ofcourse ! for this I am paid for and companies make business out of such advises.
a) What is the meaning of new market ?
b) How to explore new market ?
c) Which market will be the best new market ?

All the aforesaid questions have simple answer as discussed below. It can be understood by simple formula of demand and supply. Where there is demand which is sustainable and with better prospects will be considered as new market . The new market can be within the territory of one’s country or may even cross the barrier of international market. If demand is more in a new market , then it is always advisable for exploring a new market . The market can be explored with better pricing with best quality , since the golden rule is quality should always command the pricing factor and pricing factor always follow quality factor . Since, both are incomplete without each other and compliment vice versa.

As already said , the new market could be explored with new subsidiary , joint venture, partnerships, business associates, deployment of work force or even without substantial investment by way of continous generation of business leads , may be a B2b platform or b2b portal can get business leads for you like www.made-from-india.com ,which I recently saw and seems to be a promising one for global traders and exporters.

Exploring new markets can be even by way of launching your product in unexplored areas of one’s country and even exporting the product to a particular country where best demand is there . The result will be more demand will always give better pricing factor. Ofcourse, such markets will be the best market to be explored since business is done for profit and the market which can give more profit will always be the best market whether it is new and unknown as well. Say , a ball pen has the best quality over the existing ball pens in its segment and usage, but unless not being sold in better market will always get less revenue over inferior ball pens which are in best market where the demand is more for ball pens and for quality .

After listening such simple things , the gentleman said , Mr Becker even I knew this but you made me understand the simple analogy and now I am sure to give some promising result to my management. We shall be discussing other aspects of other sessions in due course of time , meanwhile , simply understand the fact that business is for profit and it is always dominated by demand and supply .

The author is business editor with www.made-from-india.com

trade show and exhibition-B2b wonders

2008-11-28T00:29:00.002+05:30

International Business is a Click away

The universe is small in front of speed and world of internet. Dont you believe ? through surfing, the unreachable can be surpassed at the speed of thought. The world is at reach with your laptop/pc, provided with internet connection. Khudos to business to business (b2b) portals, even in vacation , business seems to be fun.

Gone are the days , when one need to do endless correspondences and struggling to settle with a buyer and if buyer found , to settle in other terms was almost impossible job.Now , everything is transparent and at the reach of a businessman , afterall , time optimized signifies , time saved for more business , which always means money by way of profit.

Is any one really interested in travelling and wasting precious time of life in struggling for a buyer or take pleasure in finding buyer at ease .If no, then its high time to enter the game of e-commerce at clicks away.

Business to Business Portal For Business of new Age

A b2b portal is simply a magical wand for business in new age of e-commerce. If it comes to wonders in business , then it can be one . www.made-from-india.com matches the magic in business by its services for offers of buy and sell, lead on demand , SEO, 12 pages website with 12times more exposure to search engines and better Alexa ranking as well as virtual office.

It provides , all leads/offers from both buyer and sellers of manufactured goods and services without any hurdle . Genuineness always comes packed with every such information of products of Indian manufacturers, suppliers,exporters which is required by businessmen of India as well as traders form every part of the world.

In a b2b portal , a member can have spacious showroom to display their products and services , as the case may be, and to get maximum business offers round the clock by their virtual office , which is the most unique feature and never before offered by any single b2b portal of the world for years.

Virtual office is revolutionary tool to face the competition and outgo competitors, with all information constantly stored , even when office of a businessman is not working at woo hours.The virtual office has evolved after research and development in business needs for a b2b ,over two decades, so as to maximize the benefits of Indian manufacturers,suppliers,exporters and importers , beside similar generic of the world.

With the aid of virtual office one can manage the affairs of business be it procurement of raw materials, market their product in its own country , exporting , recruitment i.e manpower , finances and can even plan out its inventory and look for business services to run the show.

Benefits of Business to Business (B2b ) platform :
a) Viability
b) accessibility
c) time saving
d) better and more options of buyers and sellers
e) virtual office , a revolution in business i.e global power
f) presence in internet world through best SEO
g) brand creation, brand awareness, brand make over.
h) Business for 24hrs X 7 days for 365 days
i) Wider reach
j) Exploring untapped market
k) Boundaryless communication
l) Unlimited business via unlimited business querries/leads/offers
m) Quicker response
n) Business without travel
o) Better negotiation powers i.e buying power
p) Better price for final goods i.e selling power
q) Do business in your terms and conditions
r) Launching your products at zero cost
s) Enhanced profits , more turnover
t) Decreased expenses, more Profits i.e controlling the economy of business.
u) Buyers of your product can be from any part of the world which is not possible if not present in B2b platform
v) Show your products and potential to world and world will respect your product and demand it in turn.
w) It connects buyers and sellers at ease and business occurs at a blink.
x) online exhibition wonder which cannot be matched even by offline exhibition, one such online b2b exhibition which is going to be of world class is going to be held from 14 december 2008 to 31st march on various industries and focusing various locations on www.made-from-india.com

So, can any one really miss the jet of success , when this jet is available for all. But at the same , one has to be careful so that the profit in business sustain even if b2b platform way is adopted for carrying out business.

online b2b trade show and exhibition

2008-11-28T00:25:00.001+05:30

Exhibition is one of the glamorous media for exploring business branding and finding new avenues of expansion as well.

I remember the days during 2003, when I was working in one automobile accessory parts manufacturing company and the company was very aggressive in media participation. The entire emphasis was on Exhibition .

Those days were very hectic. Before, the exhibition was to start long brain storm sessions with technical team and reporting to top brass for strategy for the specific exhibition was normal for almost every week. Also, at times, had to complete all formalities of visa and et all , so that I can safely land in international territory for new international territory of business for the company.

With the completion of new exhibition , the tension of attending the another one was on the chart and again the same cycle .The same type of preparations and activities were at par with daily sops of channels .

Once, I had to make a last minute visit to Nairobi for an international exhibition. I alongwith my team reached in late night , unfortunately the hotel denied to honour their commitment of booking and the very next day , we were also supposed to look fresh so that visitors can be attended in a sophisticated manner. The night was very long by the time we settled for some roof for our head .

All such experiences taught me one lesson that attending an exhibition successfully requires preparation for every phase :

a) Tracking exhibition on regular basis.
b) Choosing and getting a stall booked.
c) Pre-preparation for attending an exhibition including accommodation and other reservations.
d) Making stuffs for distribution and packing it for transportation .
e) Study of participants of a particular exhibition.
f) Reaching in advance .
g) Attending the days of exhibition and explaining to visitors.
h) Compiling all data’s of probable’s and packing on completion of exhibition.
i) Reporting on exhibition to management and action plan .

Over twenty five years of experience in attending exhibition and trade events , I always wish that if I had some alternative to attending an exhibition. Since offline exhibitions are very expensive, time consuming, requires intense travelling, devotion of entire days during exhibition, limited reach to the visitors and participants of exhibition and requires extensive preparation.

Finally, I got online B2b exhibition not only as an alternative but is more effective and advantageous than offline exhibition. Really , want to know how , then pl read it very carefully:

a) No international Boundary – Online exhibition has deepest reach and penetration since any person at any point of time and from any part of the world can see the exhibitors products and services . No international boundary exist for the visitors who want to go for online exhibition, whereas, offline exhibition always have a barrier of international boundary. Since, entire world is for business and b2b portals just make it happen.

b) No Travelling – Neither the exhibitor need to travel to a place to show their products or service nor a visitor need to travel to see the products or services of the exhibitors.

c) Very Less Cost - The cost for travelling , lodging and boarding, cost of distribution stuff and manpower gets reduced to almost 5% .It is very cost effective since , costing is the need of the hour especially when entire world is pointing on costing.

d) No Time Limitation – Convenience is the other name of online exhibition since there is no restriction of time for visiting online exhibition. Any person can visit such exhibition at any time of day or night and see and find the products and services of his/her need. This is not possible with offline exhibition. With such innovative online B2b exhibition people don’t have to plan out time ,out of busy schedule to visit upto the place of offline exhibition but as per their convenience , it can be explored .

e) Maximum ROI- Business world always care for return on investment i.e profit , for them online exhibition always have maximum ROI in return .Since, not only it is cost effective and reaches maximum mass and targeted genuine audience but also more people can participate in exhibition.

f) Better Communication – On finding a particular exhibitor, a visitor can immediately contact him/her by email or call as entire details are available . It makes communication more effective and fast as well.

g) Maximum Exhibition can be Attended- One can attend atleast 5 online exhibitions at the cost of 1 offline exhibition. Moreover, frequency of participation also increases without much preparation and no need to settle again after visiting one exhibition before preparing for participating the other one.

h) Tension free- The term tension can include any and everything which is associated with offline exhibition . Whereas, online b2b exhibition is totally tension free and blended with latest technology to improve the chances of success.

The list of advantages are more and more …….just think once again , but I really wish it had been in existence atleast ten years back as well.

The author is an exhibition advisor to www.made-from-india.com

Improve Supply Chain Efficiency Through Updated Solution

2008-08-04T10:12:00.000+05:30

Tracking the condition and status of a company's assets just got easier with the new upgrade from RedPrairie Corp., an optimization company. The E2e Supply Chain Execution suite is now integrated with asset management capabilities of the company's standalone Mobile Resource Management solutuion.

"Integrated visibility and control over the movement of inventory and assets across today’s complex global supply networks can be slow, costly, and very challenging. In the past, inventory and the assets used to ship them were tracked in two separate systems, which made closed-loop tracking of assets very difficult. With the new release, customers can manage this combined movement through a single process, driving greater efficiency, improved visibility and stronger control over supply chain operations," said Tom Kozenski, vice president product strategy

The system supports the use of RFID, 2-D barcodes and other AIDC technologies to track inventory and assets within the distribution center, as well as outside of it, such as in trailer yards, in-transit, at customer sites, or even within a retailer’s store network. Both serialized and non-serialized assets can be tracked at each location.

The enhanced system also allows the ability to track asset movement to and from suppliers and repair depots.

Source-industryweek.com

Moving Value Through the Supply Chain

2008-08-04T10:10:00.000+05:30

Do the terms -- value added, superior customer value, or value chain -- make you want to throw something since you have heard the terms so much? Let's face it, you have been trying to improve revenue and profitability by creating superior value for your customers, improving effectiveness and efficiency and improving supplier relationships for years. You have spent countless hours getting managers trained in lean and six sigma processes, implementing enterprise and customer relationship management systems, and executing initiatives to improve innovation, capture voice of the customer data and integrate information systems. You have spent millions of dollars in cash, time and effort. Yet, the pressure from global competitors seems to be increasing rather than declining and you often find yourself still being beat up on price. What in the world is going on here? The problem is movement.

You probably thought that "moving value" was about how you can move value through the supply chain, managing its creation and delivery. But, it also means that value perceptions are moving throughout the supply chain; the target is constantly in flux. We will deal with both aspects of value movement in this article and leave you with five tips on how you might adapt your approach to managing them.

Value management begins with understanding that value is in the eye of the "customer" and not inherent in any product, service, or system. The "customer" is the next person in a work cell, the next process in the factory, the next business unit to whom you deliver, the immediate paying customer be it another business unit or an external firm and the subsequent downstream organizations and consumers through to the final end-user. In a true relationship mindset, world-class companies often think of their suppliers also as customers; how can I better service my suppliers and suppliers' suppliers? As such, every link in the "value stream" within your "four walls" and outside constitutes a supplier-customer relationship. Each decision maker is willing to make certain sacrifices in terms of monetary and non-monetary costs to obtain desired benefits. The more positive is that tradeoff between benefits and sacrifices, the more value both parties receive, driving customer satisfaction, commitment and recommendations to others.

A significant amount of research states that all customers value functional benefits, relational benefits, service benefits, and brand reputation (quality, consistency) -- and they evaluate each distinctly. Customers also evaluate both the monetary and non-monetary sacrifices (e.g., difficulty of doing business with a vendor, retailer, supplier) that they must make to obtain those benefits. As a result, we should exert effort on those activities that either improve the opportunity for an immediate or downstream customer to experience an improved, very specific, desired benefit and/or experience less of a sacrifice to obtain those benefits. Moving value means constantly improving the value perceptions immediate and downstream customers perceive they are getting. In exchange, customers "pay" suppliers more in terms of price, volume, share of business, and share of mind, improving the value that suppliers receive from customers all the way back through the supply chain.

Moving value recognizes the fact that most of what and how customers make value judgments is out of the control of marketers/suppliers/brand managers. Customers constantly are bombarded with buying-related information. As customers, regardless of definition, go about living their lives, they are constantly refining their interpretations about the value of specific products, services, and relationships. Since brand managers/suppliers have little influence on this valuing process, they are forced to be constantly vigilant to the changes in what specific customers value and why. It is nothing short of an entirely different way of looking at customers and supply chain relationships.

So your task is two-fold, to continuously improve the value equation at every stage of the value stream by improving benefits and reducing sacrifices while also recognizing that the target you are shooting at is constantly changing.

I have five tips to help you think about influencing and recognizing value movement throughout the supply chain.

Operate under the assumption that your competition knows at least 90% of what you know -- if not 10% more than you know. Dig deeper. Pat Summit, head coach of the six-time national champion Lady Vols women's basketball team at the University of Tennessee, simply outworks her competition. The team puts in more hours refining processes and skills and studying the competition and customers than do their competitors.
Assume that the most critical aspects of desired value propositions are changing 10% faster than your current nightmare. In the consumer electronics world of LG and Sony, constant change means rapidly increasing technological capabilities and customer expectations within a world of stomach-wrenching, pricing cascades. Vigilance for opportunities to influence changes in value perceptions anywhere along the supply chain and for changes to which they must respond is essential merely for survival. Make one wrong strategic move based on an inaccurate or incomplete evaluation of value movement, and a firm could be playing catch-up for years as witnessed by Dell's operations in China.
Focus on quality metrics but ignore emotional bonding through superior brand management at your own peril. Samsung has significantly improved its ability to increase value creation throughout its supply chain, both for business customers and consumers. However, it has yet to create the powerful emotion bonds that solidify customer relationships and facilitate higher margins that its tougher competitors have. Quality alone is never enough.
Develop relationships that enable significant and frequent information sharing through joint processes that involve multiple supply chain partners. Ikea has long been known for its ability to move value both up and down its supply chain by integrating demand and supply processes and designing supply chains that make it easier, more affordable, and in many cases, more enjoyable for customers to acquire the benefits they want. They not only execute superior supply chain management, they also win advertising awards for the creativity and effectiveness of their marketing communications. They have a laser-focus on specific target markets, know how to own their position within those markets, and stay at the forefront of changing value expectations -- some of which they drive themselves.
Learn by thinking out of the box. Don't benchmark and hire only from within your industry. Hire top talent from outside. Invest in processes that stimulate new ways of recognizing and approaching problems and opportunities. Eastman Chemical Co., for example, has hired a number of branding, product development, and advertising managers from consumer goods industries in order to stimulate out-of-the-box thinking about value-change possibilities.

Value must be experienced at each and every step of the supply chain within and outside of your organization. Your targets are moving too quickly in today's global business environment. You must constantly move the value bar higher at every link you can influence and keep up with changes that you cannot influence but to which you must respond -- all ahead of the competition.

Daniel J. Flint, Ph.D., is the Proffitt's, Inc. Professor of Marketing and director of the marketing Ph.D. program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has an engineering degree from Annapolis, an MSA from Central Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in marketing and logistics from the University of Tennessee. Flint's expertise is in customer value management, specifically helping firms gain deeper insights to their customers' changing value perceptions, and logistics innovation.

Source-industryweek.com

University of Mississippi Health Care Selects UHC for Group Purchasing Services

2008-08-04T10:07:00.000+05:30

Today, the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) announced that University of Mississippi Health Care (UMHC), a 722-bed academic medical center (AMC) in Jackson, has been added to its growing list of group purchasing and supply chain participants.

"Moving to UHC for our group purchasing and related services provides our organization with a strategic partner that is committed to meeting our unique needs as an academic medical center," said Will Ferniany, CEO. "Having been an active participant in UHC's comparative databases and other services since 2006, we believe that expanding our participation in this important area of our operations will provide even greater value to our organization and those we serve."

UMHC will have access to the industry's broadest and best-priced contract portfolio through UHC's contracting services company, Novation. Additionally, UHC will provide implementation and consulting assistance and will work in collaboration with UMHC's local suppliers and its distributor.

"We are committed to supply chain performance excellence, and UHC offers the comprehensive services and the flexibility we were seeking to help us achieve our supply chain goals. I'm impressed with UHC's professionalism, knowledge and concern for our issues," said Ed Smith, executive director of supply chain management at UMHC.

UMHC serves as Mississippi's only Level 1 trauma center and includes University Hospital, Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants, Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, and other hospitals and clinics. A majority of the 7,500 employees at the state's only health sciences center, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, are on the health care team of UMHC.

"UHC is dedicated to delivering the best group purchasing and supply chain services for the nation's leading AMCs and their affiliated providers. We are delighted to have been selected by UMHC as its supply chain partner," said Irene M. Thompson, president and CEO.

About UHC:

UHC offers its 102 academic medical center full members and 184 associate members specific programs and services to improve operational, clinical, and financial performance. UHC's comprehensive suite of supply chain services includes the industry's leading contract portfolio through UHC's contracting services company, Novation, useful supply chain analytic tools, valuable supply chain performance management services, and dynamic peer networking and educational opportunities. Visit "About UHC" at http://www.uhc.edu for more information.

SOURCE University HealthSystem Consortium

Tri Petch outsources logistics

2008-08-04T10:05:00.000+05:30

CEVA Logistics (Thailand) Co is now handling all automotive logistics for Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co under a new three-year outsourcing contract.

Tri Petch is responsible for the sales and distribution of Isuzu pickup trucks and heavy-duty trucks via a network of more than 300 dealers. CEVA will use its carrier fleet and IT systems to manage the distribution of Isuzu vehicles throughout the country.

"Since we are not professionals in logistics and it is not our core business, we decided to select a specialist global logistics company to handle our logistics operations," said Panadda Chennavasin, vice-president of Tri Petch.

As well, Tri Petch wants its supply chain to operate to global best-practice levels and to significantly improve sales operations to support the dealer network.

"We hope our operating costs will improve from efficient logistics performance, which will be assessed once a year," she said.

CEVA will manage Tri Petch's vehicle supply chain from Isuzu's plants through to final delivery to dealers. This includes transport of vehicles from plants in Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao to two motor pools, where vehicles are inspected, accessories installed and the vehicles made ready for final delivery to dealers.

A CEVA executive said the company recently began an operational process improvement and re-engineering programme to increase the quality of logistics operations to world-class standards.

The programme involve the establishment of a shared-user vehicle logistics network to be used by other automotive manufacturing and sales companies. This will improve overall efficiency of the supply chain and provide a highly cost-effective operation for Tri Petch and for CEVA's new customers.

CEVA will use more than 100 car carriers for transport, along with a management and operational team of more than 400 staff.

"This is one of the largest automotive logistics contracts in the Thai market," said Winfried Kiesbueye, CEVA's managing director. "Our key aim is to improve the efficiency of Tri Petch's vehicle handling operation by implementing CEVA's best-practice lean processes and increasing overall control."

Source-bangkokpost.com

A strong business case for Sustainability – Ernst & Young

2008-08-04T10:01:00.001+05:30

Climate change, sustainability and corporate social responsibility have risen inexorably in the public and corporate minds over the last decade, says Ernst & Young. They go on to state that while businesses and consumers are vying to out do each other’s green claims, the scientific community is issuing increasingly stark warnings about the urgency and depth of cuts required to avoid the most dangerous impacts of climate change.

A survey carried out by Ernst & Young in conjunction with the Economist Intelligence Unit among executives from US$ 1 billion plus corporations to see how organizations view the impact of sustainability on its supply chain and sourcing, indicates a high level of awareness of sustainability, with an appreciation of opportunities it offers within the supply chain. More than half of the respondents to the survey indicated reputation, cost reduction, and revenue growth as the top three opportunities that arise from sustainability. An increased cost base was highlighted as the greatest risk, inferring operational and energy savings will be offset by capital costs and increase in prices from suppliers.

The survey also indicates that a company’s approach to emissions and accountability for its supply chain activity could make or break corporate reputation. 71% of the respondents to the survey view the impact of sustainability on the supply chain as a brand / reputation opportunity allowing to secure competitive advantage. It is thought that supply chains are key to enhancing reputation, both through avoiding risks such as unfair labour practices and using unsustainable material, and in ensuring businesses live up to their carbon reduction promises.

The survey further states that in addition to corporate reputation, cost saving and revenue inducing factors contribute to the business case for sustainability. These include operational and energy efficiency, energy and carbon trading, and new product development and green marketing. The survey findings also indicate that operational and energy efficiency has become key factors in the review of sustainability, since soaring energy and raw material prices has become significant corporate issues. 50% of organizations in the survey see sustainability as a cost saving issue and significant opportunities exist for this throughout the supply chain.

Energy and carbon trading is a factor that strengthens the business case by creating revenue opportunities. 63% of the organizations in the survey clearly identify sustainability as opportunity for revenue growth with carbon trading schemes and investments in renewable energy generation. To combat rising energy prices and reduce in-house emissions, 40% of firms have invested in on-site renewable energy generation such as onshore wind on telecom sites and biomass combined heat and power at factories. This offers greater control over energy costs, enhances corporate reputations and promises profits from the sale of surplus renewable electricity. Similarly, an increasing number of firms are creating revenue from carbon trading. Under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, participating firms must operate within an annual emissions cap. Operating outside a designated carbon cap could mean paying for excess emissions. Developing countries that do not have emission caps provide finance for greenhouse gas reduction projects through Clean Development Mechanism in return for Certified Emissions Reduction permits which are sold on the open market to firms with emission caps. Multinational businesses could use this scheme to finance energy efficiency and renewable projects for their developing world sites and suppliers.

Revenue through new product development and green marketing is another opportunity. Energy efficiency legislation promises to phase out energy-intensive products replacing them with more ‘greener’ ones, while consumer campaigns and an abundance of product labels aim to increase demand for more sustainable products and services. Businesses are competing to launch sustainable products and services to increase their market share. While many firms limit innovation to certain products, enhancing their reputations as a result, the real challenge is to mainstream them across existing product ranges.

Further, 65% of the respondents to the survey have taken measures to implement labour standard improvements as action on corporate responsibility aspects of sustainability.

Despite indications that the impact of sustainability results in such a varied range of opportunity and threats, organizations seem to be taking a back-seat when it comes to dealing with it. Only 12% of firms rated sustainability among their top three supply chain priorities. This maybe an indication of the mixed messages businesses receive from governments, regulators and consumers – their three key stakeholders as indicated by the survey. Consumer pressure and PR spin has resulted in some very challenging public commitments resulting in businesses over-promising and under-delivering their commitments. Many large global companies have yet to realize the full potential of the savings and benefits that can be achieved by integrating sustainability issues into their supply chain management. With growing legislation, dwindling resources and increasingly vocal consumers, sustainability will continue to grow in importance as an opportunity for forward thinking firms and a threat to their competitors that fail to act.

Source-dailymirror.lk

New market place for used trucks by MinuteMachine

2008-08-02T10:20:00.001+05:30

MinuteMachine.com, one of the leading Internet marketplaces for used construction equipment, has just released it new website www.MinuteTruck.com to enlarge their previous offer.

The international market place for used construction machinery www.MinuteMachine.com, where dealers and final customers can publish second hand equipment for sale, is online since 2006 and had an astonishing pace of development during the last two years. Today the Internet Portal receives about 16.000 visitor’s every day and more than 20.000 used machines are advertised.

Because of this huge enthusiasm and demand, the company will open up their market to the transport and commercial vehicle sector.
The CEO Inga Gerstenberg said "During the last two years we put all our effort in the construction machinery. We achieved in a very short period of time being one of the leading market places worldwide. Now it is time to be concerned with a new strategy to expand our repertoire to other branches of the industry sector."

MinuteMachine and MinuteTruck would like to facilitate companies around the world to establish contacts with potential customers, a B2B concept especially for a niche markets like construction machinery business or transport business.

The company already received an important feedback of the new strategy, because yet there are advertised more than 6.000 used trucks and trailers at MinuteTruck within a few weeks.

MinuteTruck is a market place for used trucks, where dealers and final customers can publish their used trucks and contact with a worldwide audience.
Source-prleap.com

ForeignTRADEX To Add Live RFQ's From U.S. and European Industrial Buyers

2008-08-02T10:17:00.001+05:30

ForeignTRADEX, (http://www.ForeignTradeExchange.com) a US-European industrial trade portal and division of US-based Industrial Leaders Group (ILG), announced today it will provide open RFQs for members and users of its international industrial directories. According to Maria Santos, spokeswoman for the company, the trade leads provided through the site include offers to buy and sell all kinds of industrial tools, parts, machining services and other manufacturing solutions.

Santos said the RFQ's are mostly from engineers, manufacturing managers, technical professionals and other industrial buyers primarily based in but not limited to the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Germany, France, Finland, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia and other countries in Europe. Qualified U.S., European and Australian buyers registered on the site are able to submit RFQ's at no charge to multiple manufacturers and suppliers capable of meeting their requirements.

Suppliers of industrial products and contract manufacturing services can include their company on ForeignTRADEX at http://www.WorldwideIndustrialMarketplace.com/freelisting.html and qualify to receive instant RFQ's from buyers that contact them directly through the site. According to Santos, manufacturers can also sign up to access additional RFQ's provided by on-line partners of ForeignTRADEX serving the American and European industrial marketplaces.

The types of open RFQ's from buyers available through the site directly and indirectly, include offers to buy a broad variety of industrial products and manufacturing services such as cold forming, electronics, woodworking, textiles, fluid & gas flow control, hardware & fasteners, mechanical power transmission, molding, machining, grinding, tubing, extrusions, wire forming, casting, assembly, raw materials, metalworking, stamping, forging, die making and allied products and services.

"ForeignTRADEX offers a wide range of opportunities for qualified buyers and suppliers in the manufacturing community to connect, network and develop mutually fruitful trading partnerships with one another," says Santos. She added, "Manufacturers, engineers, plant maintenance mechanics, production managers, buying agents and other industrial suppliers and sourcing professionals all over the globe are welcome to participate."
Source-pr.com

Custom Flash Drive Suppliers

2008-08-01T10:11:00.000+05:30

My company is expanding into a new market area and we have been researching the use of a unique flash drive design for a large campaign. A month ago I contacted one of the leading developers of custom flash drive premiums and flash 'widget' software operating out of California, hoping to get detailed information on their customization capability and volume minimums. Since our proposed drive design and campaign are unique, I requested an NDA. Given that this company normally dealt in custom unit designs for national campaigns, this seemed a minor request. There was no objection to this at first, but then their sales representative fell silent, ignoring all email. After a long wait, I called the company to enquire as to what happened and was passed to their president. I could immediately tell something was wrong with this individual as he seemed rather distracted. I again asked about the NDA, to which there was no objection. But then I discovered the fellow had been Googling my company name while I was on the phone with him when he demanded to know why my email had no company domain name and why I had no web site -god forbid there should be such a thing as a company that works exclusively B2B and knows its small base of customers personally... The conversation immediately reverted into something akin to a police interrogation as to the legitimacy of my company. Over the next few days this escalated to the point where I actually had to submit a scan of my articles of incorporation to prove to this man's satisfaction that my company existed. I got an NDA at last -one drafted by them because my simple boilerplate one was unacceptable to their lawyers- but then after submitting my signed copy I was never able to get their signed copy in return. Another couple weeks later I was suddenly contacted again by the original marketing representative asking if I needed more assistance. I posed some more questions about their products and asked about this NDA. Again, silence.

It's now been a month and I'm still at square one. I've been trying to be very patient with these people because they obviously have quality products made in the US and I could find no other companies with comparable software capability. I would like to avoid spending 6 months and a lot of unnecessary expense on having such software custom-developed. But it's clear I've reached a cul-de-sac.

So I would like to pose the following questions to this community;

Is this common behavior for such companies, and if so, how can I tailor my communication to better cope with it and illicit more productive responses? I admit to having limited personal experience with such firms but do have enough business experience to know there are some regions of the country and some industries where the business culture is such that politeness engenders disdain. I've never been one to respond in kind -as much as I would like to sometimes...

Second, since I'm getting nowhere with this particular company, I would greatly appreciate any recommendations of companies that do custom flash drive production with widget software supporting such features as virtual paged catalogs, ROI use metrics tracking, background content updating and RSS content push and might be able to work with Flash platform development on more specialized applications.
Source-marketingprofs.com

More Benefits of Recycling as eco|International Acquires Inventory Retailer AuctionDrop™ Inc.

2008-08-01T10:03:00.000+05:30

Businesses familiar with the benefits of recycling (http://www.ecointernational.com/) can glean even more from ECO International, LLC's acquisition of inventory (http://auctiondrop.com/) retailer AuctionDrop™, effective June 16th 2008.

The acquisition allows AuctionDrop™ -- a leading online retailer for the liquidation of wholesale surplus and salvage inventory (http://auctiondrop.com/) and assets -- to grow and efficiently serve its customers with the necessary resources and technology. Customers receive the benefit of enhanced services, including expanded geographic coverage and additional services, including end-of-life recycling, to both the retailers and manufacturers.

ECO International, LLC, a world-wide electronics asset recovery and recycling company, will also be able to provide its clients who already recognize the benefit of recycling (http://www.ecointernational.com/) with even more innovative and expanded approaches for the disposition of e-Waste.

AuctionDrop™ is a leading online retailer for the liquidation of wholesale surplus and salvage inventory and assets. The Company's business-to-consumer model sources wholesale, surplus and excess inventory from big box national retailers, high-end luxury retailers and manufacturers selling merchandise through its own website portal (auctiondrop.com) as well as other online channels such as eBay. Operations include all aspects of the reverse supply chain from supplier pickup-up, merchandise auction listing, packing and shipping to tracking, and collections while providing superior customer service.

The AuctionDrop™ value proposition provides simplicity, consistency, and reliability for manufacturers and retailers to maximize yields on the disposition of excess inventories, customer returns, and damaged overstock goods. This is achieved by reducing the internal costs for the manufacturer or retailer while yielding the maximum value of the product by selling it directly to consumers and increasing the benefits of recycling.

Market performance: AuctionDrop™ consistently ranks among the top EBay sellers based on volume sold while maintaining a remarkable 98.2% positive buyer "feedback" rating for cumulative transactions to-date. Awards received; Є Always on Top 100 Є Silicon Valley Business Journal Fast 50 (Ranked #3) Є Deloitte & Touchй Technology Fast Rising Stars (Ranked #12).

Auction Drop was advised on this transaction by America's Growth Capital.

About ECO International: ECO services various electronics recycling market segments from local municipalities and state recycling programs to original equipment manufactures (OEM's), Business to Business (B2B), Business to Retailer (B2R) and direct to consumer (B2C) programs helping increase electronics asset utilization and assure recycling regulatory compliance during technology life cycles. ECO is a privately held company with sister companies serving high technology electronic manufacturing, research and development, international electronic component distribution, with annual revenues in excess of $700 million.

Corporate vision includes investing in new technology, organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and third party partnerships to achieve our goals and objectives as a market leader.

Source-ecointernational.com

Summit Business Media Appoints Andrew L. Goodenough as CEO; William F. Reilly Will Continue to Serve as Chairman

2008-07-31T10:50:00.001+05:30

Summit Business Media today
announced that Andrew L. Goodenough has been named President and CEO.  The CEO title
was previously held by William F. Reilly.  Reilly, one of the most successful
investors in B2B media, will continue to serve as Chairman, in a non-executive
capacity, and remains a major investor in Summit.  Goodenough, 52, was named
President of Summit in September 2007.

"Going into the formation of Summit in November 2006, my plan was to drive
the initial growth of the business for several years as CEO, and then step
back to the Chairman role," Reilly said.  "I am delighted to be able to report
that Summit, in less than two years, is off to a great start and has taken its
place as a major B2B media company with more than 26 magazine titles, 150
reference books and electronic products and 100 live events.  We've built a
best-in-class management team led by Andy Goodenough, and I'm pleased to be
able to step back to that Chairman role sooner than expected and turn over the
day-to-day executive reins to Andy and his team."

"We are very pleased with Summit's success to date and Andy's role in
leading us to this point," said Jim TenBroek, Managing Director at Wind Point
Partners, Summit's largest investor.  "We also have the utmost respect for
Bill Reilly as a gifted manager and trusted friend in initiating this
transition.  We look forward to continue working with him as Chairman and
investor.  Moving forward, Andy Goodenough and his strong management team are
well positioned to take advantage of opportunities as they continue to
implement Summit's growth strategy."

Summit Business Media was formed in November 2006 through Wind Point
Partners' acquisition of Highline Media and Pfingsten Publishing in
partnership with Reilly and management of Highline Media.

Goodenough has been a senior B2B executive and entrepreneur for more than
30 years.  He was President of USB Corporation and Publisher of U.S. Banker
before its sale to Thomson Media in 1993, and then served as the President of
Thomson's Banking Publishing/Conferences Group.  The group published and
hosted more than 80 products and events including American Banker, U.S.
Banker, Bank Technology News, National Mortgage News, Credit Union Journal and
many others.  Goodenough later created the business plan for a new financial
services information company in 2002, secured equity funding from Spire
Capital in January 2003 and in October of that year, launched Highline Media
and acquired The National Underwriter Company, now a core asset in Summit's
operations.  Highline Media was acquired as part of the formation of Summit in
November 2006.

Goodenough is a graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont and holds an MBA
degree in finance and marketing from New York University.

About Summit Business Media

Summit Business Media was formed through Wind Point Partners' acquisition
of Highline Media and Pfingsten Publishing in November 2006.  The leading B2B
media and information company for the insurance, investment and professional
services markets, Summit publishes the insurance titles National Underwriter
Property/Casualty and Life/Health weeklies, Life Insurance Selling, Agent
Sales Journal, American Agent & Broker, Claims, Tech Decisions and Florida
Underwriter, and financial titles Wealth Manager, Research, Futures and
Mortgage Originator. In July 2007 the Company acquired Wicks Business
Information, and added Investment Advisor, Credit Union Times, Inside Counsel
and Treasury & Risk magazines, continuing to expand its footprint in the
financial industry as well as adding the legal and accounting markets, as part
of its growth into the professional services marketplace.  In July 2008, the
company acquired WiesnerMedia's Financial Group of B2B media and marketing
services, including Senior Market Advisor, Boomer Market Advisor, Benefits
Selling and Bank Advisor magazines, as well as ProducersWEB.com and the
Advisors Data Source.  In the Reference arena, the company publishes TaxFacts
and Fire, Casualty and Surety Bulletins, and, through its Highline Data unit,
financial and market information on insurers, agents and company benefit
plans.  Summit also sponsors the international Investment Conferences on
global mining investment, a dozen conference events affiliated with its
magazine brands, and via its Executive Enterprises unit, nearly 100
professional education seminars annually.

Summit is also one of the leading organizers of consumer art expositions
and providers of business-to-business information to the art market.
Source-earthtimes.org

More Benefits of Recycling as ECO International Acquires Inventory Retailer AuctionDrop(TM) Inc.

2008-07-31T10:06:00.000+05:30

Businesses familiar with the benefits of recycling can glean even more from ECO International, LLC's acquisition of inventory retailer AuctionDrop(TM), effective June 16th 2008.

The acquisition allows AuctionDrop(TM) -- a leading online retailer for the liquidation of wholesale surplus and salvage inventory and assets -- to grow and efficiently serve its customers with the necessary resources and technology. Customers receive the benefit of enhanced services, including expanded geographic coverage and additional services, including end-of-life recycling, to both the retailers and manufacturers.

ECO International, LLC, a world-wide electronics asset recovery and recycling company, will also be able to provide its clients who already recognize the benefit of recycling with even more innovative and expanded approaches for the disposition of e-Waste.

AuctionDrop(TM) is a leading online retailer for the liquidation of wholesale surplus and salvage inventory and assets. The Company's business-to-consumer model sources wholesale, surplus and excess inventory from big box national retailers, high-end luxury retailers and manufacturers selling merchandise through its own website portal (auctiondrop.com) as well as other online channels such as eBay. Operations include all aspects of the reverse supply chain from supplier pickup-up, merchandise auction listing, packing and shipping to tracking, and collections while providing superior customer service.

The AuctionDrop(TM) value proposition provides simplicity, consistency, and reliability for manufacturers and retailers to maximize yields on the disposition of excess inventories, customer returns, and damaged overstock goods. This is achieved by reducing the internal costs for the manufacturer or retailer while yielding the maximum value of the product by selling it directly to consumers and increasing the benefits of recycling.

Market performance: AuctionDrop(TM) consistently ranks among the top EBay sellers based on volume sold while maintaining a remarkable 98.2% positive buyer "feedback" rating for cumulative transactions to-date. Awards received; -- Always on Top 100 -- Silicon Valley Business Journal Fast 50 (Ranked #3) -- Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast Rising Stars (Ranked #12).

Auction Drop was advised on this transaction by America's Growth Capital.

Corporate vision includes investing in new technology, organic growth, strategic acquisitions, and third party partnerships to achieve our goals and objectives as a market leader.
Source-marketwatch.com

SmallCapReview - Penny Stocks to Watch - WSCE, EDNE, DGTC, DGLP

2008-07-30T10:12:00.000+05:30

Wescorp Energy (OTCBB: WSCE) Closed at $0.41. Today announced that Total Fluid Solutions Inc. (TFS), its wholly-owned subsidiary, has signed a master lease agreement with an oil and gas company with operations in Texas, Kansas and Wyoming, to use TFS's safe, effective and economical process for cleaning and separating oil from produced water. Under the terms of the contract, Wescorp Energy will construct, deploy and operate up to 256 water remediation units and provide trained technicians qualified to operate and service the equipment.

The lease rates for this contract will provide Wescorp with a full return of capital expenses and each unit will provide positive cash flow in less than 12 months. Under the terms of this contract, there are 5 standard through-put or volume capacity designs for the water remediation units being 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 5,000 barrels per day (BBLS/day). The daily lease rate is determined by the through-put capacity of each particular unit, with rates ranging from $900 to $2500 per day.

"This order for up to 256 of our patented water remediation units is monumental for Wescorp," commented Mark Norris, Chairman of Wescorp Energy and former Minister of Economic Development in the Alberta Provincial Government on the completing of the lease contract. "The anticipated reoccurring revenue from these units is expected to allow the company to grow by quantum leaps.

This technology has been designed and constructed to operate in oil and gas fields for the life of the producing wells - often as long as 15 or 20 years. We believe that this large initial order, primarily based on results from our 2,000 barrel-per-day commercial test unit, will lead to strong product acceptance by the industry. By reducing the amount of hydrocarbon in the produced water, this technology reduces environmental liabilities, the frequency of service and repairs on disposal and injection wells, and recovers additional hydrocarbons. Environmentally conscious companies are winning by reducing operation costs and increasing operating margins."

What They Do: Wescorp Energy is an oil and gas operations solutions company focused on commercializing technologies that overcome tough operations challenges facing oil and gas operators today. Wescorp combines its intellectual capital, oil and gas industry experience, best practices methodologies and its market offerings to deliver these solutions in a timely, economic and environmentally friendly manner.

What They Do: Wescorp Energy is an oil and gas operations solutions company focused on commercializing technologies that overcome tough operations challenges facing oil and gas operators today. Wescorp combines its intellectual capital, oil and gas industry experience, best practices methodologies and its market offerings to deliver these solutions in a timely, economic and environmentally friendly manner.

How They Trade: WSCE has a 52 week high of $0.51 and a 52 week low of $0.33. Volume averages approximately 146K shares a day.

Eden Energy (OTCBB: EDNE) Closed at $0.36. Announced yesterday after market close a corporate update on the Company’s exploration and development programs. The Noah Project in Nevada has been a primary focus of the Company since its inception in 2003. Starting with the groundbreaking work of Dr. Alan Chamberlain of Cedar Strat Inc., Eden matured the Noah project into a high quality drillable target. In April of 2007 the Company announced a farmout and joint venture agreement with a large Texas-based private company for the drilling of the Noah project. In April 2008 the Company announced that the Noah well had been plugged and abandoned after reaching a depth of 7,080 feet.

Subsequent to the Noah well drilling and after a careful review of the technical aspects of the Cherry Creek project the Company has decided not to pursue further activities and will not be renewing leases it holds in the project area. Eden Energy has participated in the drilling of two wells at Chinchaga in northwestern Alberta and has an interest in approximately 23,000 acres in the area. Both wells have been plugged and abandoned, however the Company views this area as highly prospective and will continue to monitor industry activity before making a decision of further drilling.

The White River Dome project in the Piceance Basin has become the Company’s primary focus. The White River Dome project combines good commercial returns while providing a large number of low risk development locations. Under its Drilling and Development Agreement, Eden may continue to drill wells and earn acreage in the federal exploratory Ant Hill Unit.

What They Do: Eden Energy Corp. focuses on large scale oil and gas projects with significant resource potential. Its current focus is the development of the White River Dome project in the Piceance Basin, Rio Blanco County, Colorado.

How They Trade: EDNE has a 52 week high of $1.20 and a 52 week low of $0.23. Volume averages approximately 149 shares a day.

Del Global Technologies Corp. (OTCBB: DGTC) Closed at $1.55. Today announced that it has signed an exclusive agreement with New Medical Imaging (NMI) of Taiwan, ROC, to sell and market NMI’s Gemini family of full-field, portable DR flat panels in the Americas. Del Medical will feature the Gemini flat panels at booth #738 at the AHRA 2008 Annual Meeting and Exposition, held July 27-31, 2008.

The Gemini flat panels are easily integrated into Del’s tables, which allows existing customers to upgrade or field retrofit their digital imaging systems. All of the Gemini products feature the latest flat panel technology and are DICOM compatible. Lightweight and portable, these flat panels facilitate multiple applications, while ensuring patient comfort and safety. Sharp, clear images appear on the screen in a matter of seconds resulting in significant workflow benefits.

What They Do: Del Global Technologies Corp. is primarily engaged in the design, manufacture and marketing of high performance diagnostic imaging systems for medical, dental and veterinary applications through the Del Medical Systems Group. Through its U.S. based Del Medical Imaging Corp. and Milan, Italy based Villa Sistemi Medicali S.p.A. subsidiaries the Company offers a broad portfolio of general radiographic, radiographic/fluoroscopic, portable x-ray and digital radiographic systems to the global marketplace.

How They Trade: DGTC has a 52 week high of $3.40 and a 52 week low of $1.15. Volume averages approximately 7K shares a day.

DigitalPost Interactive (OTCBB: DGLP) Closed aqt $0.09. Today announced the launch of Qwik-Edit(SM) -- a new, user-friendly photo-editing solution for its re-brandable digital media-sharing platform. This exciting new feature enables even the most novice Internet users to enhance their favorite family photos in one, easy step -- no downloads or special skills required.

Designed to work within DigitalPost Interactive's easy-to-use digital media-sharing platform, the new photo editor contains Crop, Rotate, Tint, Lighting, Auto-Correct, and Red-Eye features along with unique personalization tools for creating custom photo borders. Beginning today, users of TheFamilyPost.com and private-label versions of this compelling family website service can edit any photo posted on their site without the need for additional programs or third-party applications.

What They Do: DigitalPost Interactive is a SaaS (Software as a Service) and application provider that delivers B2B and B2C digital media-sharing solutions that are both easy to offer and easy to use. The company's visually-stunning, user-friendly Web 2.0 technology gives consumers a single, engaging place online for permanently storing and sharing a lifetime of digital media and memories, connecting with family and friends, and keeping organized in today's digital world.

How They Trade: DGLP has a 52 week high of $1.05 and a 52 week low of $0.08. Volume averages approximately 95K shares a day.
Source-transworldnews.com

American Express Business Travel to Launch BusinessTravelConnexion.com, a B2B Online Community

2008-07-30T09:52:00.001+05:30

During a press conference today at the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) International Convention & Exposition, American Express Business Travel announced plans to launch a business-to-business online networking community for the corporate travel industry. A first-of-its-kind resource, BusinessTravelConnexion.com will bring together a consortium of industry decision makers, suppliers, and experts in the industry's most extensive online, community platform. Also announced was NBTA's commitment to become the online community's first industry content partner. American Express Publishing's Executive Travel magazine will also provide content to the site. Designed as a place for members to connect, share and learn, BusinessTravelConnexion.com will draw together the combined expertise and wide variety of perspectives of American Express Business Travel, NBTA, industry publications, suppliers and editorialists. In addition to these affiliations, users will be empowered and encouraged to participate in online discussion boards, editorial reviews, hot topic polls, product development councils and provide feedback on what they want to hear about from the industry. Other features will include a resource center with white papers, surveys and other
research, RSS feed, blogs and benchmarking ability. Membership to the site will be open to the entire business travel community. "The latest online innovation from American Express,
BusinessTravelConnexion.com will grant corporations and individual travel professionals access to the wealth of information and expertise of our organization and members of the broader business travel industry, while asking them to supplement the site's value by contributing from their own experiences," said Lyell Farquharson, Vice President and General Manager,Business Travel Canada, American Express. "With the advent of new technology we're witnessing the business travel industry moving toward online resources and automated services, and our objective with this new, interactive network,is to continue to evolutionize the business travel experience." Kevin Maguire, CCTE, President and CEO, NBTA commented, "As a leading source of business travel industry information, NBTA continually seeks new opportunities to deliver valuable resources to the business travel community. We are pleased to work with American Express Business Travel on BusinessTravelConnexion.com; it's a tremendous opportunity to deliver thought leadership through a new media vehicle to reach an even greater portion of the business travel community."

Farquharson continued, "NBTA's and Executive Travel's content partnerships add tremendous value to the industry intelligence we want showcased on the site. Through their contributions and others who are interested, BusinessTravelConnexion.com will allow companies to leverage the collective intelligence of the industry to become more informed and better equipped to make the most prudent travel management decisions."

"Executive Travel is thrilled to be a part of the BusinessTravelConnexion.com community. Executive Travel's content will provide a unique dimension to the site by offering the perspective of the traveller.

It is beneficial for business travel managers and procurement officers to have insight into the minds of travellers to help define the approach for corporate travel programs. In today's fast-paced and ever-changing environment, there is a need for a place where knowledge can be shared easily and quickly, and we feel BusinessTravelConnexion.com does exactly that," said Janet M. Libert, editor of Executive Travel magazine. As a first step toward a truly collaborative community, American Express Business Travel is accepting suggestions for content and features at www.BusinessTravelConnexion.com or at the Company's booth (No. 2239) on the NBTA Expo floor in Los Angeles. Through each of these venues, individuals may register to offer thoughts and receive updates on the site's progress until its launch, currently planned for this fall.

About American Express Business Travel

American Express Business Travel(www.americanexpress.com/businesstravel),
a division of the American Express Company, is dedicated to helping its clients realize the greatest possible value from their investment in travel through increased cost savings,
outstanding customer service and greater spend control. For small businesses, medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations, American Express Business Travel provides a combination of industry-leading booking technology, travel management consulting expertise, strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation support, and customer service available online and offline, around the world.

American Express operates one of the world's largest travel agency networks with $26.4 billion in global travel sales in 2007.

American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travellers Cheques, travel, and business services.

Source-cnw.ca

International Trade Gets Eco-Friendly through B2B

2008-07-29T10:26:00.001+05:30

As businesses are getting more environmentally conscious, this phenomenon has fuelled businesses across the world to use Business to Business (B2B) portals as their international business tool for all their trading needs. However, in the early 1990's, though the concept was well accepted by the business world, traders were skeptical about the positive results. But today leading B2B portals have proved beyond doubt the world that the concept is not only fast and cost effective, but also an eco-friendly medium to do international trade.

Top trade shows still attract many companies to showcase their products and services, but a majority of small and medium enterprises (SME) have totally resorted to do the same through B2Bs. And this in fact, has reduced unnecessary movement of people and commodities to several such shows resulting in lowering cost of marketing as well as energy to every business entity involved.

Besides, instead of traveling to meet a new client to a foreign land, traders found this new rendezvous in the form of B2B portal. In business development process, after making initial interactions through emails, they sometimes even confirm their business facilities through video-conferencing before inking the deals, and this too is made possible through B2Bs.

According to studies, more than 60% of SME utilize the services of B2Bs directly or indirectly. Though there is a flurry and mushrooming of several B2Bs with claims of providing complete business solutions, leading B2Bs are still largely sought after in the e-commerce arena.

B2Bs are environmentally appealing mainly because of the non-involvement of any kind global warming material being used in the business development process.

. The complete business process except product delivery involves just electronic interaction and transaction.

. Products or services are presented to the client/clients by redirecting them to their respective websites from their B2B profile or through the same profile itself depending upon the B2B package their have opted for.

. Avoids physical presence in all stages of business, and in abstract services even delivery is made electronically.

B2Bs generated huge revenues as compared to other business models engaged in global trade without emitting any harmful green house gases or cutting trees which was otherwise used extensively in paper-based business processes of the past. Perhaps serious concern for the deteriorating health of the environment due to climate change and other related issues have prompted businesses to take a paradigm shift to opt for B2Bs.

Most B2Bs expect bringing in such awareness among traders will also help these portals to grow besides other positive aspects. In addition, these portals hope environmentally conscious traders to market B2B concept to non-users through word of mouth or other means to adopt it as part of 'save the planet slogan'. Some of the B2Bs provide even international services including transport, go-between and other services, besides the regulars, import and export to put their use into good effect.

Apart from the eco-friendly aspects of these portals there are other attractive reasons for traders to adopt this model such as, negligible cost involved in marketing operations of any given company, user-friendliness and not to mention the speed in delivering goods. Though there are any scales to measure the amount or number of benefits to the environment after the arrival of B2B portals is available, looking into the features as well as the time presence, one is made to believe, they have made a huge positive impact in the eco front. The eco-conscious traders, if they have not started utilizing these services, will certainly adopt this business tool as a medium for their global and even for their domestic trading needs very soon.

Source-powerhomebiz.com

American Express Business Travel to Launch BusinessTravelConnexion.com, a B2B Online Community

2008-07-29T10:10:00.001+05:30

During a press conference today at the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) International Convention & Exposition, American Express Business Travel announced plans to launch a business-to-business online networking community for the corporate travel industry. A first-of-its-kind resource, BusinessTravelConnexion.com will bring together a consortium of industry decision makers, suppliers, and experts in the industry’s most extensive online, community platform. Also announced was NBTA’s commitment to become the online community’s first industry content partner. American Express Publishing’s Executive Travel magazine will also provide content to the site. Designed as a place for members to connect, share and learn, BusinessTravelConnexion.com will draw together the combined expertise and wide variety of perspectives of American Express Business Travel, NBTA, industry publications, suppliers and editorialists. In addition to these affiliations, users will be empowered and encouraged to participate in online discussion boards, editorial reviews, hot topic polls, product development councils and provide feedback on what they want to hear about from the industry. Other features will include a resource center with white papers, surveys and other research, RSS feed, blogs and benchmarking ability. Membership to the site will be open to the entire business travel community. "The latest online innovation from American Express, BusinessTravelConnexion.com will grant corporations and individual travel professionals access to the wealth of information and expertise of our organization and members of the broader business travel industry, while asking them to supplement the site’s value by contributing from their own experiences,” said Charles Petruccelli, president, American Express Global Travel Services. "With the advent of new technology we’re witnessing the business travel industry moving toward online resources and automated services, and our objective with this new, interactive network, is to continue to revolutionize the business travel experience." Kevin Maguire, CCTE, President and CEO, NBTA commented, "As a leading source of business travel industry information, NBTA continually seeks new opportunities to deliver valuable resources to the business travel community. We are pleased to work with American Express Business Travel on BusinessTravelConnexion.com; it’s a tremendous opportunity to deliver thought leadership through a new media vehicle to reach an even greater portion of the business travel community.” Petruccelli continued, "NBTA’s and Executive Travel’s content partnerships add tremendous value to the industry intelligence we want showcased on the site. Through their contributions and others who are interested, BusinessTravelConnexion.com will allow companies to leverage the collective intelligence of the industry to become more informed and better equipped to make the most prudent travel management decisions.” "Executive Travel is thrilled to be a part of the BusinessTravelConnexion.com community. Executive Travel's content will provide a unique dimension to the site by offering the perspective of the traveler. It is beneficial for business travel managers and procurement officers to have insight into the minds of travelers to help define the approach for corporate travel programs. In today's fast-paced and ever-changing environment, there is a need for a place where knowledge can be shared easily and quickly, and we feel BusinessTravelConnexion.com does exactly that," said Janet M. Libert, editor of Executive Travel magazine. As a first step toward a truly collaborative community, American Express Business Travel is accepting suggestions for content and features at www.BusinessTravelConnexion.com or at the Company’s booth (#2239) on the NBTA Expo floor in Los Angeles. Through each of these venues, individuals may register to offer thoughts and receive updates on the site’s progress until its launch, currently planned for this fall. Industry participants are also invited to become a fan of the BusinessTravelConnexion Facebook page. Updates and additional information are available at http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Express-Business-Travel- ConneXion/20901582371. (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) About American Express Business Travel American Express Business Travel (www.americanexpress.com/businesstravel), a division of the American Express Company, is dedicated to helping its clients realize the greatest possible value from their investment in travel through increased cost savings, outstanding customer service and greater spend control. For small businesses, medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations, American Express Business Travel provides a combination of industry-leading booking technology, travel management consulting expertise, strategic sourcing and supplier negotiation support, and customer service available online and offline, around the world. American Express operates one of the world's largest travel agency networks with $26.4 billion in global travel sales in 2007. American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, and business services.

Source-newsticker.welt.de

Fidelitone Logistics Selected as Top 100 Third-Party Logistics Provider for 2008

2008-07-28T18:18:00.001+05:30

Chicago-area 3PL Named as Top Provider out of over 300 Companies by Inbound Logistics

WAUCONDA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fidelitone Logistics, an industry leader in providing comprehensive third party logistics (3PL) services, has been selected as one of the Top 100 Third-Party Logistics Providers for 2008 by Inbound Logistics magazine.

“It’s a global world, and without the best-in-class supply chain solutions offered by Top 100 companies such as Fidelitone Logistics, business logistics professionals going global would face enormous difficulties,” said Felicia Stratton, Editor, Inbound Logistics. “For its ability to help customers explore new markets and new opportunities both domestically and around the world, Inbound Logistics is proud to recognize Fidelitone Logistics as a 2008 Top 100 3PL.”

“We are honored to have been selected by the team at Inbound Logistics as one of the top 3PL providers in the country for 2008,” said Fidelitone Logistics president Josh Johnson. “Fidelitone Logistics is committed to providing the very best in 3PL services and supply chain management, and we’re ecstatic our team’s hard work is getting recognized by such an esteemed industry publication.”

The Inbound Logistics (IL) editorial staff selected the Top 100 3PL service providers out of over 300 submissions from companies nationwide.

Each year, Inbound Logistics editors select the best logistics solutions providers by carefully evaluating submitted information, conducting personal interviews and online research, and comparing that data to readers’ burgeoning global supply chain and logistics challenges. IL editors selected this year's class of Top 100 3PLs from a pool of more than 300 companies. The service providers selected are companies that, in the opinion of IL editors, offer the diverse operational capabilities and experience to meet readers' unique supply chain and logistics needs.

The Top 100 providers will be featured in the July issue of the Inbound Logistics magazine and in the publication’s online “3PL Decision Support Tool,” where readers can enter in their outsourced logistics requirements and find solution providers best suited to meet their specific needs.

Founded in 1929, Fidelitone Logistics is a privately-owned business headquartered in Wauconda, a northwest suburb of Chicago. With nationwide facilities, access to immediate space anywhere in the country and a worldwide distribution network, Fidelitone Logistics provides vendor management support for more than 2,000 well-known consumer, industrial and MRO related brands and more than six million individual SKUs, shipping millions of packages via all carriers for our clients. Services range from forecasting, procurement and inventory management through distribution, last-mile delivery and return logistics.

To learn more about the 3PL solutions Fidelitone Logistics provides, visit http://www.fidelitone.com.

ABOUT FIDELITONE LOGISTICS

Fidelitone Logistics is a recognized 3PL leader in supply chain management solutions and execution excellence. With nationwide facilities, Fidelitone Logistics services a wide array of customers, including Best Buy, Black & Decker, DMSI and the nation's largest provider of home services. For media inquires, contact Lauren Littlefield at Dittoe PR at 317-202-2280 x.17 or laurenl@dittoepr.com. For more information on Fidelitone Logistics, visit www.fidelitone.com.

ABOUT INBOUND LOGISTICS

Inbound Logistics is the pioneering publication of demand-driven logistics practices, also known as supply chain management. IL’s educational mission is to help businesses efficiently manage logistics, reduce and speed inventory, and neutralize transportation cost increases by aligning their supply to demand and adjusting enterprise functions to support that paradigm shift. More information about demand-driven logistics practices is available at www.inboundlogistics.com.

Source-businesswire.com

iSOFT wins NHS e-commerce contract extension

2008-07-28T18:17:00.000+05:30

NHS Supply Chain has awarded a contract extension to iSOFT to host its e-commerce and logistics operations until 2010. This contract extends a ten-year arrangement with the supplier, initiated by NHS Supply Chain predecessor NHS Logistics.

Operated by DHL Logistics, NHS Supply Chain manages over four million NHS orders a year and aims to provide savings of over £1 billion to the NHS over ten years. NHS Supply Chain is overseen by the NHS Business Services Authority and delivers equipment and supplies to 600 NHS hospitals, GP surgeries and other healthcare organisations from six regional distribution centres. Its e-commerce services include e-trading, e-ordering, e-cataloguing, e-billing and online forecasting.

iSOFT, which was acquired by IBA Health Group in October 2007, offers a fully hosted managed service and a dual data centre operation. The company says that its applications are run in tandem at two separate data centres to guarantee a disaster-tolerant solution. And its warehouse management and distribution applications are developed and supported by IBA subsidiary iB Solutions under a separate contract.

iSOFT UK and Ireland managing director Paul Richards commented: "We have an enviable record of providing a consistently reliable service over many years. Importantly, the long-standing relationship with NHS Supply Chain is built on a true partnership in which we constantly review and develop our service model with the customer to ensure we continually meet its evolving business requirements."

The company has an established relationship with the NHS, having worked with the organisation in relation to the National Programme for IT and having one a number of contracts, including one to upgrade laboratory information systems at a number of NHS trusts in Wales.

Revolution Health's Lack of Health: Moving Away From B2B Focus; Consumer Only; Strategic Options?

2008-07-26T17:32:00.001+05:30

Revolution Health, the high profile health information company founded by Steve Case, has been through its share of troubles over the last year or so: first it laid off about 60 employees from its Health Networks division eight months ago, and last month it laid off another 50 employees, about 20 percent of its present workforce, reports industry newsletter AISHealth. The company says the latest round of reductions was due to a reorgfollowing its December acquisition of HealthTalk, an online source of chronic-care information and programming, the story says. The company now has about 200 employees.

A not-so-secret-secret: Revolution is exiting out of its B2B services (direct-to-employer Web portal business ), and will only focus on consumer health portal/info, and the company confirmed it...it will continue to sell its portal capabilities through licensing partnerships with distributors such as Medco Health Solutions, the company says.

With this reorg, all of Revolution's acquired businesses will have a single sales force, one content group and one marketing team. The key point is that the company is "yet to show a really cohesive and compelling business strategy," the story mentions.

We have also been hearing some rumblings of the company looking for strategic options...among some of the options we have heard being discussed is outsourcing some or all of the online ad sales to a network like Glam Media or others. Glam has entered into health network sales recently, and has interests in looking at anchor tenants to own in the sector. More when we have more?

Meanwhile, Steve Case spoke at our EconHealth conference earlier this year in March, and the video is embedded below. Click on the "Browse Video List" button to view the two videos in this series.

Source-washingtonpost.com

TAIWAN: Alibaba.com launches its Taiwan online marketplace

2008-07-26T17:26:00.001+05:30

Taiwan --- Alibaba.com, a major business-to-business (B2B) Web portal, launched its Taiwan Web site yesterday, providing an online marketplace for global trade and other services for importers and exporters. Taiwan's version of alibaba.com will join its Chinese, Japanese and American counterparts.

David Wei, CEO of the company, said alibaba.com already has 40,000 Taiwanese members. He illustrated the resourcefulness of the Web site by stating that after its release, all forms of businesses can be established through alibaba.com.

Wu Shing-han, a representative from UPS Taiwan, commented on how Taiwan businesses will benefit from the services provided by alibaba.com. He noted that the Web site will help maintain the competitiveness of Taiwanese businesses by facilitating greater exchanges between Taiwan and China. He further added that alibaba.com will also connect Taiwan to the rest of the world, thus creating a forum in which Taiwan businesses can expand outside Taiwan. "Rather than flying everywhere, you can just simply go on alibaba.com," Wu exclaimed.

Tsui Jen-fu, an official of alibaba.com, reinforced this sentiment by stating that as alibaba.com's greatest market will be in China, greater emphasis and resources will be placed on the Chinese version, thus allowing Taiwanese businesses to benefit as well.

Steve Kang, sales manager of the Taiwan branch of alibaba.com, stated the Web site has provided a growing online population. "In China, alibaba.com has 24.8 million registered members; outside China, alibaba has 4.9 million registered members around the globe," he said.

"We aim to help Taiwan's small and medium enterprises (SMEs)," Kang emphasized. He explained that while 97.7 percent of Taiwan companies are SMEs, they only contribute to 18 percent of Taiwan's exports. "This shows that there is still much room to grow for these companies," he said.

Manager of CP Group International Co. Ltd., Liu Chih, recommended alibaba.com, saying that since becoming a member of alibaba.com, his company's sales have increased 100 times within two years, from NT$1 million to NT$100 million.

When asked about whether any cultural conflicts would arise between the Chinese and Taiwanese versions of the Web site, Wei responded that rather than conflicts, the creation of the Web sites will lead to greater diversity, which Wei said is beneficial, adding that several of the board members are also Taiwanese.

Source-asiamedia.ucla.edu

The economy of the United States is the largest in the world today. The role of the US economy is important to the global economy. China has experienc

2008-07-25T17:19:00.000+05:30

In the near future, possibly in 5-10 years, the size of China's economy could exceed the size of the US economy if the robust rate of growth continues. Japan's economy is one of the largest in the world and South-Korea's economy is growing fast and also India's economy. With that being said it is very clear the Asian economies play an important role on the global markets today and that role could become even more important in the near future.

Having access to the best financial information on the Asian financial markets is necessary for any global trader whether he is trading on the foreign exchange market, stock market or on the commodity market.

Financeasia.com is a Web service that provides news and commentary on Asian business deals and the Asian financial market with content categorized by country and topics. RSS feeds are available in various categories.

Sources : www.b2btoday.com

We have often thought about how convenient it would be to be able to search the most active and respected blogs and news sites covering Web 2.0, searc

2008-07-25T17:15:00.000+05:30

Search engines don't provide us with results updated to the minute, yet, but that day may come sooner than later. We have the news search engines at our disposal, but then a lot more is included.

The Web community is answering this need with clever link lists; RSS search engines, rolling links lists or whatever it is called. The need for specialized desktop feed readers is diminishing since RSS feed reading and management can be done entirely in the Web browsers.

We recently found a very useful new Web site that publish aggregated results from some of the most popular and recognized tech and business blogs. A simple and clear presentation of constantly updated headlines makes it easy to use and accessible for anyone with a browser.

Source : www.b2btoday.com

Aliant chooses BCE Emergis and Ariba for B2B e-commerce solution

2008-07-21T15:56:00.000+05:30

Five-year agreement brings leading-edge marketplace to
Aliant's subsidiaries and suppliers

Saint John/Montreal, September, 6, 2000 -BCE Emergis and Ariba
today announced they have signed a five-year, multi-million
dollar agreement with Aliant Inc. to provide a fully-managed
business-to-business corporate marketplace and e-procurement
solution. The agreement will extend to all Aliant's subsidiaries
and approximately 400 of their major suppliers across North
America.

Aliant, which includes NBTel, IslandTel, Maritime Telegraph and
Telephone Company (MTT), and NewTel, will be the first large
corporation in Atlantic Canada to benefit from the BCE Emergis
e-procurement solution, a fully-managed Internet-based
marketplace featuring Ariba's (R) B2B Commerce platform.

The integrated solution will create economies of scale and supply
chain efficiencies for Aliant, its subsidiaries and suppliers.
Aliant expects to improve the management of its $800 million
(Cdn) in annual purchases which include indirect and direct
goods.

"This initiative will streamline our procurement process and make
it more cost effective, as spending is directed through the B2B
e-procurement solution," said Perry Jarvis, Director of
Procurement for Aliant. "By giving our employees and suppliers a
common e-commerce environment, we can leverage our appreciable
buying power to create improved economies of scale."

"Through this agreement, we are extending our e-commerce
expertise into Atlantic Canada and to Aliant's large group of
national suppliers," said Christian Trudeau, Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer, BCE Emergis. "Furthermore,
it expands on our existing relationship with the Aliant companies
that already market our services in their existing portfolio of
e-business solutions."

"This agreement with Aliant is further proof of the strength and
success of Ariba's alliance with BCE Emergis," said Kevin Dwyer,
Vice President of Ariba Canada. "Ariba and BCE Emergis are
committed to helping Aliant receive a fast and significant return
on their investment and to improve their overall bottom line,
through B2B eCommerce efficiencies."

The Emergis enabled marketplace, which embeds the Ariba B2B
Commerce Platform, helps companies realize greater economies of
scale and commerce process efficiencies by providing an open
trading environment - via the internet - rich in services such as
payment, business document exchange, order management and
security services. With the Emergis B2B e-Commerce infrastructure
and the Ariba B2B Commerce Platform, Aliant employees can
electronically approve and aggregate corporate purchasing from
each employee's desktop and direct spending to preferred
suppliers, that can also benefit from the rich service
environment of the Emergis enabled marketplace.

The Aliant group of advanced technology companies (TSE:AIT) and
its staff of 10,000 professionals deliver full service,
integrated solutions through its core lines of business: wireline
and wireless telecommunications, information technology, remote
communications services, and internet-based business solutions.
From its base in Canada, Aliant serves North American and
international customers. For more information, visit Aliant at
www.aliant.ca.

Ariba, Inc. is the leading business-to-business (B2B) eCommerce
platform and network services provider. Through the Ariba B2B
Commerce platform - an open, end-to-end infrastructure of
interoperable software solutions and hosted Web-based commerce
services -- the company enables efficient on-line trade,
integration and collaboration between B2B marketplaces, buyers,
suppliers and commerce service providers. The global reach and
best-of-breed functionality of the Ariba B2B Commerce platform
creates Internet-driven economies of scale and process
efficiencies for leading companies around the world. More
information can be found at www.ariba.com.

BCE Emergis delivers network-centric e-commerce services that
significantly improve customer processes through secure B2B
exchanges. Combining e-commerce, e-payment and security services,
BCE Emergis offers clients in the healthcare, financial services,
telecommunications and transportation industries a full suite of
core and vertical-specific services that are the essential
building blocks and infrastructure required for e-commerce. BCE
Emergis is one of the top e-commerce providers in North America
and its shares are included in the TSE 100 Composite Index. For
more information, please refer to www.emergis.com.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements
that reflect the current views and/or expectations of BCE Emergis
with respect to its performance, business and future events. Such
statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and
assumptions. Actual results and events may vary significantly.

Source  :  bce.ca

Good buyer, supplier relationships help ensure healthy B2B solutions

2008-07-21T15:55:00.000+05:30

Business to business, or B2B, e-commerce swept through the business world with huge potential. But the ride continues to be bumpy. In today's economy, many companies are re-evaluating and re-strategizing the scope and scale of their B2B business models.

Online exchanges and reverse auction sites, which were considered to be the keys to success, failed to deliver. Yet there are solutions, especially from the perspective of specialized buying, that can make B2B really pay off.

Buying cheapest doesn't work well

First, the big problems. In reverse auctions, the lowest price wins. These are unfavorable for suppliers that have to whittle away profit margins to win bids. In fact, suppliers are better off not competing on an cost-only basis that eliminates the "value add" they bring to the entire supply chain process.

With no real way to differentiate their products, these exchanges did a huge disservice to the suppliers. Buyers, who looked like the overall winners, were quick to discover that buying from the cheapest supplier actually added more problems. Since the most important part of the supply process is the actual delivery of the product, failure to deliver results in mismanaged expectations and missed deadlines.

But the theory by Nobel laureate John Nash -- made famous in "A Beautiful Mind" -- lets companies interact with each other to maximize both individual payoffs and overall outcome. The problem, though, is that competing suppliers try to undercut each other on price, which weakens suppliers in general since each wants to reach their own best outcome.

Although economists dismiss this sort of behavior as "irrational," it is more the norm than the exception. Suppliers cannot work together on a long-term basis because it is hard to predict what a competing supplier is planning to do. The short-term payoff from a competing supplier's ability to find and "cut a better deal" is enough of a reason. That makes it virtually imperative that they team up with a buyer, and vice versa.

Achieving the B2B solution

Mutually beneficial collaboration is only possible when different players have access to full information, which is never possible with a competitor in a pure, competitive market. Therefore, the obvious question is whether the supplier would attempt to take advantage of the relationship with the buyer.

The answer is "no," because pivotal to this relationship is "full information." The buyer still has access to prices from other suppliers, and it's in the buyer's best interest for the supplier to stay away from a monopolistic approach to pricing. Sustaining a good relationship allows the buyer to prosper from its superior quality and ability to deliver.

Buyers can have any number of such partnerships, with "partners" either in the same competitive space or mutually exclusive in the products and services they provide.

To make such a system work, the buyer's system should be able to rate:

• Product quality.

• Mean Time to Failure of the product.

• Ability to deliver the product on time.

• Ability to maintain competitive price compared with other suppliers of similar scale and size.

This allows buyers to keep suppliers honest, and for suppliers to keep existing business by maintaining a high rating on buyers' systems. And if two or more suppliers in the same space maintain a consistently high "buyer rating," buyers can determine the supplier for a particular product by awarding the contract on a predetermined basis, or in a specific order.

Any supplier failing to maintain the high rating can be either penalized by being skipped over for a contract or being completely removed from the system for a certain time period. Along with the obvious cost benefits, this system includes all the value adds such as superior quality, reliable delivery and competitive pricing.

The timelessness of Nash's theory requires that the underlying system stand the test of time. In the B2B world, both longevity and adaptability of the technology are important. In terms of longevity, the technology should not have to be changed often. From the adaptability perspective, a company needs to interact with different systems. An XML-based solution would be ideal.

When done right the first time, this B2B solution can be implemented in about 90 days or less with just a couple of people -- and B2B's promise of enhancing specialized buying is just around the corner.

Source : houston.bizjournals.com

Achieving the B2B solution

2008-07-21T15:53:00.000+05:30

Buyers can have any number of such partnerships, with "partners" either in the same competitive space or mutually exclusive in the products and services they provide.

To make such a system work, the buyer's system should be able to rate:

• Product quality.

• Mean Time to Failure of the product.

• Ability to deliver the product on time.

• Ability to maintain competitive price compared with other suppliers of similar scale and size.

Source : houston.bizjournals.com

Buying cheapest doesn't work well

2008-07-21T15:21:00.001+05:30

Buying cheapest doesn't work well

Source : houston.bizjournals.com

Oracle releases apps to woo b2b suppliers

2008-07-21T15:14:00.000+05:30

Oracle Supply Chain Exchange, Oracle Transportation Exchange and Oracle Product Development Exchange are Oracle's first move into the supply chain functionality for the marketplace.

According to Jeremy Burton, senior VP of worldwide marketing the functionality will propel Oracle beyond the ability to provide software to post catalogues and carry out spot buys and auctions, which has been a large part of its core b2b platform Oracle Exchange Marketplace and E-business Suite solutions until now.

Supply Chain Exchange will enable companies to publish their internal supply chain plans onto the marketplace, for their suppliers to view, make changes and respond to. According to Burton, this may help encourage suppliers to take advantage of marketplaces, because with visibility they will be able to access information about the supply chain and make better decisions on how to control their inventory. He said: “Until now the real value proposition [for suppliers] was to join a marketplace so that [buyers] could get 10% off what they can pay [suppliers]. The problem is that suppliers don't know how much they can afford to sell.”

Product Development Exchange provides information management, document management and project collaboration techniques to manage the development of products to provide more visibility of the process to senior management. Transportation Exchange allows companies to analyse and plan their logistics and transport processes within the marketplace, to allow the efficient delivery of goods. All products can be integrated.

Since the launch of Oracle Exchange, it has attracted big names like KLM in the Aeroxchange, Sainsbury's in the GlobalNetXchange and Barclays B2B.com. However, it has held off integrating supply chain functionality unlike other exchanges based on i2, with its inherent supply chain management capabilities or Ariba, with lower level collaborative functions brought in by acquisition.

Oracle also unveiled its Exchange Partner Initiative (OEPI), which will provide value-added services such as financial management, integration and business services to marketplaces using preferred partners.

The initiative, which currently has 30 members will enable services such as escrow, security and trust services, catalog management, integration technology, end-customer support, systems integration, business incubation and business planning.

Members include ABN AMRO, Mercator, Requisite Technology, TIBCO Software, Vignette, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Autonomy.

Product Development Exchange and Supply Chain Exchange are available immediately, Transportation Exchange will be available in the Spring. Oracle claims to have existing customers that have signed up but no testbed platforms.

Seminar may work wwwonders for business

2008-07-21T15:13:00.000+05:30

ACCOUNTANTS in Worcestershire are being asked to ditch their pinstriped stereotype to get more businesses using new technology.

The National B2B Centre, the e-business centre for excellence for the West Midlands, believes that accountancy firms hold the key to getting more firms to adopt e-business practices that could earn more than £2bn for the regional economy.

The centre is hosting a seminar in Birmingham on Tuesday, July 15 with online accountant groups AccountingWEB and PracticeWeb to help accountants to assist small companies on how to do business in the internet age.

The training seminar will equip accountants with new skills such as how to build effective websites and will explain the mysteries of search engine optimisation to help accountants build sites that attract traffic and new business.

The web experts will also explain how accountants can protect themselves from online intruders and to ensure they comply with all the red tape associated with e-business.

The web skills workshop for accountants is the first step in the National B2B Centre’s strategy to convene a special interest group for accountants in the region that will help them to pass their e-business expertise on to their clients.

Martin King-Turner, managing director of the National B2B Centre, said: “Accountants probably hold more sway with their clients than any other sector.

“So if we can develop their skills in this field and ensure they know all of the benefits involved with using e-business – whether it’s using an online system to share data or driving more traffic to the website using search engine optimisation – they can then provide leadership to their clients.”

The event is taking place at the Burlington hotel in central Birmingham for more information contact Rachel Sparks at AccountingWEB on 0117 915 3344.

Canon India Pvt. Ltd recently announced its first ever B2B brand showroom in India—the Canon “Business Solutions Lounge”. Here, customers can understa

2008-07-21T15:07:00.001+05:30

Canon India Pvt. Ltd recently announced its first ever B2B brand showroom in India—the Canon “Business Solutions Lounge”. Here, customers can understand the use and application of various Canon Business Imaging products. The lounge is a fresh concept aiming to provide a comprehensive display of Canon’s range of business offerings in a non selling environment to enterprise customers and professionals. The lounge was inaugurated by Kensaku Konishi, President & CEO, Canon India and Alok Bharadwaj, Senior Vice President, Canon India.

This is Canon’s first fully owned international class interactive and informative B2B outlet in the country. The state-of-the-art lounge provides the appropriate ambiance and a platform for new products as well as new technologies and solutions to be showcased and experienced.

Bharadwaj, said, “We at Canon believe that there is a need for a platform for us to showcase our products’ superiority and unique technologies while allowing customers to experience the complete range of business imaging solutions [offered by us]. By visiting the lounge, a customer can not only obtain first hand information on the latest products to be able to make an informed choice of purchase, but is also not under any commitment to purchase.” More than 15 products are displayed in the showroom.

The Canon Business Solutions Lounge will exhibit a range of copiers, laser multi-functional devices, faxes, document scanners, color networked copiers, large format graphic machines, digital color press and document print management and scan solutions under one roof. The total investment made in this lounge is 2 Crores and Canon has similar budget set aside for upcoming lounges.

Bharadwaj said, “We are going to launch similar B2B showrooms in Mumbai and Bangalore within the next three months. We have empowered our sales people to bring customers at any time convenient to them and even in late evening hours from Monday to Saturday. We don’t expect walk-ins. Rather we want to give demos by appointment.”

wedish business communication company Intellecta AB (OMX Stockholm: ICTA B) said on Friday (11 July) that it has agreed to acquire Hil-Anders Advertis

2008-07-21T15:03:00.001+05:30

wedish business communication company Intellecta AB (OMX Stockholm: ICTA B) said on Friday (11 July) that it has agreed to acquire Hil-Anders Advertising Agency AB (Hilanders).

The purchase consideration comprises a fixed cash part of SEK20m and additional payments based on future performance.

in connection with the acquisition the sellers have also agreed to acquire Intellecta shares for a total of SEK2.4m on the OMX Nordic Exchanges.

Hilanders is Sweden's leading B2B agency and is expected to achieve revenue of SEK80m in 2008.

The acquisition will strengthen Intellecta's offering especially within market communication.

Intellecta, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, provides agency and information logistics services to companies in Sweden and Denmark. The company has some 450 employees and reported revenue of SEK471m in 2007.

One British pound (GBP) is worth approximately 11.86 Swedish kronor (SEK).

O2 expects huge iPhone B2B demand

2008-07-21T14:58:00.001+05:30

3G iPhone, with push email and other advanced features, is good fit for business, and demand will reflect that, says O2 business sales director

O2 said it was expecting huge demand for the 3G iPhone in the corporate and SME sector following its launch into select members of the B2B dealer channel on July 11.

Sixteen members of O2's B2B Centre of Excellence can sell the device, with six more to follow at a later date. Its consumer sales channels remain the same (O2, Carphone Warehouse and Apple stores only).

O2 business sales director Ben Dowd said the network was now ready to make the device available to selected B2B dealers because features such as GPS and push email make it suitable for corporate and SME users.

Said Dowd: "These dealers are the partners who we have long standing relationships with and have consistently delivered for O2.

"It wasn't an option to extend the device to them when we launched it in the first instance.

"There were obviously challenges for business users with the consumer focussed device, it didn't have push email, and it now has VoIP capabilities, corporate security features and application software that can be opened to developers. Corporates can upload their own software.

"The original price was high for many customers to pay and we have recognised that. Now we have broken down some of the barriers that were there before, it opens up the iPhone to a huge market.

"The new pricing for the iPhone is absolutely in the mix with BlackBerry and other PDA type devices."

The 3G iPhone will be sold on existing O2 business tariffs, with an £8.51 unlimited data bolt on. The 8GB device will cost £84.26 on a small business regular user tariff but will be free on higher tariffs.

The 16GB version will be £135.32 on a small business regular user tariff, £51.06 on small business frequent user and medium business tariffs, and free on large business tariffs.

Corporate customers will receive bespoke tariffs, with trials already undertaken with companies including Logica, McDonalds and Citigroup.

"Feedback has been very positive in terms of interface, usability, and being able to deploy that sort of device in the corporate marketplace," said Dowd.

"It's consistent with Apple's approach in the States, trialling the device with Fortune 500 companies, and getting the feedback that is absolutely fit for purpose as a business device.

"According to O2 customer research, iPhone ARPU is 30 per cent higher than the average user, and 80 per cent of iPhone users are using 10 or more services connected to the device.

"Sixty per cent of iPhone users more than 25MB data a month, compared with less than one per cent of other contract users achieving that level of usage."

Said Dowd: "Usage of the iPhone is comparable to that of a laptop. We have found that customer satisfaction of the iPhone is much higher than with other devices."

The 3G iPhone is to launch on prepay at a later date but O2 is not revealing price details as of yet. It will also not sell refurbished versions of the old 2G device.

SOURCE : b2bnewsworld.info

IDC: Small, midsize businesses move toward green supply chain

2008-07-17T12:14:00.001+05:30

There’s a growing level of commitment among both small and midsize firms towards the adoption of applications that would support more environmentally friendly supply chain initiatives, according to a new survey from market intelligence firm IDC.

Framingham, Mass.-based IDC questioned 250 decision makers at small and midsize enterprises involved in the manufacturing, wholesale, and distribution industries and found that even among the smallest of the supply chain companies, support for green initiatives is emerging.

According to the survey, small and midsize companies will seek to use manufacturing applications that support a renewable way of producing products; mobile-enabled applications that help conserve energy and human resource applications that will help train workforces in the areas of green manufacturing.

Source by bizjournals.com

RFID unlocks supply chain potential

2008-07-17T12:12:00.000+05:30

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) promises to revolutionise stock management, but few applications exist so far. Now, European researchers are perfecting a platform to unlock the potential of RFID.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) promises to revolutionise retailing through advanced stock management, sophisticated promotions and supply chain optimisation. But cost-effective solutions have proved elusive because serious technical and business hurdles exist. Few efforts have addressed the problems in a consistent way.

The EU-funded SMART project is putting the finishing touches to a complete RFID application platform that addresses the technical problems, and presents options for an integrated solution to the business issues.

In some ways, RFID is like an electronic barcode. It can be read at a distance using an RFID reader, which means that people do not need to scan it manually. As goods enter a warehouse they can be automatically logged into the inventory.

Retailing revolution
RFID reduces the risk of human error, offers instant stock levels and can be tied to back-end systems, initiating orders automatically when stock starts to run low. It is a very simple principle, but the potential applications could revolutionise retailing.

For example, if a shelf needs refilling, the system can alert management automatically. If a product is reaching its sell-by date, RFID could notify retailers to discount the product.

“It means they have a better chance of selling stock, rather than dumping it, so the store runs more efficiently and more profitably,” explains Katerina Pramatari, scientific coordinator of the SMART project.

Even more advanced applications can be put in place. If one product is selling well at store A, but selling badly at store B, RFID-powered inventory systems could initiate the transfer of the product from one store to another.

Sophisticated applications, and serious challenges
These are just the initial plans, and more sophisticated applications could emerge over time. For example, a reader could scan a customer’s entire basket, and then present the total, vastly increasing speed and cutting costs at the checkout.

The promise of RFID is enough to make retailers drool, but serious obstacles exist. For a start, while RFID tags are relatively cheap – they can cost as little as 10 cents – putting them on every product quickly becomes very expensive. Currently, RFID tags in retailing are mainly used on pallets. There is also a question over who bears the cost, the retailer or the supplier.

The research faced a lot of technical challenges, according to Pramatari. “Getting the right RFID tag to ensure reliability and readability was an important decision. In the end, we chose Generation 2 tags because they are cheaper and can be read more reliably from a greater distance,” she explains.

Given that these chips will be attached to every packet, cost and reliability are important factors, especially for smaller businesses. The SMART team also had to adapt the technology for use with meat products and in cold storage.

The RFID installation, itself, took significant research time. “We had to ensure that we got the greatest range from the RFID readers for all the applications we wanted to test, using the fewest possible number of readers. Once we started to install the RFID tracking onsite we discovered we had to adjust our layouts to the specific conditions in each store,” explains Pramatari.

“Developing back-office functions was another technical challenge, as was developing web services so that the retailer could automatically communicate stock levels, for example, to the supplier. That, of course, required discovery services, which would ‘discover’ the appropriate retailer for a given piece of stock.”

More Info

RedPrairie's Hickey Chosen by DC Velocity as Supply Chain Industry Rainmaker

2008-07-17T12:04:00.001+05:30

MILWAUKEE, BUSINESS WIRE -- RedPrairie Corporation, a world leading consumer driven optimization company, announced today that Chris Hickey, senior vice president of sales, was chosen as a supply chain industry Rainmaker by DC Velocity magazine. The magazine's editorial advisory board selected Hickey as one of twelve Rainmakers - industry leaders who advance the practice of supply chain management.

Hickey, a six-year RedPrairie veteran, has been involved in the supply chain industry for twelve years. His sales leadership has delivered profits every quarter for RedPrairie. Under his sales leadership, RedPrairie now serves eleven of the top 20 global retailers and seven of the top ten consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies in the world.

Hickey has played a key role in RedPrairie's evolution to providing solutions that manage the supply chain from end-to-end, enabling the optimization of people and products from manufacturing all the way to the store shelf.

"Historically the distribution center has been primarily concerned with fulfilling orders and with trailers leaving on time. But if you are delivering to a store and they cannot receive it efficiently or get it out onto the shelf and to the customer in a timely fashion, it doesn't matter how quickly it moved through the distribution channel. Logistics professionals need to be open-minded and look at the entire supply chain. In the retail environment, they need to be aware of how they are sending product out to the store. They need to prepare it, so that it can be efficiently moved into a selling position. Our view of end-to-end takes into account the distribution process as well as the point of final consumption, addressing both physical movement of product and management of labor across the entire network," said Hickey.

"We are very proud of Chris for achieving the supply chain industry Rainmaker award," said Mike Mayoras, CEO of RedPrairie. "The strategic E2e(TM) approach that Chris has set as a vision for our sales team enables our customers to pull together and chase the same goal - an optimized consumer-driven approach to best manage their people and products throughout the supply chain. And that has led to the astounding growth that RedPrairie has experienced over the past six years that Chris has been with us."

In addition to his work at RedPrairie, Hickey has served as a member of several key logistics industry associations, including APICS - the Association for Operations Management, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, and the Warehousing Education and Research Council.

About RedPrairie Corporation

RedPrairie is a world leading consumer driven optimization company. Built on an advanced Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) developed over the past 15 years, the RedPrairie integrated suite of solutions offers on-demand capabilities to over 32,000 sites worldwide for many of the world's largest companies.

RedPrairie's E2e(TM) solutions synchronize people and products throughout the customer buying cycle to ensure goods reach the right place at the right time. At the point of sale, this means consumers have Microsoft AE ACCESS 2007 COMPLETE PACKAGE
RoyalDiscount-$123.99
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');" onclick="window.open('http://secure.digitalmediaonlineinc.com/Hotlinks/hotlinkredirect.jsp?hotlinkid=3907')" onmouseout="setTimeout('hideLayer()',500);" href="#">access to desired products and that the store is staffed with the right people to help them make their purchases. In the production cycle, it means suppliers and manufacturers time and synchronize shipments and production based on demand signals from the retailer. And in the back room of the store, it means having the least amount of inventory, solving the "last yard" problem of the retail supply chain.

With 20 global service sites and standard service methods that have been validated over the last 30 years, RedPrairie provides unparalleled service and support. For additional information, call 1.877.733.7724, or Microsoft AE ACCESS 2007 COMPLETE PACKAGE
RoyalDiscount-$123.99
VioSoftware-$108.13
DirectDeals-$103.28
');" onclick="window.open('http://secure.digitalmediaonlineinc.com/Hotlinks/hotlinkredirect.jsp?hotlinkid=3907')" onmouseout="setTimeout('hideLayer()',500);" href="#">access www.RedPrairie.com.

RedPrairie is a registered trademark of RedPrairie Corporation.

E2e is a trademark of RedPrairie Corporation.

Source by Business Wire

All World Sourcing, Inc. (AWS) Announces $500 Rebate Promotion for Buyers

2008-07-17T11:45:00.000+05:30

All World Sourcing, Inc. (AWS), the leading global marketplace that proactively matches B2B buyers and suppliers of small and medium-sized businesses, announced today that it will pay a 3% rebate (up to $500) to buyers for their first Buy Request that is completed by a supplier through our website. AWS helps small and medium-sized businesses to source from the best supplier. Our online sourcing platform allows buyers to submit a Buy Request, select the suppliers that you want to bid on your request, and then sit back and pick the best offer! With over 9,400 pre-qualified suppliers from around the world, you will get the best bids in terms of price and quality.

This is a great opportunity to try our sourcing services and save up to $500!

Fremont, CA (PRWEB) July 16, 2008 -- All World Sourcing, Inc. (AWS), the leading global marketplace that proactively matches B2B buyers and suppliers of small and medium-sized businesses, announced today that it will pay a 3% rebate (up to $500) to buyers for their first Buy Request that is completed by a supplier through our website.

"This is a great opportunity to try our sourcing services and save up to $500!" says Tony O'Yang, founder of AWS. "As our sourcing services are free to buyers, now there is even more reason to give us a try for all of your sourcing needs. Think of us as your personal sourcing agent that not only works for free, but even pays you when you finalize a purchase through us. Now that's compelling!"

AWS helps small and medium-sized businesses to source from the best supplier. Our online sourcing platform allows buyers to submit a Buy Request, select the suppliers that you want to bid on your request, and then sit back and pick the best offer! With over 9,400 pre-qualified suppliers from around the world, you will get the best bids in terms of price and quality.

Passive, browse-oriented sites such as Alibaba.com merely allow buyers and sellers to post their inquiries and leave it to chance that buyers and sellers will find each other after sorting through thousands of "buy" and "sell" leads. All World Sourcing proactively works with pre-qualified suppliers to bid on a buyer's request, much like how a personal sourcing agent would. The advantage is shorter turnaround times, better bids, and ultimately, savings for the buyer!

For complete details, please visit All World Sourcing $500 Rebate.

About All World Sourcing, Inc.:
All World Sourcing, Inc. (AWS) is the leading global marketplace that proactively matches B2B buyers and suppliers of small and medium-sized businesses. Members list their Buy Requests for their business needs and receive bids from thousands of feedback-rated suppliers from industries such as Electronics and Electronic Components, Toys & Gifts, and Fashion & Apparel. Our mission is to create the most efficient B2B marketplace for global commerce. Our solution combines the advantages of a personalized sourcing consultant with the efficiency and scalability of a web-based company.

For more information, please visit www.AllWorldSourcing.com.

Improve the efficiency of your supply chain

2008-07-16T18:13:00.000+05:30

14th & 15th October 2008, Hilton London Metropole

Implement demand-driven supply strategies to improve the efficiency of your supply chain and provide an unbeatable service to your customers

DDSC 08 will take place in London this October and provides the strategies you need to implement an effective pull-supply chain. This event has been produced by the Extended Supply Chain team following research undertaken with conference delegates and experts in the supply chain arena.

Business advantage has recently been gained through the use of Total Quality Management, technological advances & Lean Manufacturing methods - what's next? Industry has shifted from the factory-centric world, where the manufactures have the power to a customer-centric world where manufacturers must align themselves and their activities with the conditions of the global marketplace. Is your supply chain ready for this?

In today's competitive environment, product features and price have to obey the requirements of the market and product quality is no longer the major differentiator. Companies must now compete on the performance and quality of their delivery service, and demand driven supply chains are increasingly being utilised to go beyond customer requirements in efficiency and accuracy of supply.

If you are involved in the supply of a product where the customer's requirements matter, whether you are delivering a physical, infrastructural or electronic product, then you will benefit from attending the DDSC 08.
Event experts include:

Chris Dyson, Head of Supply Chain, Nokia Siemens will share his experiences of connecting customers to the back end to maximise supply chain excellence
Ensuring top down commitment from the boardroom to demand creation and supply capability team-working for Aidan Murphy, Managing Director, Supply Chain Bulmers Ireland

AMR Research will explain the role that globalisation, multi-channel distribution and increased competition are playing in driving forward demand driven supply chains

To find out more or reserve your place visit our website - www.ddsc2008.com - call +44 (0) 20 7970 4770 or email ddsc@centaur.co.uk Preferential rates for this event end on the 31st July 08, so get in touch soon.

Source by mhwmagazine.co.uk

Business Intelligence Solution for Retail Supply Chain Driven by Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Information

2008-07-16T18:11:00.000+05:30

Digital Movers and Information Solutions (ISI) develop Insight*Point-of-Sale, a completely hosted collaboration solution for retailers and suppliers.

Mashpee, MA (PRWEB) July 15, 2008 -- Digital Movers (www.dmovers.com), a premier provider of outsourced electronic commerce services, and Information Solutions (www.isnetusa.com) a software solution provider to importers of apparel, handbags, and other soft-goods, announced today the joint release of Insight*Point-of-Sale, a web-based business intelligence solution that promotes collaboration between retailers and their supply chain partners.

Using a combination of sophisticated data warehouse design concepts and presentation tools in a completely hosted environment, Insight*Point-of-Sale analyzes POS data provided via EDI transactions and provides retailers and their suppliers with current and historical visibility into the movement of products through the supply chain. Users can query, drill-down and analyze voluminous data in real-time to uncover sales trends, stock-outs, overstocks, missed selling opportunities and a host of relevant data that previously had been difficult or impossible to interrogate intelligently.

Our customers are soft-goods importers and, as such, have to deal with numerous UPCs, colors, styles and sizes. The volume of POS data they were receiving presented significant challenges when it came to collaboration and business intelligence

"Digital Movers has been a proud partner of ISI for many years providing EDI solutions that integrate seamlessly with ISI's world class supply chain/ERP solutions. The offering of Insight*Point-of-Sale is another natural opportunity to match ISI's development expertise with Digital Movers' hosted EDI services," said Ken Konikowski, president, Digital Movers. "Retailers have increasingly made more and more valuable information, including POS data, available to their supply chain via Electronic Data Interchange. The problem is that many companies do not have the applications or the expertise to properly analyze this data and are unable to effectively mine actionable intelligence from the mounds of data. Insight*Point-of Sale is offered in a hosted, outsourced environment so that these companies need only an Internet connection and a web browser to be able to access and analyze this important information and facilitate collaboration."

"Our customers are soft-goods importers and, as such, have to deal with numerous UPCs, colors, styles and sizes. The volume of POS data they were receiving presented significant challenges when it came to collaboration and business intelligence," claimed Jeffrey Clayton, president of Information Solutions. "Our customers have found that thanks to our unique database design they are able to quickly and effectively manage their POS data and, because it is a hosted solution, they require no additional software or hardware. Insight*Point-of-Sale accommodates analysis for both the executive dashboard level with pre-defined web reports and pull-down menus as well as the intense query capability required by analysts."

A web-based demonstration of Insight*Point-of-Sale can be arranged by visiting Digital Movers' web site at http://www.dmovers.com/informationrequest.aspx.

About Digital Movers:
Digital Movers is the premier provider of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) outsourcing services to companies that need to communicate commerce transaction data electronically with their suppliers, customers, transportation and financial partners. For over twenty-five years, Digital Movers has provided expert EDI, XML and Communications processing for companies of all sizes in the retail, healthcare, manufacturing, grocery and transportation verticals.

For additional information, please visit www.dmovers.com or contact Digital Movers at sales@dmovers.com or 888-896-7703.

About Information Solutions:
Since 1982, Information Solutions has been providing software solutions to importers of apparel, handbags, and other soft-goods, enabling them to maximize productivity, optimize efficiency, and increase profitability.

ISI's flagship offering is Envision, a complete Supply Chain Management software solution designed in concert with leaders in the apparel and accessories industry. Envision is a completely integrated application that addresses a company's processing requirements including product inception and sourcing, customer fulfillment, distribution management and financial and executive analysis.

For additional information, please visit www.isnetusa.com or contact Information Solutions at sales@isnetusa.com or 732-346-2500.

Source by PRWEB

Ann Taylor supply chain chief steps down

2008-07-16T16:51:00.002+05:30

The firm did not immediately name a replacement, but industry insiders expect CEO Kay Krill will tap someone quickly to push forward with the retailer's turnaround efforts.

AP Images

A key manager at troubled specialty retailer Ann Taylor Stores Corp. has resigned. Anthony Romano vacated his post as chief supply chain officer to pursue other interests, the company announced Tuesday.

Although the firm did not immediately name a replacement, industry insiders expect Ann Taylor Chief Kay Krill to tap someone quickly, as Mr. Romano’s successor will be vital to the company’s turnaround progress.

The success of a supply chain manager can make or break a retailer these days. As consumers have begun demanding faster fashion and higher quality, supply chain managers must work harder than ever to protect their bottom lines, even as gasoline prices and global quotas raise costs.

“Supply chain management is a critical support,” said Jacqui Marcus, vice president of Karen Harvey Consulting Group, an executive search firm that specializes in retail. “The candidates to lead this function need to have diversified experience and understanding of these complexities.”

Ann Taylor, which operates both an eponymous chain and a younger-skewing chain called Loft, has struggled with its supply chain in recent years. At times, it has missed key fashion trends by featuring too little color or too few dresses, and the company has yet to get both of its chains on track at the same time.

Separately Tuesday, Ann Taylor also expanded the duties of two executives. Brian Lynch, president of the company’s outlet division, will take over the firm’s e-commerce business and corporate real estate under the title of president of corporate operations. He already oversaw corporate store operations. Separately, Michael Nicholson, currently an executive vice president and chief financial officer, will start managing the company’s information technology and global procurement duties.

“I am very pleased to acknowledge the outstanding leadership that Brian and Mike have demonstrated, as the business evolves and we position the company for future growth,” Ms. Krill noted in a statement.

Earlier this year, Ann Taylor laid off 180 employees at its headquarters and announced plans to shutter nearly 120 stores to cut costs. Last year, the company reported earnings of $1.55 per share on sales of $2.4 billion.

The company’s shares gained 36 cents, or 1.7%, to close the day at $21.58.

U Connect 08 Defined by Companies Finding New Ways of Working Together

2008-07-15T11:44:00.000+05:30

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J., -- For the past eight years, the U Connect Conference(R) has been a forum for retailers and manufacturers to gain insights and ideas from their industry peers. This year, nearly fourteen hundred industry leaders and supply chain professionals gathered for U Connect 08, presented by GS1 US(TM) and VICS, at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas, TX. Attendees had access to over 55 exhibitors and 70 sessions designed to help trading partners discover new techniques and technologies to gain end-to-end supply chain visibility, go green, achieve sustainability and enable business growth. The success of this year's conference left attendees looking forward to U Connect 09 in Orlando, FL.

One of the highlights of this year's conference was the introduction of "New Ways of Working Together," a new collaborative business approach for trading partners that will enable them to focus on agreed-to plans and jointly grow their businesses while working to eliminate supply chain disruptions. "New Ways of Working Together" focuses on the connectivity of cross-organization areas such as marketing and sales, manufacturing, business-to-business collaboration, transportation, and quality and safety to utilize standards to create more efficient and sustainable supply chains.

"The value of business collaboration and the creation of efficient supply chains cannot be underestimated in today's business environment," said Chip Lloyd, Chief Operating Officer, GS1 US. "With increasing fuel costs, high-profile product recalls and increasing momentum towards sustainable business practices - U Connect and GS1 System standards have never been more important or relevant."

U Connect 08 hosted attendees and speakers from FORTUNE 500 companies such as, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., ConAgra, Dillard's, Kraft Foods, Lowe's, Miller Brewing Company, Procter & Gamble, Target, The Coca-Cola Company, The Hershey Co., The Pepsi Co., Tyson Foods, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. These speakers provided insight and learnings on how the implementation of standards increased their efficiency and overall profitability.

By listening to each other's best practices, companies across the business spectrum gained insight into topics such as the importance of data quality, advances in Electronic Product Code(TM)/Radio Frequency Identification (EPC/RFID) technologies and the growing need for track and trace technologies.

"The U Connect Conference this year, as always, was very good. Being a smaller manufacturer, it provides me with a good metric of where most of the larger retailers are with their initiatives. Also, meeting individuals face to face is invaluable. The roundtable discussions with the manufacturers and retailers were very informative. I look forward to attending the conference in Orlando next year," said Bob Rodd, CRC Industries.

U Connect 09 is scheduled for June 2 - 5, 2009, at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, FL. For more information on how to exhibit or attend, please visit www.uconnectevent.org.

About GS1 US(TM)

GS1 US is a not for profit organization dedicated to the adoption and implementation of standards-based, global supply chain solutions. GS1 US operates wholly owned subsidiaries EPCglobal US(TM), RosettaNet, and 1SYNC(TM). GS1 US manages the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code(R) (UNSPSC(R)) for the UN Development Programme. EPCglobal Inc(TM) is a joint venture of GS1 US and GS1. GS1 US-based solutions, including business processes, XML standards, EDI transaction sets, and the bar code identification standards of the GS1 System (formerly known as the EAN.UCC System) are currently used by more than one million companies worldwide.
www.GS1US.org.

About VICS(TM)

The Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions (VICS) Association has enabled companies in the retail and consumer-focused industries to eliminate billions of dollars of waste and delay. By creating voluntary guidelines, often referred to as "standards," VICS has created new best practices that ultimately lead to lower costs and better availability of products for consumers. VICS' volunteer members improve the flow of products and information throughout retailing and the consumer-focused industries that supply retail. The Association provides leadership and an environment in which executives can make a difference in their industry, their company performance- and their personal commitment to make the world work a little better. VICS' members help define the next best practices in the industries and thus anticipate and optimize business processes and costs.

Additional information can be found at www.vics.org.

SOURCE: GS1 US

Idea of the Day: Internationalize Supply Chain Security Standards

2008-07-15T11:41:00.000+05:30

Seaports are the on-off ramps to the multi-trillion dollar global economy. Any major system disruption will generate economic losses equal to the gross domestic product of many countries. The closure of West Coast ports, which handle half of all U.S. imports, would start at $1 billion a day and rise rapidly after the first week. A decision to close all ports following a terrorist attack, a likely political response absent a strong management system, would actually fulfill the perpetrators’ key objective.

Better tools are required to help future leaders avoid such a decision. But private sector efforts to secure supply chains, such as the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or C-TPAT, are voluntary. Government on-site validation of security procedures is subject to advance notice, company cooperation, and only performed once.

Meanwhile, the participating companies enjoy preferences in container screening. Security standards should be applied that differentiate shippers and importers who do the minimum from those willing to do more. The existing system depends heavily on unreliable cargo descriptions on shipping manifests. More can be inspected without measurable impact on cargo flow. Reductions in cargo theft, currently estimated at $25 billion per year, can offset at least some security costs.

While the Dubai ports controversy highlighted the importance of maritime security, the solution is not to block foreign operations at ports, but to promote a global security system of action, reporting, and oversight that protects supply chains from the point of manufacture through our ports to store shelves at major retailers such as Target or Wal-Mart. Shipping containers are not the only or even the most likely potential target. Many ports could be shut down by sinking a ship while berthed, as was attempted with the USS COLE in Yemen in 2000, or in a critical shipping channel; others by destroying a single bridge or intermodal transportation link.

Source by americanprogress.org

Taiwanese Supply Chain of Centrino II Platform Speeds Up Shipments

2008-07-14T17:13:00.001+05:30

Taipei, July 14, 2008 (CENS)--Taiwan`s supply chain of Intel Centrino II platform has been speeding up the shipments since the world`s No.1 chipmaker recently announced it would make synchronous rollout of the next-generation computer platform worldwide tomorrow.

Intel has contracted Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) Inc. and Siliconware Precision Industry Co., Ltd. to package and test chips; Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) to make networking-communication chips; Universal Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd., and GemTek Technology Co., Ltd. to supply wireless modules; and Nanya PCB Corp. to supply flip-chip substrate.

Intel originally planned to unveil the platform, dubbed as Montevina, early last month. But some technical problems in graphics core and wireless network have delayed the scheduled introduction. The delay has restrained procurement sentiment in PC market.

People familiar with Intel`s plan pointed out that although Intel has postponed the rollout date, the new platform is estimated to penetrate into 30-40% of notebook computers by the end of this quarter and into 50-60% of the computers in the Christmas shopping season.

Nanya`s production of the substrates for chips used in the platform is running at full capacity, raising the expectation that the company`s revenue for the third quarter will be 10-15% more than the second quarter.

ASE and Siliconware are contracted to package the 65nm wireless chips for the platform with system-in-package (SiP) technology.

Source by news.cens.com

Logistics and Transportation: Key Steps to a Greener Supply Chain

2008-07-14T17:10:00.001+05:30

Going green is becoming a much talked about topic, even deep in the world of business operations. While consumers and retailers alike are clamoring for greener products and services, can you really change your core business practices to keep up with the growing demand? And how do you change those practices to become more sustainable?

With logistics, it's all about strategic choices. While they are not as plentiful as those in the consumer world, taking extra time to research your options allows for a greener supply chain without sacrificing your bottom line. Choices include strategic consolidation programs, efficient warehouse planning, best routing practices or aligning with vendors/services providers certified by reputable organizations. By learning more about newly available logistics practices, you can choose a greener provider or request that your current provider adopt more sustainable policies and practices.

Strategic Consolidation Programs

Retailer-driven consolidation programs, offered by companies like CaseStack, provide businesses with the opportunity to ship full truckloads by combining purchase orders headed to a single distribution center. By working closely with the retailer, suppliers keep enough stock on hand to deliver just-in-time service while still anticipating future orders. The retailer can then create one single order that includes multiple suppliers.

Back in the warehouse, the logistics provider calculates the best formation for each truck -- something CaseStack coined, “matrixing a shipment.” Our employees calculate the capacity, weight and stackability of each order to maximize the truck space. They minimize the wasteful practice called, “shipping air.” As a result, road and dock congestion is reduced, eliminating the need to have multiple trucks deliver the same amount of product less-than-truckload.

Carrier consolidation also addresses the shipment of air using advanced algorithmic technology. In simple terms, orders are used to fill empty pallet spots when trucks are nearby one of the company's warehouses.

Warehouse Planning

Careful planning can give full-service logistics companies an added green advantage. By building strategically placed warehouses in centralized locations throughout the nation, the provider maximizes routes that would average out throughout all of its locations. Any reputable provider will be clustered in an area that provides maximum shipping potential.

Establishing a Strategic Route

While truck routing software is essential to maintain efficiency, the same program can also decrease your company's carbon footprint. Software called ProMiles, for example, provides the added benefit of integrating a biodiesel mapping system to locate fueling stations that provide alternative fuel, creating the greenest transport service available.

After familiarizing yourself with ways to employ practical green logistics solutions, you are in a better position to ask your vendors and service providers about ways to implement eco-friendly policies and programs.

Two of the most successful ways to implement green business practices are the usage of alternative fuels and working with green-certified vendors and service providers.

Alternative Fuel

Numerous alternative fuel possibilities exist, but biodiesel is the most readily available and does not require any engine modification; a truck can easily switch off between biodiesel and diesel. Its increasing consumer market popularity has prompted many stations to carry it nationwide. CaseStack offers its own biodiesel initiative using low-sulfur diesel to reduce emission. UPS has 167 compressed natural gas delivery vehicles throughout California, Georgia and Texas.

Biodiesel blends ratios are noted using the letter “B” and a number that indicates the percentage of biodiesel being used. For example, B20 utilizes 20% biodiesel while B99 uses 99%. Due to route restrictions, it is difficult for any carrier to absolutely guarantee your shipment will be made with biodiesel. You can, however, opt to work with providers that maximize its usage. If your provider is open to utilizing biodiesel, they can visit the National Biodiesel Board. The Board provides resources, maps of fueling stations and an introduction to software, including ProMiles, that can help.

Certification Programs

Government and private agency programs easily identify companies that are proactive in their pursuit of greener business practices. The most popular of these is the SmartWay Transport Program, sponsored by the EPA. They host several programs for primary, secondary and third-party providers - each requiring unique goals and pledges to fulfill the certification. SmartWay holds carriers ultimately responsible for reducing emissions but 3PLs must also vow to reduce a set percentage of emissions each year by choosing greener carriers.

It's time to update your supply chain to something more sustainable. The impacts of your green choices are visible and beneficial across the spectrum. There are always environmentally feasible options out there that will work for business. Be it the shipping method, logistics strategy, or choice of partner, it is ultimately up to your organization to decide the best path.

Source by greenbiz.com

First regional ethical supply chain in Hong Kong

2008-07-14T17:09:00.002+05:30

Asia’s first ethical supply chain summit will be held in Hong Kong on October 29-31 2008.

It will showcase the latest best practices of global corporations in establishing ethical supply chain practices in Asia.

Representatives from across industry will highlight how they are working with environmental and labour regulations to ensure ethical supply chain management.

Confirmed speakers include Patrick Kwan, regional manager, supplier social responsibility, Starbucks; Kate Larsen CSR manager Asia, Burberry; William Lee, director, social responsibility, GAP; Brill Lacno, regional manager, social and environmental sustainability, Levi Strauss; Reiner Hengstmann, global head, social & environment supply chain, PUMA; Stefan Hoffmann-Kuhnt, regional compliance manager, Siemens China; Jeremy Prepscius, Asia director, Business for Social Responsibility; and Edward Hanrahan, executive director, Climate Care, among others.

There will be pre-conference practical workshops on complying with the new Labor Contract Law & Crisis Management, as well as case studies from global companies establishing ethical supply chain best practices across Asia.

For more information go to http://www.ethicalsupply.com/en/home.html

USB-ED presents programme in supply chain management

2008-07-14T17:09:00.001+05:30

USB Executive Development Ltd (USB-ED) will present a programme in supply chain management from 17 to 19 September 2008 in Bellville. USB-ED is a public company at the University of Stellenbosch Business School and all its programmes are internationally accredited.

This programme enables participants to align typical business imperatives that relate to supply chain management with the total supply chain process. The core focus is on leading-edge manufacturing and operations concepts, with particular attention to process improvement - focusing specifically on the South African context.

Participants will learn the relevant techniques needed to move from a transaction-based approach to a customer value-based model in order to supply customers with all the information needed to make decisions.

The programme is aimed at managers and others who are challenged with the intricacies of the supply chain and logistics of their companies and who wish to improve decision-making in these areas.

Some of the areas that will be covered during the programme include:

increasing customer service excellence
market research
inventory planning and control
materials requirement planning
just-in-time (JIT)

Successful participants will be equipped to illustrate practically how the needs of a target market can be integrated into the supply chain and delivery sequence of a company.

They will also be able to identify and resolve issues regarding inventory and to apply concepts used in the planning and controlling of resources.

The course should give participants an understanding of the JIT planning and control techniques, enable them to develop the customer/supplier relationship to its full potential, to make informed decisions with regard to warehousing practices and conduct a logistics audit in their organisation.

For more information contact Charmaine Garcia on +27 (0) 21 918 4488 or send e-mail to charmaine.garcia@usb-ed.com.

The Local and Foreign Suppliers of Trade Europe Global

2008-07-14T13:49:00.001+05:30

If you want to buy products from a Europe import export market, check out Trade Europe Global. This is a market place which provides its consumers with a broad scope of products manufactured from different countries all throughout the world. Whether you are looking for Indian textile, Chinese products, or German assembled automobile parts, you will be able to find these at Trade Europe. The best thing about this import-export market is the fact that it sells a wide array of items and services. Since its suppliers and sellers come from various parts of the world, you are guaranteed of diverse selections.Referred to as Europe’s largest B2B market place, Trade Europe Global provides its consumers with the products of local and foreign suppliers. One of its local suppliers comes from Germany. This company offers both products and services. Among its products are stretch limousines, automobile parts, and automobile accessories. When it comes to services, it offers interior designing and armoring. What is more, it also sells equipments to interested buyers. If you have specific requirements when it comes to the car or vehicle that you want, you can opt for the products of this German supplier. On the other hand, the products and services of this company are appropriate for you if you only want to purchase from local suppliers.

One of the foreign suppliers of this B2B market place is India. The manufacturer from this country offers high technology equipments and machineries. What is more, its workforce is highly qualified in order to come up with satisfactory products. The top-selling products which come from India are wooden and brass phones, watches, clocks, thermometers, barometers, hygrometers, and sand timers. You will also be able to find protractors, compass, decorative, handicrafts, wind vanes, key chains, drafting machines, and other products. When you are interested in the items and services of India, you can always opt to look for certain items which have been manufactured from this country.

When you are looking for a manufacturer of chemicals for water treatment, you will be able to find one in Malta. This country also transacts with Trade Europe Global. A company from Malta provides consumers with activated carbon, ingredients and additives for foods, and resins for ion exchange. What is more, it offers chemicals for cooler and boiler water treatment systems. This company also provides services which are related to the products that it sells. If you have a water heater at home, this manufacturer will be able to give you what you need.

When you are looking for leasing agents, Trade Europe Global can offer you with a leasing and city sales company from Cyprus. The services that this organization provides are appropriate for you if you are searching for a rental space. On the other hand, you can also buy gadgets for security and protection at this B2B market place. A manufacturer from Malaysia offers two way radios and security systems. It also provides accessories and batteries for two way radios. These products are suitable for you when you are running a security agency.

Delivery Reliability and Security Worry Supply Chain Executives

2008-07-14T11:05:00.001+05:30

The majority of the respondents to PRTM Management Consultants' Global Supply Chain Trends 2008-2010 study reported experiencing issues with product safety and quality. More than one-fifth said these issues are frequent and serious.

Concern is also high over product quality and safety, as well as delivery reliability and security, when expanding the supply chain globally.

The study reveals that the product recall is more extensive than many realize, with the most frequent issues reported by companies in the automotive and industrial sectors.

"Companies are acutely aware of the risks posed by globalization and are taking this challenge very seriously," said Shoshanah Cohen, Director, PRTM's Global Supply Chain Innovation practice. Although globalization is accelerating, the study found that a company's supply chain can impede that acceleration if it is not sufficiently flexible or if the company lacks the internal competency to manage supply chain partners.

Sixty percent of survey participants indicated that their supply chains lacked the required flexibility to rapidly respond to changing customer demands and interruptions in supply. In addition, more than half said they lack internal competencies to adequately manage their external partners.

Managing supply chain flexibility to ensure efficient product flow and on-time delivery remains a major challenge, the study shows. By 2010, the need for greater supply chain flexibility will overtake product quality and customer service as the major driver for improving supply chain strategy.

To improve supply chain flexibility across continents, almost 90% of those surveyed plan to increase their focus on delivery performance. Four out of five companies plan to better integrate key suppliers, including tighter enforcement of service level agreements with their channel partners. And 65% plan to maintain higher buffer stocks along key supply chain functions.

Source by industryweek.com

MHF Supply Chain Solutions Launches New Business Unit

2008-07-14T11:02:00.001+05:30

MHF Supply Chain Solutions (MHF-SCS) announced recently that it has launched Carload Solutions, a new business unit offering door-to-door rail service that bundles rail, transloading and trucking into an integrated service product under a single invoice.

MHF-SCS is a rail-centric, asset-based, transportation logistics provider that offers seamless solutions for shippers whose needs include access to multi-modal transportation and packaging options.

"With the rising cost of fuel and a global focus on the environment, shippers are starting to rethink the way they currently transport their product," said Ryan Harrington, Director of Sales and Marketing for MHF-SCS. "Our customers are seeing savings of up to 25% on their transportation by shipping in railcar."

For more information about MHF-SCS Carload Solutions, please visit www.mhfscs.com and click on "Carload Solutions" or call 1-877-452-9300 ext 7137.

About MHF Supply Chain Solutions
MHF Supply Chain Solutions is a vertically-integrated transportation logistics provider that offers seamless solutions for shippers whose needs include access to multi-modal transportation and packaging options. The company provides cost effective, reliable and personal logistics services to companies of all sizes throughout North America and specializes in the planning, management, equipment, and personnel necessary to transport large volumes of material via rail and highway.

MHF-SCS is a division of MHF Logistical Solutions, Inc., a rail-centric, asset-based, third-party logistics provider that offers seamless solutions for generators and shippers in the nuclear utilities, environmental services, mining, metals, and chemical and petrochemical industries.

SOURCE: MHF Supply Chain Solutions

Business to Business Mailing List: Is it Useful?

2008-07-12T17:38:00.001+05:30

Commonly referred to as Business to Business (B2B), commercial transactions between businesses take place daily. Since there is a need for businesses to reach other businesses, it is crucial that they have access to up-to-date information about them. Be it their supplier, purchaser or even competitor, businesses need information such as phone numbers, addresses and business descriptions.

However, since companies are constantly making organizational changes, their contact persons also change. Furthermore, there are many instances where businesses relocate or even shut down. As a result, not all businesses will be informed of the details of such changes, thus causing a breakdown in the communication chain, leading to information being lost or wasted.

Therefore, to eliminate the occurrence of such events and to speed up business efficiency, many have turned to using mailing lists - Business To Business Mailing Lists. They provide businesses with accurate and reliable details of relevant industry players, as they are being continuously updated. Companies providing such services constantly monitor and conduct research to ensure that information is of relevant use to their customers.

Ordinarily, Business to Business mailing lists contain contact information about individuals or companies which allow people or organizations to contact or send data to multiple recipients at any one time. B2B Mailing Lists contain information collected and complied from various places ranging from business annual reports to newspapers and the yellow pages. This mailing list enables businesses to choose relevant business contact details, information on sales volume and even SIC codes and descriptions about a company. The mailing list creates opportunities for businesses to conduct direct mail marketing, market analysis and promotion of the goods and services offered.

Business To Business Mailing Lists give businesses total control, whether or not a company wants to reach a big business, home business or a small business owner. It allows businesses to save time, without having to source for new contact information, and enables them to utilize a large database to reach thousands or even millions within one direct mail campaign. In addition, businesses have the ability to choose the best mailing list suitable for their product or service, making it an effective way for businesses to ensure that their targeted market is reached.

B2B Mailing Lists also cuts away middleman. It allows companies to get to their target groups directly, since they have the relevant contacts at hand. This further allows them to save time and money when they need to focus on other aspects of the business.

Many companies provide such mailing list services, offering mailing lists as well as knowledge on how one can go about choosing a suitable target audience or mailing list for a marketing campaign. They evaluate the success of each campaign, and provide advice to clients with which they are working with. Essentially, it enables them to increase their business network and grow their customer base. This will often result in the achievement of substantial growth rates.

Businesses simply have to contact a company that deals with mailing lists and they will be on their way to reaching thousands or millions of other businesses! It would definitely be difficult to deny the usefulness of such effective and efficient source of information.

Source : www.medicalbusinesss.com

B2B Lead Generation

2008-07-12T17:33:00.000+05:30

B2B or Business-to-Business lead generation involves bringing compatible companies together to do business. Two companies are termed as compatible when the products/services of one are required by the other. This itself conveys the importance of business-to-business lead generation. B2B sales can play a significant role in a business organization's profit margins.

Take the example of a manufacturing business. Suppose you manufacture branded personal computers, then you will need the different parts that go into assembling a personal computer. Now obviously you would not be manufacturing each and every part yourself, so you need to buy those parts from a company that manufactures them. You would be successful in the long run if you establish long term relations with the manufacturers of the required parts. In that way you can also get the parts tailor made to suit your purposes and the supplier will have a steady business opportunity. Now look at the same situation from the point-of-view of the parts' manufacturer, supposing you are one, you will be greatly benefited if you establish long term relations with organizations that require the parts manufactured by you.

Business-to-business lead generation is increasingly being recognized for its importance and steadily growing influence. It can be done in many ways, the traditional ones being telemarketing and direct mailing which have a limited use, the popular ones being advertisements in trade publications and trade show presentations. In fact, trade shows exist mainly for the purpose of helping various businesses find compatible partners. A professionally executed presentation which informs as well as entertains would go a long way in generating vital leads which could result in profitable business opportunities. Apart from the presentation, the organization of the trade show also carries a lot of importance. A badly attended trade show or one that has the wrong people would be a complete waste of time and resources.

Trade publications which are read mostly by the industry people are a highly cost effective way of business lead generation. Advertisements in such publications reach the targeted audience. This makes trade publications a much better alternative to radio and newspapers.

The internet with its ever expanding reach and influence offers a goldmine of opportunities for B2B lead generation. Online lead generation uses various internet based techniques like direct marketing, search marketing and online banners among others. Online lead generation is growing very fast. Currently valued at $1.3 billion it is expected that in the year 2008 it will cross $2 billion.

Source : business-sales-gw.blogspot.com

Customer Rewards dalam B2B Relationship Marketing (by Yudi Pram)

2008-07-12T17:30:00.000+05:30

Tadi siang, saya baru saja mempresentasikan konsep pemberian rewards bagi corporate customer pada salah satu klien saya. Seperti memelihara angsa bertelur emas, Corporate customer memang sangat lazim diberi perhatian lebih! Itu semata-mata karena si angsa ini menjadi pundi-pundi sumber pendapatan bagi perusahaan. Corporate customer adalah mitra bisnis yang tidak boleh disia-siakan, kalau likuiditas dan profitabilitas ingin tetap ok.

Keinginan berbagi keuntungan dengan mitra bisnis pada saat ini sudah menjadi bagian yang lazim dalam strategi. Profit harus diatur steng-steng lah (itu istilah jaman saya dulu), biar smua happy. Pada saat posisi tawar perusahaan melemah karena adanya tekanan persaingan. Dan konsumen sudah menemukan jalan yang mudah untuk berganti mitra (inget iklan a mild skrup & mur) . Maka ikatan yang terbentuk dalam transaksi pembeli-penjual harus dipertahankan jangan sampai putus dan mengganggu sumber pendapatan dan keuntungan perusahaan. Tujuan inilah sebenarnya yang digagas oleh konsep relationship marketing. Pemasaran yang mengedepankan pertalian dengan semua mitra bisnis, baik di hulu, di samping, maupun di hilir. Konsep ini mengacu pada pandangan, bahwa jika bisnis ingin berjalan secara berkelanjutan (sustainable), maka keuntungan yang ada dalam value delivery network (jejaring supplier-perusahaan-channel-customer dan complementor) harus terdistribusi secara balance atau proporsional. Model inilah yang akan membuat everybody happy. Kalau anda pernah baca kitab marketing Kotler edisi terakhir, disitu memang disebutkan bahwa pentingnya mengextent paradigm marketing menjadi holoistic marketing. Salah satu elemen dalam holistic marketing adalah relationship marketing. Sedangkan elemen lainnya adalah internal marketing, integrated marketing, dan social responsible marketing. Prinsipnya adalah semua stakeholder perusahaan harus digarap dengan marketing. Suatu prinsip yang mengedepankan pemenuhan kebutuhan semua pihak akan tercapai satisfaction.

Semangat pertemanan dan kemitraan ini sebenarnya yang ingin diusung dalam implementasi relationship marketing. Jika banyak teman, banyak silaturahmi, dan banyak sedekah maka kita akan panjang umur, itu kata pa ustadz. Jika banyak teman, maka akan jauh dari kesusahan. Tapi kalau semua teman kita orang susah, ya saya ga tau juga! Loe bakal bangkrut kale, kena porot temen. Rupanya prinsip pertemanan inilah yang sekarang diadopsi dalam rangka memperpanjang umur perusahaan. Jika perusahaan berusaha membangun posisi yang win-win, maka perusahaan akan relatif aman seandainya ada terjangan tsunami bisnis yang akan menenggelamkan perusahaan. Dalam kondisi banyak teman, biasanya teriakan SOS (tulung, tulung! Kata si cepot) akan segera direspon cepat oleh si penolong. Layaknya si sexy Erika Eleniak dalam Baywatch, mitra perusahaan yang sangat paham akan makna pertemanan, akan segera membantu korban yang sedang pingsan! Dan tentu saja disertai dengan pemberian nafas buatan oleh Erika, agar kehidupan kembali muncul.

Kembali ke pokok judul di atas, lalu bagaimana caranya memberikan rewards kepada corporate customer? Seperti yang dipresentasikan pada konsep yang kami buat , kalau perusahaan anda berniat memberikannya, saya menyarankan ada 3 hal yang harus anda rumuskan secara seksama:

a. Rumusan kriteria untuk menseleksi corporate customer yang layak dan pantas memperoleh reward. Jika perusahaan melayani cukup banyak corporate customer maka kita berkepentingan untuk memilih mana yang berhak, mana yang tidak. Agenda tersembunyi dari point ini adalah, kita ingin memacu juga corporate customer yang tidak terpilih untuk menjadi yang terpilih. Welcome to our club!

b. Rumusan bentuk alternatif rewards yang cukup bermafaatan dan memorable untuk diterima customer. Bentuk rewards cukup penting, rewads tidak boleh hanya sekedar hadiah. Makna hadiah harus ada. Kebermanfaatan dan semangat penghargaan harus muncul disitu, baik secara fungsional maupun emosional.

c. Rumusan batasan anggaran yang masih reasonable diberikan. Rewards adalah seperti umpan dalam memancing. Kalau rewards berharga mahal, atau sedikit menggerogoti profitabilitas, itu ga apa-apa. Yang penting, pemberian rewards harus ada kalkulasinya dan dikaitkan dengan CLTV atau customer life time value.

Source : yudipram.wordpress.com

Import & Export and B2B Negotiation

2008-07-11T17:00:00.001+05:30

As is known, Global sourcing is only a business strategy to ensure smoother and cost effective enterprise transformation, accessing new markets using key geographic advantages such as cost differences, labor strengths and time zones. The obvious advantages China business has rests in its geographic location from key markets and major governmental thrust for infrastructural development driven import & export. As we stand today, import and export is driving the whole of China business and with it, the economy.

However, there are contradictory perceptions about import and export from China business rather than global sourcing and nevertheless it's a controversial issue. Despite this, global is being adapted as a strategic decision; with all its risk/benefit analysis in place. On their part, China and China business houses are surging ahead ironing out issues on the go.

One of the most common mistakes done while carrying out e-commerce is to deal with fake online websites in the name of international trade, import/export or global sourcing and such a mistake just needs common sense to avoid it. For example if an email comes to your account and claims to give you a free product in return for your bank details, just beware of it. Also you could check out the email address if it comes from a strange sort of address it is surely spam mail.

Business to business negotiation is the crucial get-ahead tool in a global sourcing scenario. Import and export expertise apart, business to business negotiations take thorough understanding of local etiquettes and legal structures assume center stage. This article takes a peep into the role of B2B on import & export negotiation besides exploring business to business negotiation basics. The postulations of the article provide the framework for newer perspectives for business to business negotiation, with a lean on import and export in the global sourcing backdrop. Any B2B global sourcing tangle can be solved through business to business negotiation.

Source : tootooblog.blogr.com

Business to Business Negotiation in Global Sourcing

2008-07-11T16:58:00.000+05:30

In a global sourcing B2B negotiation, monopolistic pressures are less likely to be exerted cautiously as many negotiation processes are planned for B2B environment particularly keeping in view, the long term relationships for global sourcing. Recognizing the behavioral pattern of people during the negotiations helps gain a competitive edge in a business to business scenario.Business to business negotiations permit certain margins for cost over-runs unlike when you are global sourcing for own consumption by way of letting you monetize the B2B goods as they are available at your port. But on the B2B negotiation table for import/export, the best strategy to adapt is letting the opposite party do the bulk of talking and wait for loose ends to pitch in. Besides, this keeps your lacunas in your preparedness with regards to import/export procedure of that country.Simple tips such as frequent change of passwords can act as a strong deterrent to anyone bent upon cracking passwords by use of brute force and hence the e-commerce activity carried out in this manner can be done freely without much tension of lost or stolen information and so forth. International trade often involves carrying out of import/export and global sourcing activities and this does involve frequent exchange of sensitive data via e-commerce technologies and this sensitive data could be in the form of personal particulars, credit information and so forth. This data should not fall into wrong hands.As is known, Global sourcing is only a business strategy to ensure smoother and cost effective enterprise transformation, accessing new markets using key geographic advantages such as cost differences, labor strengths and time zones. The obvious advantages China business has rests in its geographic location from key markets and major governmental thrust for infrastructural development driven import & export. As we stand today, import and export is driving the whole of China business and with it, the economy.

Source : tootooblog.blogr.com

The business network of ten thousand countries is pushed " Overseas supplier " Try market of Association of South-east Asian Nations of water first

2008-07-11T16:41:00.001+05:30

The business network of ten thousand countries is pushed " Overseas supplier " Try market of Association of South-east Asian Nations of water first
B2B e-commerce platform - -The business network of ten thousand countries puts out its network which face the overseas supplier and popularizes the products formally - -" overseas supplier " (Global Supplier Service) .
The reporter learnt yesterday, B2B e-commerce platform - -The business network of ten thousand countries puts out its network which face the overseas supplier and popularizes the products formally - -" overseas supplier " (Global Supplier Service) .
" popularize global resources to the global market, the localization to one's own business since the business network of ten thousand countries is established " ,Ten thousand country Yin, CEO of business network, link Ann say when interviewed by reporter: "We notice, a lot of Chinese enterprises have set up one's own manufacturing plant abroad at present. With the rising day by day of China's comprehensive national strength, Chinese enterprises are overseas to purchase the demand and increase day by day too. As a B2B website building up from Hong Kong, after 9 of development, we have already accumulated the huge overseas supplier's information resources, this establishes the foundation that we started ' the overseas supplier ''s project. "
As far as reporter know, at present domestic for B2B the business scopes of enterprise it lock generally in " Help domestic enterprises to enter commercial cooperation and reach the trade export and provide service for Chinese enterprises " On the foundation. Before this, the business network of ten thousand countries has been put out and stood to world which China small and medium-sized enterprises popularize abroad successively, Japan stand Mexico stand, Brazil stand, India stand, Bangladesh person who stand website outside the 7 sea, in addition the business network of ten thousand countries sets up running the centre in Shanghai of banking centre of Asia, have accumulated a lot of information resources too. And it was put out this time " Overseas supplier " Products, aim at exporting for the small and medium-sized enterprises outside the territory of China to China, and the market make the products to popularize the service series offered in the whole world.
Reveal according to the business network of ten thousand countries, " overseas supplier " Regard it as main force to choose the ASEAN countries first and popularize the market. Ten thousand country Yin, CEO of business network, link Ann recommend: "The ASEAN countries are all implementing economic policy of freedom, encourage the foreign businessman to make an investment in locality, investment environment foundations are all very good. Every ASEAN members economic structure and economy horizontal difference relatively heavy at present, the difference little economic development of district suit with our country just, a lot of field have complementarity, this enhance confidence for ten thousand first-selected Association of South-east Asian Nations main popularization market in ' overseas supplier ', business network of country, at the same time. "

Source : www.comeinchina.com

New Benefits That Party Can Obtain From Participating in a B2b Market

2008-07-11T16:21:00.001+05:30

Business to Business (B2B) market offers spectacular opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, exporters, importers and service provider. A B2B market manages a large number of players as a business community.Do what you know exactly a B2B market? Based on the Internet B2B market tends to focus either on steep or flat markets. B2B Vertical markets automate the procurement procedure in an industry that brings together buyers and sellers at various levels of distribution in conjunction with transactions job.Brand: B2B market is a huge community of buyers and sellers. For employment in another market, the brand can be defined simply as a batch of images, images and feelings that are evoked in the psyche of your customers and prospects to reference your figure (or number of goods . In order to ensure that the image that is evoked is a routine check and constructive amount is a challenge in a job at branding. In the consumer goods reality, while expensive, branding is relatively simple: Building a brand through a coherent system of advertising that connects your goods or service to the images and emotions that you are looking for the consumer to correlate with you. B2B markets are one-stop job for many solutions Part? needs. Real time market allows buyers to move quickly resolution, two major indicators of productivity are part rising incomes and reducing costs. Products offered on a market are integrated into the eCatalog and seller? Web Store. B2B Exchanges are online marketplace for companies to purchase and trade in services of higher quality and new businesses. Buyers are unable to make final purchasing decisions to pay for poor substance of the goods resulting chance of 'job losses for businesses. To avoid this B2B markets take one form or another advanced eCatalog structure that offers a value of persuasion are proposal.There new benefits that can get to participate in a B2B market as a buyer participants easily.For B2B market offers as indicated below: Gain time? Provides accelerate acceptance, the command monitoring processes and economy. Access to the original suppliers? B2B market participation removes geographical fences and provides original approach suppliers.Increased sales? With a wider market, suppliers have the potential to increase revenue.Reduced sales and support costs? By automating sales and customer support processes companies can cut more costs about 25-30 head % High costs well.Reduced? Elegant Thanks to high supply chain costs can be reduced to 30 up percentages.B2B trade: The landscape is dotted with hundreds of B2B exchanges that have failed, showing that success is far from automatic. But many are still in operation. They have learned to go to reward opportunities and avoid disadvantages of this energy source of online merchandising. integrated sales channel in a market Business to Business covers all stages of the sales procedure, including quote, dialogue, billing and sending tracking.www.Made-India.com is an innovative and comprehensive online business-to-business (B2B) portal, which provides a professional platform for Indian exporters, manufacturers, suppliers and others who are involved in the import-export. Since its inception in 2007, Made-India has emerged as an international platform for thousands of consultants, importers - exporters, organizations and companies to transact business at the global level, without intermediaries.

Source : small-business-faq.blogspot.com

Trade Show Accountability - B2B Marketing and Sales Tip

2008-07-11T15:34:00.002+05:30

I count it as good fortune … a big part of my job involves talking to dozens of different marketers every week about lead generation. Lately, I have kept my ears open for signs of downward second half ’08 pressure on budgets due to the economy. And while my report is hardly scientific, I am happy to say the majority of companies I’m in touch with seem to be in tune with the fact that the best formula for sales and marketing success (in any economic situation) is:

Sustainability + Execution + Accountability = Marketing ROI

In real world terms, if you’re driving somewhere, you’ve got to keep your foot on the gas and your car on the road at the same time. Marketing accountability (direction and measurement) are equal to those white lines we all strive to stay between no matter how fast or slow the speedometer says we are going at any given time during the trip. So when companies do knee-jerk reactions to economic news and paralyze their sales and marketing efforts by raiding the marketing budget, I’ve always equated it to driving by those bad planners along side of the road who have run out of gas …you feel bad for them, but at the same time you can’t help but wonder how in the heck they let that happen. Did they really think they could get to where they wanted to go, without keeping enough fuel in the tank?

Taking the gas analogy one step further – in an economy where responsible marketers need to be doing more with less – I equate an over reliance on tradeshows for lead generation to rushing out and buying a Humvee. Sure, the “let’s have a parade” factor is there. The big tires, shiny grills and overhead lights look cool. You can paint logos on them and go like a bat-out-of-hell for two days. You’ll have plenty of conversations with lots of bleary-eyed people about how rugged, yet chic it all looks … but at the end of the day, poorly executed trade show campaigns are about the most wasteful thing I can think of from a lead generation perspective.

I’m keenly aware that trying to steer some folks away from over relying on trade shows for leads almost means talking them into a complete redo of their very persona on a professional level. The success of too many marketers are gauged by how tricked-out booths look, or how efficiently they can ship dozens of boxes from one city to the next. Most large companies have full time employees who do nothing but register for events, manage shipping and logistics vendors and fight - oops, I mean “coordinate”- with the sales team about who to send to this or that event with exhibit hall passes, matching $60 golf polos and thousands of dollars worth of bags and trinkets that everyone forgets in their hotel room on checkout day. Then finally, the two hour meeting with finance weeks later about whether sales or marketing is going to pay for the expense reports. Sound familiar? You know who you are.

For these people I’d like to I’d propose a few things that can be done as part of your trade show production to ratchet things up accountability-wise. The goal is to go beyond counting how many business cards are in your fishbowl, or the number of badges you’ve scanned with your $300 per event “rent-a-scan.”

As far in advance as possible, begin processing event attendee registration lists as if they were an operational database. That is, weed out irrelevant contact data, then research, segment and prioritize relevant targets. Add this data to your CRM and marketing automation systems. Then direct pre-show, at-show and post-show calls-to-action at them with embedded “key driver” messaging. It’s really about knowing who you want to speak with before your team goes to the event, instead of passively waiting for people to visit your booth after the show has started.Many events these days offer incomplete contact data for trade show registrants and/or have limitations about how it can be used. As this trend grows, a good approach is to use custom contact database builders like ReachForce to quickly research the companies who are sending attendees and provide you with names and contact information of those who are most relevant to your sales efforts. Very often these results track to same people who have registered. If not, it’s still nice to have the right names when you speak to their co-workers to arrange getting your sales people networked in.
Game-plan each event as if you were a basketball coach. Consider the entire exhibit floor as the field of play with the understanding that no basketball team ever won a game with all 5 players standing under the hoop (in this case, around the booth). Depending on how many people you have going, you at least need 1) a good Point Guard (someone working the entire court, driving activity toward the goal/booth 2) a good Defensive Forward (someone working the entire court, talking to competitors, their customers, media contacts, consultants and analyst) and 3) a solid Center (someone – not a booth babe – who can deliver value proposition, demos, etc. in an intelligent and memorable way. Think of this as someone who instills confidence, with whom the visitor would want to personally do business.)
Once you have these players in place, make sure they all have measurable objectives to shoot for. Give them a leader and mission and make known in a post show report to executive management whether or not objectives were achieved. In other words, have a solid event execution process that holds people accountable for their individual assignments. This is a good way to avoid the perception that trade shows are junkets.
Rather than doing free-form sales pitches at your booth, strive to quantify what visitors think of your product or offer (usually after a demo) by using an ‘asked and answered” approach. A kiosk-based survey system can be used to pose “key-value” and “key-driver” questions with multiple choice questions. Assign point values to each response choice and tabulate them in a way that can be mathematically analyzed after the event to “score” each visitor. If you’re going to give away trinkets make them good ones, and give them to survey-takers.
Set media coverage objectives for each event (by doing proper preparation work, setting interviews, etc. with attending media contacts upfront) and measure effectiveness in terms of ad value equivalency. I.e. measure what same coverage would have cost if you bought an ad from each outlet. This is not really a pure lead generation issue, but tradeshows are useful for creating thought-leadership buzz, if done correctly. It’s important to craft a compelling, newsworthy pitch such as a new product launch, or stories linking important key drivers with how your company is positioned to address them. And if you don’t have a couple of client/promoters who are willing to be a part of anything you pitch to the media, don’t even waste your time. I don’t know too many reporters willing to write a story unless there are solid use cases and customer testimonials to back your claims up.On this same note, try to coordinate the timing of your more meaningful press releases with your event schedule. A strong story released with a dateline from a major industry event is a good way to compel media contacts to meet with you there. It also helps give your presence at the event a theme to work with, which is also helpful in creating buzz.
As a final dig (I just can’t help myself) always bring a fire extinguisher to each event. That way you can put out the flames from all the budget dollars you are burning when it starts to get out of hand.

Trade Leads In Just 72 Hours - Pudgin.com’s Dynamic, Rapid Set-Up Lets Companies Influence Price And Quantities

2008-07-11T15:23:00.001+05:30

Internet purchasing is nothing new in the B2B world. But the recent marketplace site Pudgin.com has added what was missing: responsive interactions between buyer and seller that match real-world trading.

“It’s a new concept that makes Pudgin.com ultra-dynamic, beyond being just a marketplace portal” said Business Development Manager Stéphane Denoux “What’s different is that buyers can influence the price, and small and medium-size businesses can join together to make group purchases.”

“As a result, buyers get the best possible deal, and sellers can unload their surplus rapidly,” Denoux asserted. The trade cycle on Pudgin.com is 72 hours, giving participants rapid access to suppliers and prospects.

Pudgin.com was designed to enable buyers and sellers to influence each others’ offers. With the site’s reverse auction feature, sellers can modify their unit price to remain the best seller, helping ensure a sale. When the 72-hour time limit on a trade lead expires, the seller who proposed the lowest price gets the leads.

Buyers can use the Group Buying feature for greater savings by adding their requested quantity to one or more existing trade leads. This, together with the reverse auction feature, allows buyers to influence price and quantity–just like in real-world transactions.

“Both buyers and sellers receive responses to their trade leads within just 72 hours,” said Denoux. “That means everyone saves time while making viable contacts that end in transactions.”

Pudgin.com’s buying cycle is operational between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. GMT/UTC, Monday to Friday. Once the trade lead expires, the interested parties receive an email alert and have 48 hours to confirm their engagement.

Two pages on the site clearly describe the selling and buying process. Pudgin.com also keeps members informed about business opportunities without flooding their in-boxes. After selecting categories of interest in their membership area, members receive one email a day listing trade leads that interest them.

Source : www.practicalecommerce.com

Trade Europe Global: A Marketplace for Local and Foreign Sellers

2008-07-09T17:29:00.000+05:30

When you want to conduct business with Europe's largest B2B market place, the best site to check out would be Trade Europe Global. This market offers both imported and exported products which range from vehicles, to automobile accessories and parts, household items, clothes, and hundreds of other products. Whether you are residing within the continent or you are a foreign supplier of products, you can trade at this market place. What is more, it does not matter what you are offering. You can sell cars, goods, and services here. You can even sell beauty products at Trade Europe Global.

If you are a seller and you want to trade at Europe's B2B market place, you are provided with several categories of products. Some of these categories include arts and crafts, accessories and apparels, beauty and health products, paper and packaging products, chemicals, and machineries. You can even provide consumers with services such as publishing and printing services, business services, protection and security, and telecommunications. If you are into real estate, you can also post your offers at Trade Europe Global. Whatever type of merchandise you are specializing on, you can trade it at this market place.

One of the categories that you can delve into when you want to take part of this Europe import export market place is agriculture and livestock. When you are a farmer and you want to sell your products in an open market where there are thousands of buyers, check out Trade Europe Global. You can offer agricultural products such as dried and fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, cereals, grains, pulses, animal oil, and vegetable oil. This category is not limited to your crops. You can also choose to sell your livestock if you want. This is very suitable for ranch owners who are looking for interested buyers of livestock.

Real estate investors and agents are also welcome at Trade Europe Global. If you want to venture into the property market, this B2B market place is the right place to start your business. You can choose to offer residential or rental properties to interested clients. Or else, you can provide buyers with office building spaces. When you are selling forest or farm lands, you can post these at the site of Trade Europe Global. Real estate projects are also welcome for marketing at this import-export market. If you want to lease your shop, all you have to do is inform buyers about this by posting your offer online. When you are a real estate agent, you can also sell your services to potential home sellers and buyers.

Trade Europe Global is not limited to products such as machineries and household items. If your company is manufacturing beverages and foods, you are always welcome to sell your products. Whether the foods that you produce are processed naturally or not, you can sell these at Europe's B2B market place. You can even provide buyers with desserts, snacks, and confectionery. If you are selling ingredients for foods, vegetable and animal fat, honey, and dairy; you can post these offers freely. The food and beverage category also includes instant foods such as noodles and macaroni. Nuts, kernels, bakery products, and biscuits can also be sold here. There are some sellers who market perishable goods such as poultry, seafood, and meat.

B2b Directory Get Business For Your Business

2008-07-09T17:26:00.001+05:30

Can you guess that which is the hottest medium to catch new and lucrative opportunities for your business?

There are hundreds and thousands of marketing techniques that you can use to promote your business or to generate new business. Just to name a few advertising, telemarketing, blogging, networking, etc.

All of these marketing methods work, some better than others, but being a business professional you should incorporate a variety of techniques to get your marketing message out. One easy way to get started is to add your services to online B2B directories. A B2B Portal is a business directory categorized for easy navigation by people searching for your products and services.

B2B portals are not just a fancy idea! Part of being a B2B business professional is marketing your services to your target market. Today every business is using http://www.themallofindia.com/partnership.html target=new>B2B Directory services or B2B Portal. Whether you are primarily a buyer or a supplier, participation in B2B directories can generate enormous benefits to your company - both in cost savings and productivity increase.

In short a B2B portal is a business which provides business to a business. A B2B portal is a distinct kind of website with features to conduct electronic business and manage significant parts of corporate business processes. Implementation of a true high quality B2B portal or B2B Directory Services could have immediate impact on company productivity.

To conclude, it can be said that B2B Service Providers act as a http://www.themallofindia.com/aboutus.html target=new>business enabler and is the good place to start because it is the most professional and qualified means to promote your business and make your organization famous among the people.

B2B Portal: A Business Platform to Ultimate Productivity Improvement

2008-07-09T17:08:00.003+05:30

If somebody tells you that your present corporate website can be converted to a B2B portal which will help you significantly improve your company’s productivity in both of the two primary factors: Revenue Growth and Cost Saving, and that the portal can be launched in a matter of months with a very reasonable investment, what will be your reaction? Read on to learn how corporations all over the world are missing an opportunity, which can revolutionize the way they manage their businesses.

What is a B2B portal?

A portal is defined as an access point to World Wide Web. A portal is a combination of web pages, features and services which become a primary destination for users. The word was first used to describe the sites of popular Internet access providers or search engines such as AOL, MSN and Yahoo! At a later stage, the word “portal” evolved into something bigger covering business websites, where a corporate portal or enterprise information portal acts as a base for employees, customers, suppliers and other associates of a company to access corporate information and web services. A B2B portal is a distinct kind of website with features to conduct electronic business and manage significant parts of corporate business processes.

Benefits of having a B2B portal

Today, B2B portals are not just a fancy idea! They are an absolute necessity for all enterprises of any type and size. The advantages of having a quality B2B portal are massive. Implementation of a true high quality B2B portal could have immediate impact on company productivity.

Revenue Growth

Revenue Increase from Existing Clients
Existing clients get faster and easier access to product information, quicker response to their requests, get better customer support and are able to buy products online.

Revenue Increase from Value Added Services
Once a B2B portal is set as the primary sales channel, spared resources can be used to create more value added services for clients. Some of the services that the portal may offer also could be utilized to generate more value.

Cost Savings

Order Processing Cost
If the B2B portal integrates supply chain management solution, it will reduce the cost of processing orders drastically. Studies show that similar solution can reduce cost of processing a purchase order from US$ 70 down in average to US$ 6 only.

Sales and support costs
Automated sales and customer support features integrated in the solution is capable of reducing overhead costs up to 30 percent.

Inventory keeping costs
Clearer visibility and forecasting ability thanks to various features of the B2B portal may help companies considerably reduce inventory keeping costs.

Other key benefits include:

Low customer acquisition cost
Effective portal branding on the Internet will help to attract customers from new sources. The cost of acquiring customers through online channels is always cheaper than other traditional methods.

Improve customer service
Ability to have constant interaction with customers through the B2B portal helps companies serve customers better. The B2B portal solution allows tracking the whole ordering process from payment to delivery and brings greater efficiency in customer service.

Reduce sourcing time cycle
The customers can select products from the integrated marketplace of the B2B portal and either sends purchase orders or directly buy products using the shopping cart. Buyers handle all their procurement related correspondence from a consolidated working page, which helps them react instantly and reduce time in document processing.

Community participation
Company buyers and sellers can create communities surrounding the B2B portal’s discussion board. This helps getting valuable feedbacks on time, building new partnerships using the networking ability of a community, and disseminating important information to members easily.

Real time access to current product information
Current information of a product is vital for an accurate buying decision. Updating product content and other information using customized forms as it is necessary, the company can help buyers and other associates to take critical decision promptly.

Control rogue spending
Consolidated and automated procurement and approval method stops maverick buying in a company.

Main components of a B2B portal

Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management solutions can deliver great values to company’s existing systems. Implementation of these solutions will help achieving incredibly high return on investment and will have tremendous impact on company’s business, which include: better productivity, faster order processing, greater visibility, the elimination of maverick or unplanned purchasing, etc.

Marketplace
This is the venue where the enterprises can post their products for sale. A sophisticated shopping cart will be integrated into the electronic marketplace in order to automate the buying process.

Auction
Electronic auction system can use both English and Dutch auction methods. For convenience the auction component can be integrated into the electronic marketplace.

Online auction helps liquidate surplus goods easily.

Reverse Auction
This solution allows the company to automate electronic procurement, where suppliers compete for business real time online.

Storefront for Participants
Each associate of the B2B portal will get a Storefront that may reflect profile of the company, its products, services or other information.

Forum
A Forum or a Discussion Board is an organized, on-line interactive message board where participants conduct discussion on a set of topics by posting questions, comments and responses.

Internal Messaging System
Elaborate Messaging System allows a participant of the B2B portal send and receive messages from other participants and the company. Since the messages do not leave a secured server, participants would not be worried about sending sensitive information over the Internet.

Classified
Catalog based bulletin board allows company associates to post important notices in various predefined formats.

Directory of Companies
This is a listing of all registered associates of the B2B portal either by business category or by alphabetical order. An advanced search engine tool is incorporated in order to find a company based on data provided.

E-catalog
E-catalog a hierarchy of product and service categories based on UNSPCS, a global products and services classification method that covers the broadest collection of industries and commodities available today, and designed to facilitate e-commerce transactions by providing geography-independent common nomenclature system.

Product Content Adding System
Product adding mechanism based on either easy-to-use wizard or simple but detail forms allows users to integrate products or services with accurate and up-to-date information.

Product Notification
The system can generate an alert and send by email to a user, who requested to inform once a particular product or service gets added to the E-catalog.

Numerous other features could be incorporated to an existing B2B portal depending on requirement, such as: News Aggregation using RSS feed, Contact Management, Electronic Journal, Press Room, Document Repository, etc.

Time needed to set up

Using ready made B2B Portal components from a provider like Rusbiz.com a medium size portal can be built or integrated to existing website within three to four months.

By developing a B2B portal ahead of your major competitors you can give your business a significant boost and make your company stand out from the crowd.

Nowshade Kabir is CEO of Rusbiz.com, a global B2B portal for small and midsize companies. Our distinctive web stores along with many outstanding features like e-marketplace, e-catalog, supply chain management solutions, and trade leads section will allow you to build robust Internet presence and manage key business processes online. Rusbiz also develops Corporate B2B portals.

B2B Portal A Business Platform to Ultimate Productivity Improvement

2008-07-09T16:41:00.002+05:30

What is a B2B portal?

Benefits of having a B2B portal

Revenue Growth

Cost Savings

Sales and support costs
Automated sales and customer support features integrated in the solution is capable of reducing overhead costs up to 30 percent.

Inventory keeping costs
Clearer visibility and forecasting ability thanks to various features of the B2B portal may help companies considerably reduce inventory keeping costs.

Other key benefits include:

Control rogue spending
Consolidated and automated procurement and approval method stops maverick buying in a company.

Main components of a B2B portal

Auction
Electronic auction system can use both English and Dutch auction methods. For convenience the auction component can be integrated into the electronic marketplace.

Online auction helps liquidate surplus goods easily.

Reverse Auction
This solution allows the company to automate electronic procurement, where suppliers compete for business real time online.

Storefront for Participants
Each associate of the B2B portal will get a Storefront that may reflect profile of the company, its products, services or other information.

Forum
A Forum or a Discussion Board is an organized, on-line interactive message board where participants conduct discussion on a set of topics by posting questions, comments and responses.

Classified
Catalog based bulletin board allows company associates to post important notices in various predefined formats.

Product Notification
The system can generate an alert and send by email to a user, who requested to inform once a particular product or service gets added to the E-catalog.

Time needed to set up

Using ready made B2B Portal components from a provider like Rusbiz.com a medium size portal can be built or integrated to existing website within three to four months.

By developing a B2B portal ahead of your major competitors you can give your business a significant boost and make your company stand out from the crowd.

Suppliers should use B2B exchanges

2008-07-09T16:25:00.000+05:30

Business to business e-commerce is on the rise! Worldwide B2B e-commerce revenues are estimated to reach around US$ 2 trillion in 2004. This is a significant leap from last year's US$ 1.4 trillion. However, according to a recent survey, although, more than 70% of companies have already used Internet as a purchasing channel, a mere ten percent of their overall spending is directed via the Internet! Contrary to popular believe, this means, B2B e-commerce has still large potential to grow Internet has the capacity of changing the conventional way of doing business.

Today, you can not only buy and sell your products and services on the Internet, you can, virtually, shift all your business processes to online solutions as well. If you take advantages of new Internet based technologies, the outcome would be tremendously beneficial to your business. How to do this without spending a fortune and not putting a huge pressure on scarce corporate resources? The possible answer could be B2B exchanges! A B2B exchange is an online marketplace, where buyers, sellers and intermediaries form communities, exchange views, offer products and services, and conduct business transactions By becoming a member of a B2B exchange you can benefit in both cost-saving and revenue increase - two primary requirements of productivity increase.business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business3t)LNew sales channel By becoming a member of a B2B exchange, you open a low cost, highly functional and easy-to-use sales channel for your company.

You expose your company to a new targeted audience that otherwise would have been untapped. Prospective customers can buy products and services from you, using various venues and features of the B2B exchange, where you are a member. business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business

Marketplace: All B2B exchanges include a marketplace, where suppliers can post sales offer of their products and services. Buyers, looking for specific products, can easily find best suppliers that suit them from the marketplace. A populated marketplace can easily become a good sales channel for a supplier.

Electronic catalog: As a member of the B2B exchange, you are allowed to add all your products or services to the consolidated online repository of the exchange. Adding your products to the repository helps to create online standardize electronic version of your product specification - if you don't have that before - and use the same catalog with other electronic sales systems - even with other B2B exchanges using XML interface.forum. You can publish sales offer of your entire catalog to the marketplace, eliminating a need for other web presence.

You can add products or services to the repository one by one or you can use XML interface to upload your whole electronic catalog Web Store: Some B2B exchanges allow you to convert or integrate your website to their exchange. This helps you to handle sales conveniently from your website and the marketplace of the exchange seamlessly. You can make a web store from scratch with the help of integrated website builder of the B2B exchange as well.

Auctions: One of the great features of many B2B exchange is their auction systems. As we all know from the immense success of Ebay, auctioning is a great way of selling products online. Some exchanges boast reverse auction system, where suppliers bid for a deal posted by a buyer.business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business As a supplier, you can participate in those tenders without any extra cost involved.

Low customer acquisition costforum. Your mere presence in the B2B exchange might bring you new customers! Since the buyers come to the exchange themselves; your cost of getting customers through this channel is relatively low in comparison to other traditional channels. You can even increase your visibility by advertising in the key places of the exchange, where your prospective buyers frequently visit. Being highly targeted, these ads produce incredible results.business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business9 Improve customer service business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil Ability to have constant interaction through the B2B exchange allows you to serve your customers better. You can track the whole ordering process from payment to delivery and bring greater efficiency in customer service.

The integrated functions of an exchange such as sales management, internal messaging service, lead management, etc. also help you managing customers service process effectively.business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business When needed, you can instantly update your catalog and inform customers about changes.

Whether you are launching a new product or having a web seminar, through the B2B exchange you can share the information more efficiently. Some B2B Exchanges use sophisticated knowledge management systems to create, capture, reprocess and reutilize information intended for specific group of audience. These contents or information can be displayed on demand or in time to a member - when needed. Business processes management

One of the primary objectives of using B2B exchanges for you should be their ability to handle, run and administer various business processes. These solutions assist you to streamline your business, reduce overhead costs and reduce documentary errors. business forum,trade forum,business opportunity,Business China,Business India,Brazil business

Using technologies in a bid to streamline business processes like supply chain is nothing new. Companies have been using various solutions to support product development, customer service, procurement and other integral processes for many years. Before the Internet era, many companies have invested enormous amount of money in infrastructure building to automate supply chain process. Today, thanks to the Internet, even small companies have opportunity to use highly sophisticated supply chain solutions for a small cost. Many B2B exchanges, such as Rusbiz.com, allow small companies to use supply chain management solution for a small fee. The major benefits of using supply chain solutions include.

Al-Sada launches the 1st GCC-EU Forum in Barcelona

2008-07-07T11:38:00.000+05:30

Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry, State of Qatar, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Saleh Al Sada, Qatari Minister of State for Energy and Industry Affairs launched the 1^st GCC-EU Forum in Barcelona, Spain, on Thursday, 3rd July, 2008. The forum was organized by the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) in cooperation with Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Navigation (BCCIN), and Enterprise Europe Network, with a strategic partnership with Qatar Petroleum.

The main objective of the two-day Forum is to promote industrial cooperation as well as subcontracting & partnership activities between GCC member states and the European Union. The Forum specifically focused on meeting the objective of marketing GCC subcontracting capabilities and promoting technology transfer and joint venture interests from the EU region.

Activities of the forum started on Thursday with a welcome speech by H.E. Mr. Miquel Valls, President of Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation; in which he emphasized the great business opportunities available for both regions, in sectors such as energy, chemical and petrochemical industries, renewable energy, raw materials, and plastics industries, further to gas and oil. Mr. Valls also talked about the size of trade between both Spain and GCC member states in 2007, where Spanish imports from the GCC member states reached some Euro 281 billion, and of these 28% were in Catalonia. In terms of exports, Spain exported to GCC member states in these sectors products worth Euro 182 billion. Finally, Mr. Vallas assured the efforts exerted to boost industrial cooperation and subcontracting with Catalan and European companies, promote technology transfer and enhance joint business projects.

The second speech was delivered by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Saleh Al Sada, in which H.E emphasized the importance of the forum in enhancing industrial cooperation between the two regions. Dr. Al Sada also stressed the importance of strengthening SMEs and increasing their leveraging opportunities in the global network of production (GNP) through boosting the GCC- EU industrial cooperation. "Available opportunities are there for our two regions in terms of cooperation and partnership; EU owns the technologies and the capability of supplying equipment and know-how; while our region has got the national resources, infrastructure and the adequate environment for investment", said Dr. Al Sada in his speech in the Opening Session.

In the same session, VIP speakers from the two regions delivered their speeches in the occasion including H.E. Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al-Mansouri, Minister of Economy, UAE; Dr. Ahmed Khalil Al Mutawa, Secretary General, GOIC; H.E Mr. Samuel Furfari, Deputy Head of Unit Renewable Energy at the Directorate General for Energy and Transport, European Commission; and H.E. Mr. Joseph Huguet, Minister for Innovation, University and Industry, Catalonia.

Thursday agenda included two work sessions; the first discussed Economic Relations between the Gulf Countries and the EU: Present Status and Future Prospects. Participants in this session tackled important topics relating to the Development of Economic relations between the Gulf countries and the EU; Future prospects for the Gulf countries and Arab Economic relations and main potential growth areas; A survey of policies and actions needed to promote the development of the economy; and finally Economic linearization and reform program in the Gulf countries and its social and economic reflections.

On its turn, the second session tackled Industrial Subcontracting where GCC and EU Subcontracting capabilities and interest in the fields of Petrochemicals, Desalination, Metalworking, Plastics, Rubber and Engineering were thoroughly illustrated.

In the second day of the forum, two other sessions were conducted. In the first session titled Investment Opportunities, Legal and Financial; many concerns were discussed covering Development within the Gulf Economy and its Investment Opportunities; the Legal Framework for doing business in the Gulf: Commercial and investment laws, and Foreign investment incentives; the Role of the private sector as a pioneer for the development of trade and investment between the two regions; and Investment opportunities in GCC and EU. The second session in Friday handled the matter of Future in Energy: Buyers and Suppliers Perspectives.

Within the same context, Business to Business (B2B) Meetings were conducted throughout the two days of the forum, with the participation of some 193 companies of different scales, further to projects' promoters, policy makers, potential investors, technology holders, equipment suppliers, and investors from both regions. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) mainly from Europe presented their subcontracting capabilities; while major companies from the Gulf including Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Holding discussed their demands of manufacturing supplies including specifications, values and quantities. Through those meetings, many arrangements occurred for matchmaking between businesses from both regions at different levels such as joint ventures, alliances, subcontracting and other forms of cooperation. The B2B meetings received considerable attention as they created a good investment and cooperation environment for the participating companies, whether SMEs or large scale companies from both regions.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Al Sada conducted two individual meetings with each of H.E. Jose Montilla, Prime Minister of Catalonia; and H.E. Mr. Joseph Huguet, Minister for Innovation, University and Industry, Catalonia, in which they discussed future cooperation prospects between Qatar and Catalonia.

In addition, a meeting was conducted between Dr. Ahmed Khalil Al Mutawa, Secretary General, GOIC and Mr. Jose Antonio Quiroga Pineyero, Vice President of Eurochambers in which both parties discussed means of cooperation in terms of technical assistance, training and capacity development and industrial information interchange between both parties through GOIC's Industrial Market Intelligence Portal (IMI). In this meeting also, it was agreed to conduct the 2nd GCC-EU Industrial Forum in 2009 in one of GCC member states. H.E. Abdulrahim Naqi, Secretary General of the Federation of GCC Chambers, and H.E. Dr. Khalid Al-Hajiri, General Manager of Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry, attended the meeting.

On another development, the organizing parties of the 1st GCC-EU Industrial Forum held a press conference on Wednesday to highlight its theme and expectations, with the presence of media representatives from both regions. Participants in the subject conference were each of H.E. Dr. Mohammed Saleh Al-Sada, Minister of State for Energy & Industry Affairs, Qatar, H.E. Eng. Sultan Bin Saeed Al-Mansouri, Minister of Economy, UAE, H.E. Dr. Lulwa A. Al Misned, Assistant Secretary General for Industrial Investment Promotion, GOIC, H.E. Mr. Mohammed Turki Al-Subai, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Intermediate Industries Holding Co. "Qatar Holding", H.E. Mr. Miquel Valls, Presdient, BCCIN.

After the conference, a MOU was concluded between GOIC and BCCIN. The MOU provides for the creation of a
Subcontracting Centre based in Qatar, at the offices of GOIC. The center will work for companies in the Gulf to develop its trade relations with Catalonia and the European Union; and make information available through a specialized information center established for the purpose, with an expert from BCCIN, and structure and staff from GOIC.

It is worth mentioning that the forum was conducted with a strategic partnership with QP and sponsored by Qatar Holding, Ministry of Economy, UAE, Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation "KAHRAMAA", TradeArabia, and Al Jazeera Network.

It is scheduled that the GCC-EU Forum will be held once every year interchangeably between GCC and the EU under the patronage of VIPs from each region. Through this forum, attention will be directed towards updates, prospects and opportunities for industrial development and economic relationships, and exploring ways and means of promoting industry and fostering economic cooperation to pave the way for building strong relationship ties between the two regions.

It is worth indicating that the industrial output contribution to the GDP in GCC member states is some 10%, yet, it is strongly expanding in view of the exerted efforts to foster industrial development in the region; and it increased from Euro 28 billion in 2002 to approach the level of Euro 53 billion in 2006. Currently the GCC is set to invest more than Euro 760 billion by 2012 in the industrial sector, as industry is always viewed as the strategic option for the diversification of the economies base in GCC member states.

To end with, GOIC, founded in 1976, targets developing industries throughout GCC by means of providing, both the industrial and economic sectors, with distinctive knowledge, consultancy and technical services. GOIC's mandate is to promote the highest levels of industrial cooperation and collaboration, in both the public and private sectors, by providing a complete set of high-quality, specialized research, information and consultancy services relating to industrial and economic development. Being aware of the importance of spreading knowledge, and introducing latest technical updates in the world to the region, GOIC has conducted a number of leading conferences such as Knowledge-Based Industries and Nano Technology Conference, Industrialists Conference series, the international conference on Aid for Trade, not to mention all; further to a number of seminars, workshops, and continuously organized activities that target opening new horizons for industrialists and investors whether inside the region or foreign ones.

Source by arabianbusiness.com

IndiaMART.com nominated among the top three at Emerging India Awards 2008

2008-07-07T11:37:00.000+05:30

In its successive fourth year, India's biggest initiative for Small and Medium Enterprises Sector, 'Emerging India Awards 2008' creates a global mark with its theme 'Think Global Go Global'. The awards are jointly organized by ICICI Bank and CNBC TV 18 to honor India's most globally competitive SMEs. CRISIL, the nations leading credit rating agency, is managing the evaluation process. The Emerging India Awards London- 2008 felicitation ceremony for the winning SMEs is scheduled for July 8, 2008 in London where the Honorable Chief Guest Mr. L N Mittal, Chairman and CEO, Mittal Steel will felicitate the winners.

The award ceremony will be graced by stalwarts like Rt. Hon John Hutton MP, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and Mr. Kamal Nath, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, who will felicitate some of the winners from the 17 categories.

CNBC-TV18 India's leading business medium and ICICI Bank announced the 4th 'Emerging India Awards London- 2008' powered by CRISIL. Small and Medium Enterprises are often hailed as being the drivers of economic growth. 'Emerging India Awards' this year will recognize and reward India's most globally competitive SMEs whose business practices are at par with global giants. The initiative aims at recognizing the most sustainable Value Creators among SMEs in the country. It is estimated that SMEs account for almost 90% of industrial units in India, 40% of value addition in the manufacturing sector and contribute 35% to India's merchandise exports. CNBC-TV18 'Emerging India Awards London 2008' will provide a platform that enhances the visibility of these integral players in India's economic growth story.

Combating the tough competition from nominees under the category of Trading (non-retail), IndiaMART.com, India's largest online B2B marketplace has been short listed amongst the top three companies along with Aptivaa Consulting Solutions Private Limited and Molecular Connections Private Limited. "We are honored to be amongst the top 3 companies in our category. It is highly satisfying that our efforts to put Indian suppliers on the global map have been recognized. Emerging India Awards has become a platform of repute to showcase India's best SMEs, and we are happy that we have been recognized by them", says Dinesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO, IndiaMART.com

Commenting on the awards Mr. Neel Chowdhury, Vice President, Marketing CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz said "The Emerging India Awards has become not just the benchmark for recognizing the best performing enterprises from the SME space but it has also emerged as India's (and one of the world's) largest business awards! We are extremely proud to partner with ICICI Bank in this initiative. What is also extremely heartening that SMEs are raring to go and willing to take on challenges & opportunities thrown in by globalization with Think Global Go Global! We will continue to take up the SME cause at the CNBC TV18 network."

CNBC-TV18 and ICICI Bank 'Emerging India Awards' is India's foremost initiative powered by the capability of shaping the future of Indian SMEs, and have been acknowledged as India's biggest business award by the Limca Book of Records.

About IndiaMART.com IndiaMART.com is India's largest online B2B marketplace bringing Indian suppliers and international buyers together. Established in 1996, IndiaMART.com is an ISO certified company with state-of-the-art web-development center which is one of the largest in the world. With 900 employees and a network of 29 offices pan-India, IndiaMART.com offers value service to its 500,000 members and over 5 million global buyers. With last financial year revenues at US$ 9.5 million the company has grown at over 50% CAGR for the last 5 years. IndiaMART.com has been profitable all through the twelve years of its operations. IndiaMART's online success has been widely acknowledged by media such as CNBC, BBC, Business Money, CNN, Businessworld, Economic Times, Financial Express etc. Amongst its investors stands tall the Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. (Times of India Group), India's largest print media group that has made a strategic investment in IndiaMART.com in 2006.

About CNBC TV 18 CNBC-TV18 is the undisputed leader in the business. The channel's benchmark coverage extends from corporate news, financial markets coverage, expert perspective on investing and management to industry verticals and beyond. CNBC-TV18 has been constantly innovating with new genres of programming that helps make business more relevant to different constituencies across India. CNBC-TV18 is currently available in over 30 million households in India

Source by webnewswire.com

Corporate Express Document & Print Management Selects Four51 to Help Streamline Online Ordering

2008-07-07T11:35:00.001+05:30

Corporate Express Document & Print Management (CEDPM), a leading provider of document and print management, and business form, label, direct mail and fulfillment solutions, has entered into an enterprise license agreement with Four51, Inc. Four51 develops online business-to-business catalog technology that connects buyers, distributors and suppliers of indirect goods. Four51's commerce platform will help CEDPM to bring products to market faster and consolidate disparate online ordering systems, while continuing to provide interoperability with ERP and spend-management solutions, such as SAP and Ariba, used by Corporate Express' customers.

"We're excited to leverage Four51's online business-to-business catalog technology," commented Michael Bailey, Vice President, Information Services, Corporate Express Document & Print Management. "Our new strategic partnership will enable us to continue streamlining and optimizing our internal systems and processes, while at the same time providing a state-of-the-art e-commerce front end to our customers."

Corporate Express US Inc., part of the Dutch-based Corporate Express NV (NYSE: CXP), is a leading business-to-business supplier of office and computer supplies, office furniture, facility supplies, document and print management, imaging and computer graphic supplies, promotional products and other similar products.

Four51 is growing virally at the rate of 1,200 buyers per day. More than 27,000 businesses -- including half the Fortune 500 -- and one million users conduct commerce on the Four51 network. Founded in 1999, Four51 is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., and is the leading e-catalog technology in the indirect goods market.

About Four51

Four51 (www.four51.com) is automating the B2B e-catalog market using an open e-commerce platform that connects buyers, distributors and suppliers of indirect goods such as printed materials, promotional products and office supplies. Using Four51's internet catalog technology, sellers can target simple and complex B2B products to a specific buyer desktop while maintaining compliance with all corporate purchasing rules and security requirements. Further, Four51 can integrate with other relevant B2B technologies such as payment services and back-office systems. For suppliers and manufacturers, Four51's unique approach removes inefficiencies from order processing, manufacturing and go-to-market activities. Suppliers on the Four51 network gain instant, seamless access to thousands of distributors and more than one million buyer-users through a single online platform.

About Corporate Express Document & Print Management

Corporate Express Document & Print Management (CEDPM) is a leading provider of document and print management, and business form, label, direct mail and fulfillment solutions. Employing approximately 1,000 people in seven manufacturing plants and 50 sales offices nationwide, CEDPM is a business unit of Corporate Express US Inc.

Corporate Express provides customers with a single source of business products and services, so that they can focus their resources, energy and time on their core business. Corporate Express helps organizations to save time and maximize their productivity. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Corporate Express NV generated 2007 sales of EUR 5.6 billion. The company has a widespread global distribution network spanning North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, has close to 18,000 employees and has operations in 21 countries. Corporate Express is listed on Euronext Amsterdam (EURONEXT: CXP) and in New York (NYSE: CXP). For more information, please visit www.CorporateExpress.com.

Alibaba holds trade forum for Chinese suppliers

2008-07-07T11:33:00.000+05:30

China's most well-known B2B e-commerce portal, initiated a trade forum in Beijing to promote e-commerce for Chinese suppliers, sources reported. The forum, which started on Jun. 11, is part of Alibaba's efforts to support e-commerce startup, deployment and operation of local enterprises. Alibaba's online trade platform serves as the gateway

Worldwide Industrial Brings Together American and Chinese Manufacturers

2008-07-01T10:46:00.000+05:30

The US-Asia Industrial Trade Portal Worldwide Industrial Marketplace has launched a new program focusing on connecting North American manufacturers and exporters of industrial supplies, equipment and machinery with China-based buyers.

Shanghai, China, June 06, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Worldwide Industrial Marketplace, a division of the Industrial Leaders Group announced plans today to help US-based industrial suppliers develop trading partnerships with manufacturers, engineers and other industrial buyers in China utilizing its Web site at http://www.WorldwideIndustrialMarketplace.com. According to Michael Chin, spokesman for the company in Shanghai, Worldwide Industrial is the fastest growing B2B trade portal focusing exclusively on industrial and construction buyers and suppliers.

Worldwide Industrial enables qualified manufacturers, distributors, importers and exporters of industrial and construction products in the U.S. and China to post and explore offers free of charge at http://www.industrialsaver.com/classifieds/. "U.S. companies looking to expand in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China or any of the country's cities such as Shenzen, Beijing or Shanghai, will find numerous opportunities to develop trading relationships with importers and exporters all over the region," says Chin.

Chin said with the assistance of its partner ForeignTRADEX, Worldwide Industrial provides several trade reports to help connect American and Chinese manufacturers of industrial supplies, equipment and machinery. Including its recently revised US-China Industrial Trade Report at http://www.foreigntradeexchange.com/countries/china.html which was first published in 2003. The publication is updated annually and is free to download from the company's Web site.

China is well known as one of the world's major exporters but we need more American manufacturers and exporters need to realize as the country's infrastructure and industries continue to grow so does its appetite for industrial goods," says Conrad Bailey, Business Director of the Industrial Leaders Group. He added, U.S. companies involved in international trade or seeking to expand in Asia can use the resources of Worldwide Industrial and B2B international network to promote their products in China and all over Asia."

About Worldwide Industrial Marketplace

Worldwide Industrial Marketplace is a US-Asia and Middle East Industrial Directory and Marketplace dedicated in developing trading partnerships among manufacturers, exporters and importers of industrial products throughout the United States, Asia and the Middle East at http://www.WorldwideIndustrialMarketplace.com

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B2B online matching service at Bangkok

2008-06-30T12:02:00.000+05:30

The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair will be held from 11-15 September at the Challenger Hall exhibition center but the retailers can now meet the exhibitors also through online tools available at www.ospgemsjewelry.com.

The Bangkok fair’s B2B matching facility enables buyers to meet the right suppliers who can provide the products, services they need.

Buyers can find the companies they want to meet on the website, post which they can make an e-Appointment by registering at www.ospgemsjewelry.com to sit down face-to-face at the fair, look at physical samples, and visit their factories then talk about developing businesses together.

Buyers who used the business matching tools at the prior trade fair said they were interested in about 70% of the exhibitors that they met. After the fair they would contact these exhibitors further for placing orders, according to trade show officials.

eFuture Announces First Quarter 2008 Unaudited Financial Results

2008-06-24T11:02:00.000+05:30

BEIJING, eFuture Information Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: EFUT; "eFuture"), a leading provider of front-end supply chain management software and services in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008.

Financial Results Highlights for the First Quarter of 2008 -- Total revenue for the first quarter of 2008 was RMB14.0 million (US$2.0 million), an increase of 92.8% from the first quarter of 2007. -- Software revenue for the first quarter of 2008 was RMB7.6 million (US$1.1 million), an increase of 33.5% from the first quarter of 2007. -- Service fee income for the first quarter of 2008 was RMB5.0 million (US$0.7 million), an increase of 241.6% from the first quarter of 2007. -- Gross profit for the first quarter of 2008 was RMB4.7 million (US$0.7 million), an increase of 31.8% from the first quarter of 2007. Excluding amortization of acquired technology, gross profit for the first quarter of 2008 would have been RMB8.6 million (US$1.2 million), an increase of 130.9% from the first quarter of 2007. -- Gross margin for the first quarter of 2008 decreased to 33.6% from 49.2% in the first quarter of 2007. Excluding amortization of acquired technology, gross margin for the first quarter of 2008 would have been 61.2%, compared to 51.1% in the first quarter of 2007. -- Net loss for the first quarter of 2008 was RMB9.2 million (US$1.3 million), an increase of 658.2% over the first quarter of 2007.

"We are pleased to report strong top-line growth in a traditionally weak first fiscal quarter that includes the long Chinese New Year holiday and this year was marked by severe snow storms across large parts of China. With a strong start to 2008, we are optimistic about our prospects and our earnings per share for the full year," said Mr. Adam Yan, eFuture's chairman and chief executive officer. "In addition, a larger base of installed clients contributed to strong organic growth. Service revenue was up 241.6%, the strongest growth of any quarter in ten years, with software revenue growth remaining solid. Moreover, we have strengthened our position and significantly broadened our opportunity in the fast-growing retail market in China with the successful integration of our Guangzhou Royalstone acquisition. Looking forward to the remainder of 2008, we expect that our B2B services, including http://www.bfuture.com.cn and http://www.jindian.com.cn, will begin to contribute to our revenue and drive value for retailers and their suppliers."

First Quarter of 2008 Operational Highlights -- Sales contracts in the first quarter of 2008 increased 102.5% to RMB18.0 million (US$2.6 million) from RMB8.8 in the first quarter of 2007. -- Service sales contracts in first quarter of 2008 increased 662.8% to RMB8.6 million (US$1.2 million) from RMB1.13 million in the first quarter of 2007. -- Total new orders increased 350% to 117 orders from 26 in the first quarter of 2007.

"During the first quarter, we placed particular emphasis on integrating our acquisitions completed in 2007 into a single platform," Mr. Yan continued. "We worked to smoothly incorporate culture, strengthen back-office resource integration and improve processes to streamline internal operations and reduce software deployment costs. This organic growth strategy has translated into a 12% increase in gross margins, excluding amortization of acquired technology."

As part of its effort to streamline its operations to promote organic growth, the company organized its software business according to six vertical strategy business areas: small and medium business, key accounts, department stores and shopping malls, grocery and supermarkets, specialty stores and fast-moving consumer goods.

Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2008

Revenue

eFuture reported total revenue of RMB14.0 million (US$2.0 million) for the first quarter of 2008, a 92.8% increase from RMB7.3 million in the first quarter of 2007.

Software sales in the first quarter of 2008 increased 33.5% to RMB7.6 million (US$1.1 million) from RMB5.7 million in the first quarter of 2007. Software sales contributed 54.0% to total revenue in the first quarter of 2008, compared to 78.0% in the first quarter of 2007.

Hardware sales in the first quarter of 2008 increased 1020% to RMB1.4 million (US$0.2 million) from RMB0.1 million in the first quarter of 2007. Hardware sales contributed 10.1% to total revenue in the first quarter of 2008, compared to 1.7% in the first quarter of 2007.

Service fee income in the first quarter of 2008 increased 241.6% to RMB5.0 million (US$0.7 million) from RMB1.5 million in the first quarter of 2007. Service fee income contributed 36.0% to total revenue in the first quarter of 2008, compared to 20.3% in the first quarter of 2007. The increase was largely due to eFuture's policy to provide free maintenance for its products in the first year of operation, after which the company begins to charge maintenance and support fees.

Gross Margins

Gross profit for the first quarter of 2008 was RMB4.7 million (US$0.7 million), a 31.8% increase from RMB3.6 million in the first quarter of 2007. Excluding amortization of acquired technology, gross profit for the first quarter of 2008 would have been RMB8.6 million (US$1.2 million), an increase of 130.8% from the first quarter of 2007.

Consolidated gross margin for the first quarter of 2008 was 33.6%, compared to 49.2% in the first quarter of 2007 and 43.5% in the fourth quarter of 2007. The decrease in gross margin was largely due to the amortization of acquired technology of RMB3.8 million (US$0.55 million), which represented 27.5% of total revenue in the first quarter of 2008, compared to 1.9% in the first quarter of 2007. Excluding amortization of acquired technology, gross margin for the first quarter of 2008 would have been 61.2%, compared to 51.1% in the first quarter of 2007.

Operating Expenses

Research and development expenses in the first quarter increased 37.2 percent year over year to RMB0.2 million (US$24 thousand). The increase in research and development was mainly due to the acquisition of Royalstone last year, which led to the integration of two research and development teams.

General and administrative expenses in the first quarter increased 169.7 percent year over year to RMB7.9 million (US$1.1 million). The increase in general and administrative expenses was mainly due to RMB2.3 million (US$0.3 million) of bad debt expenses caused by significantly increased accounts receivable. We had US$2 million of accounts receivable in the first quarter, an 84.9% increase from the same period of 2007.General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2008 were 56.2 percent of total revenues, compared to 40.1 percent in the first quarter of 2007 and 20.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Selling and distribution expenses in the first quarter increased 73.0 percent year over year to RMB3.8 million (US$536 thousand). The increase in selling and distribution expenses was partially due to a significant increase in our sales contracts. Selling and distribution expenses for the first quarter of 2008 were 26.8 percent of total revenues, compared to 29.9 percent in the first quarter of 2007 and 8.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Total share-based compensation expenses in the first quarter of 2008 were RMB0.8 million (US$0.1 million).

Operating loss in the first quarter of 2008 was RMB7.1 million (US$1.0 million), a 332.5% increase from RMB1.6 million in the first quarter of 2007. Operating margin was -50.5% in the first quarter of 2008, compared to -22.5% in the first quarter 2007 and 14.1% in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Net Income

Net loss for the first quarter of 2008 was RMB9.2 million (US$1.3 million), compared to net losses of RMB1.2 million in the first quarter of 2007 and net loss RMB24.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. Net margins were -65.8% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to -16.74% in the first quarter of 2007 and -50.6% in the fourth quarter of 2007. The increase in net loss and decrease in net margin was due to a number of factors including amortization of acquired technology from the acquisitions completed in 2007 of RMB3.8 million (US$0.6 million), bad debt expenses of RMB2.4 million (US$0.3 million) as a result of a large increase in accounts receivable at the end of the quarter.

Basic and diluted losses per share for the first quarter of 2008 were RMB3.14 (US$0.45) and RMB3.14 (US$0.45), respectively.

EBITDA

EBITDA (non-GAAP) for the first quarter of 2008 was RMB-1.39 million (US$- 0.2 million), a decrease of 101.1% from the first quarter of 2007. First quarter of 2008 adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was RMB3.2 million (US$0.5 million), an increase of 732% from the first quarter of 2007.

Adjusted non-GAAP diluted losses per share for the first quarter of 2008 was RMB1.09 (US$0.16).

Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures

As of March 31, 2008, the company had RMB59.3 million (US$8.5 million) in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. Net cash generated from operating activities and capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2008 were RMB-8.2 million (US$-1.2 million) and RMB2.2 million (US$0.3 million), respectively.

As of March 31, 2008 the company had 627 employees compared to 588 employees as of December 31, 2007.

Business Outlook for 2008

The company has raised its full-year 2008 total revenue guidance to be in the range of approximately US$19 to US$20 million, representing annual growth of 65 to 74% over 2007. This forecast is a current and preliminary view and is subject to change.

Conference Call Information

eFuture's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:30 p.m. on June 23, 2008 U.S. Eastern Time (8:30 a.m. on June 24, 2008 Beijing/Hong Kong Time).

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: U.S. and International: +1-888-710-9688 Mainland China: +86-10-5851-1260 Hong Kong: +852-8306-5032

Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and request to be connected to the "eFuture earnings call."

Additionally, an archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the company's website at http://www.e-future.com.cn .

About eFuture Information Technology Inc.

eFuture is a leading provider of front-end supply chain management software and services in China. eFuture provides integrated software and service solutions to manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, logistics companies and retailers in China's front-end supply chain market, especially in the retail and Fast Moving Consumer Goods industries. eFuture currently serves more than 1,000 clients, including Fortune 500 companies, over 770 retailers and over 200 distributors operating in China. eFuture is also one of IBM's premier business partners in Asia Pacific and is a strategic partner with Oracle, Microsoft, JDA, Motorola and Samsung Network China. The company has over 650 employees and 20 branch offices across China.

For more information about eFuture, please visit http://www.e- future.com.cn/.

Source: tradingmarkets

Riya Holidays to focus on B2C segment from September 2008

2008-06-19T16:32:00.000+05:30

To focus on overseas holy-land tours; promote Far East on both B2B and B2C platforms

Riya Holidays Pvt. Ltd., a division set up in Mumbai by Riya Tours and Travels last year is planning to focus aggressively on Business to Consumer (B2C) segment from September this year. The company is also planning to add a channel for the B2C space on its portal. The emphasis on MICE and FIT segments by the company on the B2B front will also be brought to the B2C space. Apart from this, Riya Holidays will also focus strongly on the overseas holy-land tours.

“Since we are a holiday division, most of the inquiries are from B2C space. Riya Tours and Travels is already strong in the B2B segment, so in next six months we will focus aggressively on the B2C segment. About 60 -70 per cent of our business of religious tours comes from the B2B space. We will continue to offer these services to our travel partners as these religious tours consists of about 30 per cent of our business,” informed Manoj Samuel, IT Director, Riya Holidays Pvt. Ltd. The company will also promote destinations in Far East on both B2B and B2C space this year.

Read complete story >>

ANMsoft keen on providing OnTra solutions to trade

2008-06-19T16:12:00.000+05:30

Travel technology company ANMsoft Technologies is set to market its OnTra solutions to the travel trade on a big scale. Speaking to Express TravelWorld, Himanshoo Patil, its senior VP (Marketing), said, "Every customer has a different work flow whether B2B or B2C, and one product doesn't suffice everyone. OnTra is a component-driven product that provides complete automation of the travel vertical."

Manu Agarwal, its CEO, elaborates, "The product is divided into booking engine, supplier engine, CRM, integration with the suppliers, mid- and back-office. It is rare that a single vendor sells them all. We add value by offering a comprehensive end-to-end solution to our clients."

The solution enables travel companies to move forward from conventional methods by eradicating a lot of work flow processes and integrating them. The company is presently working with an airline consolidator, an upcoming OTA which has a 5,200-member call centre, a B2B provider and an ASP provider who will offer white-label solutions to small travel agents. "Our solutions are on the higher-end and we are primarily focusing on large companies on a global scale to enhance their productivity by having information free-flowing within all departments. Travel players these days are paying out of their hats for such systems," informed Patil.

Furthermore, the technology is Web 2.0 & OTA 2007 compliant, and each component integrates with other modules using XML language. ANMsoft is in talks with travel agents for this solution and hopes to sign about six new customers by end-2008.

Source: expresstravelworld.com

Industrial Leaders Helps U.S. Manufacturers Expand In Mexico

2008-06-19T15:25:00.000+05:30


Industrial Leaders Trademark

16.06.2008 15:30:30 The on-line industrial supply marketplace IndustrialLeaders.com, has published a special report on its Web site to promote U.S. manufacturers of industrial supplies, equipment and machinery in Mexico

(live-PR.com) - Mexico City, Mexico - Industrial Leaders, the B2B trade portal connecting industrial suppliers and buyers announced today the launch of a special report designed to promote U.S. industrial goods in Mexico. According to Maria Santos, spokeswoman for the company, the report is designed for manufacturers utilizing the Industrial Classifieds Marketplace at www.industrialsaver.com/classifieds which enables users to post and explore free ads to buy or sell a variety of industrial supplies, equipment and machinery.

Santos said U.S. manufacturers and exporters of industrial and construction products use the report to locate trade leads, trading partners and business opportunities in Mexico. "Companies serious about entering or expanding into Mexico are often surprised to learn the country offers numerous business opportunities," said Santos. She added, "The Mexican and U.S. Industrial Trade Report was published to encourage trade in effort to support industrial workers in both countries in a increasingly competitive global marketplace." The report is free to access at www.foreigntradeexchange.com/countries/mexico.ht ..

Industrial Leaders plans to launch a number of Web sites designed to connect U.S. manufacturers in different States with Mexican companies, primarily engineers and other industrial buyers in Mexico. The company said border States such as Texas, Arizona and California will be the first to have their Web site and product line promoted on the Industrial Leaders Group 'Buy American' network at www.IndustrialLeaders.com/reviews in effort to encourage trade in the region.

Conrad Bailey, Business Director of Industrial Leaders believes increasing trade between manufacturers in Mexico and the United States will help solve a lot of immigrant problems by creating quality jobs in both countries. "The majority of Mexicans are proud, hard working people and the country itself has a lot of potential to become a more interactive marketplace for U.S. importers and exporters of industrial goods, said Bailey. He explained, "U.S. political leaders need to work more closely with Mexican officials to encourage trade between the two countries in support of both economies."

About Industrial Leaders

IndustrialLeaders.com, the 'American Industrial Marketplace' connects buyers and suppliers of industrial supplies, equipment and machinery throughout North and South America with emphasis on Canada and the United States. The primary focus of Industrial Leaders is to promote American manufacturers overseas at www.IndustrialLeaders.com
Contact information:
Industrial Leaders

Industrial Leaders
290 Turnpike Road
Westboro, MA 01581

Contact Person:
Rich Milton
PR
Phone: 206-333-0355
eMail: eMail

Web: http://www.IndustrialLeaders.com

Author:
Richard Milton
e-mail
Web: http://www.industrialsaver.com
Phone: 206-333-0355

Industrial Leaders Helps U.S. Manufacturers Expand In Mexico

2008-06-18T16:30:00.000+05:30

The on-line industrial supply marketplace IndustrialLeaders.com, has published a special report on its Web site to promote U.S. manufacturers of industrial supplies, equipment and machinery in Mexico.

Mexico City, Mexico, June 18, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Industrial Leaders, the B2B trade portal connecting industrial suppliers and buyers announced today the launch of a special report designed to promote U.S. industrial goods in Mexico. According to Maria Santos, spokeswoman for the company, the report is designed for manufacturers utilizing the Industrial Classifieds Marketplace at http://www.industrialsaver.com/classifieds which enables users to post and explore free ads to buy or sell a variety of industrial supplies, equipment and machinery.

Santos said U.S. manufacturers and exporters of industrial and construction products use the report to locate trade leads, trading partners and business opportunities in Mexico. "Companies serious about entering or expanding into Mexico are often surprised to learn the country offers numerous business opportunities," said Santos. She added, "The Mexican and U.S. Industrial Trade Report was published to encourage trade in effort to support industrial workers in both countries in a increasingly competitive global marketplace." The report is free to access at http://www.foreigntradeexchange.com/countries/mexico.html

Industrial Leaders plans to launch a number of Web sites designed to connect U.S. manufacturers in different States with Mexican companies, primarily engineers and other industrial buyers in Mexico. The company said border States such as Texas, Arizona and California will be the first to have their Web site and product line promoted on the Industrial Leaders Group 'Buy American' network at http://www.IndustrialLeaders.com/reviews in effort to encourage trade in the region.

Conrad Bailey, Business Director of Industrial Leaders believes increasing trade between manufacturers in Mexico and the United States will help solve a lot of immigrant problems by creating quality jobs in both countries. "The majority of Mexicans are proud, hard working people and the country itself has a lot of potential to become a more interactive marketplace for U.S. importers and exporters of industrial goods, said Bailey. He explained, "U.S. political leaders need to work more closely with Mexican officials to encourage trade between the two countries in support of both economies."

About Industrial Leaders

IndustrialLeaders.com, the 'American Industrial Marketplace' connects buyers and suppliers of industrial supplies, equipment and machinery throughout North and South America with emphasis on Canada and the United States. The primary focus of Industrial Leaders is to promote American manufacturers overseas at http://www.IndustrialLeaders.com

Information Arts database 'best in breed'

2008-06-17T15:54:00.000+05:30

Information Arts is launching a 'best of breed' database which will incorporate eight of the UK's top data suppliers.

The B2B database, OMNI, will blend data from 4.2 million businesses and over 10 million individual decision makers. OMNI incorporates data from D&B, Harte Hanks, Acxiom, EuroDirect, Corpdata, Oscar Research, Market Monitor and Data HQ.

Following the withdrawal of D&B's data from PH Group's MegaFile, the OMNI database is the only database in the UK and Europe that contains D&B data.

Information Arts chief executive Simon Lawrence comments: "OMNI has not been built simply to be the largest file available, but to deliver real insight".

Source: precisionmarketing.co.uk

Masergy launches secure B2B Video Extranet

2008-06-17T15:52:00.000+05:30

NGN carrier MASERGY has launched a new secure Video Extranet service to enable B2B videoconferencing across an end user’s partners, suppliers and customers, using high definition, telepresence or standard video conferencing equipment.

So what’s special about this offering, considering MASERGY’s relatively small customer base (a few hundred companies), sparse network footprint (though national, MASERGY partners with many providers for local access and international reach), and the fact that AT&T is set to introduce a similar, higher-end telepresence and/or videoconferencing service later this year?

Well, for starters, there’s MASERGY’s experience with next-gen services like MPLS and VPLS, having been an early adopter of both; the carrier designed its relatively newly built network to carry such leading-edge technologies for apps such as VoIP, IP VPNs and Video over IP. Though it lacks the clout and extensive service portfolio of Tier 1 carriers, MASERGY has been able to win over medium-to-large enterprise businesses on this basis.

Moreover, MASERGY is emphasizing its highly secure network for the new service. Within a managed QoS network environment, Video Extranet provides secure inter-company videoconferencing through a VPN bridging functionality that links customers on a route-specific basis that allows only video session traffic to pass between the two private networks. This allows customers to leave their VPNs up for non-video sessions, since neither company would have access to or visibility within the other partner’s VPN. Video traffic need not be separately encrypted.

In terms of bandwidth, the service can support tens of megabit levels (Cisco Telepresence conferences can run from 15 to 35 Mbps), as well as lower-end videoconferencing capacity increments (such as those used by ISDN and H.323-based videoconferencing systems). MASERGY’s network management system allows end users to instantly and temporarily adjust bandwidth as needed.

Though the service is available to MASERGY customers and non-customers, each site does require at least one connection to a suitably-equipped MASERGY POP. As an add-on service, MASERGY’s proprietary diagnostics tool, Insight, provides a “real-time” snapshot of all network components and allows network managers to monitor and manage the QoS parameters of the video traffic and simplify troubleshooting.

It should be noted that Video Extranet has been available on a customer-specific basis for some time; this latest launch certifies that service pricing is now standardized for all customer segments.

Comparing Video Extranet to other offerings, David Hold, a senior analyst with Current Analysis, opined “For MASERGY customers, the new offer matches what is available from AT&T, with the exception of installation of high-end Cisco Telepresence solutions. But a full-blown telepresence solution as offered by AT&T would be limited by cost to just the largest corporations, and even that capability can be provided by various VARs with whom MASERGY has reseller relationships to provide a full soup-to-nuts solution serving the vast majority of the market.”

“MASERGY should also put together a turnkey package with unified pricing, for a fully managed videoconferencing and/or telepresence solution combined with network access, transport and monitoring.”

Source: telecommagazine.com

F&E Aerospace events to attract 1,500 aviation companies, 60,000 professionals by 2009

2008-06-16T11:22:00.000+05:30

F&E Aerospace, the company behind top Middle East aviation events such as the Dubai Airshow and Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) - which kicks off 16 June - believes its five strong events portfolio will attract over 1,500 aviation companies and 60,000 trade professionals over the next 18 months.

And according to the company, which has been operating locally for over 30 years, the huge growth in the regional aerospace market has cemented the emirate's reputation as the region's primary aviation hub and spearheaded the shows' evolutions.

'The Middle East aerospace market and the development of our shows, starting with the Dubai Airshow in 1989, have always worked in synergy for the greater purpose of establishing the emirate as a leading, global aerospace centre.

The Middle East has continued to record massive growth across the aerospace industry's diverse sectors, and in many ways leads the pack in terms of innovation and expansion. One only has to look at the meteoric rise of Emirates airline or the new Dubai World Central project to see this,' said Virginia Kern, Chairman, F&E.

'As the regional industry continues to expand, so does the need to provide key business platforms for the world's industry to gather, discuss and drive forward its evolution. This is what we are trying to pursue with our latest initiatives.'

AIME 2008

The launch of AIME 2008, a dedicated event serving the aircraft interiors sector, running 16-17th June at the Dubai International Conventions & Exhibitions Centre (DICEC), is the latest in the company's catalogue of achievements as it continues to position Dubai, under the auspices of its government, as the Middle East's aviation events platform.

Taking off with 100 new companies from 15 countries, and an expected visitor turnout of 2,000, AIME 2008, will feature a dedicated two day conference programme, including a welcome address by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Government of Dubai and President and CEO of the Emirates Group.

Chaired by a host of industry 'heavyweights', other sessions will include topics such as: 'The Passenger Demands of the VIP Market - Why the Gulf is Important', 'Going Green in Interiors', 'Future Technologies for In-flight Catering' and 'The Future for Aircraft Interiors'.

The organisers have also launched a dedicated hosted buyer programme for AIME. This initiative is being implemented to foster an increased B2B setting for the industry's key decision makers and suppliers.

To date, signed up carriers for the hosted buyer programme include Jet Aviation Airline, Air Maroc and Kuwait Airways, with further slots being allocated to Middle East airlines. In addition, many of the region's biggest names have already confirmed their attendance such as award winning Emirates airline; Etihad, the UAE's national carrier; Bahrain-based Gulf Air; Royal Jet, the international luxury flight services company headquartered in Abu Dhabi; and the UAE's Amiri Flight.

'The aircraft interiors market is coming along in leaps and bounds. Strong growth in both the commercial and business aviation fields is not only driving its development, but is forcing it to diversify as customers needs and expectations become more tailored,' said Alison Weller, Director, F&E Aerospace.

'The need to develop a dedicated Middle East event to tackle the sector's challenges was a must. Via this platform, the international industry has a direct channel to talk to the region's principal players.'

The company has set its sight on diversifying its portfolio, with the announcement of two new shows set to debut next year - MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) Middle East and Aerospace Defence & Training Show (ADTS).

MRO Middle East

MRO Middle East, which will take place 21-22 January 2009, is expected to attract over 100 exhibitors and will boast a two day conference programme. The event will bring together decision-makers and suppliers to discuss all issues relating to aircraft maintenance.

The show has a strong pedigree behind it as it is being organised by Aviation Week - which already runs the world's number one MRO event in the US, and additional exhibitions in Asia and Europe.

'The Middle East will sport the fastest MRO growth of 8.9% per year compared to an overall industry average of 3.6% - so now is the time to launch an event here in the Middle East as this industry is set for some interesting times,' said Weller.

In addition, ADTS, which runs from the 2-3rd March at Airport Expo Dubai, will look to attract a similar number of exhibitors as it pursues a currently unaddressed market niche.

'Many companies have already told us this event is well-timed. The region is crying out for an show of this type, which addresses the issues and discovers solutions for the industry's training and recruitment needs,' said Weller.

'On the civil side there is massive growth from regional carriers, predicted to need 8,000 additional pilots by 2025. And on the defence side, one example here in the UAE is the air force readying itself to select new platforms for its basic and lead-in fighter trainers.'

ADTS will look at all aspects of the aerospace industry that require training, and cover all angles, from the pilots and crew, both civil and military, air traffic control, engineering, aviation management and many other associated jobs.

Through the conference and the associated exhibition they will cover the simulation products offered, the recruitment initiatives and opportunities available and the universities, courses and colleges offering aerospace and defence training.

F&E Aerospace is also heavily focusing on developing its current shows, with the 2009 Dubai Airshow tipped to be its largest to date and 2008's MEBA event already more than double in size than the 2007 edition.

Dubai Airshow 2007 boasted 850 exhibitors and 11 national pavilions representing 50 countries - 130 of these being new to the region. 45,421 visitors attended over the five days - 10,000 more than in 2005 - and over 140 aircraft were displayed on the static park, firmly cementing its reputation as the third largest aerospace event in the world

The biennial show also saw over $150bn worth of orders placed during its five days and now holds the record for the largest amount of deals ever concluded at one event.

And F&E Aerospace believe that this figure is expected to grow considerably for the 2009 outing as it moves to its new venue, with the proposed site covering more than double the size of the current Airport Expo Dubai.

MEBA 2008

MEBA 2008 - the dedicated B2B conference and exhibition for the business aviation sector, which will take place at the Dubai Airport Expo from the 16-18th November - will also more than double in size from last year, with exhibitor numbers, represented countries and aircraft on display all significantly up.

Visitor numbers are also tipped to smash last year's record with more than 5,000 expected to attend the three day event - an increase of over 50%.

'Dubai Airshow and MEBA are our stalwart events and are core drivers in both F&E Aerospace's and Dubai's continuing establishment as one of the world's leading destinations to conduct business for the industry at large,' added Weller.

'Their growth serves as the sector's barometer. It is not just about size, although this says a lot. It is about the quality of exhibitor, visitor and VIP coming through the doors which speaks volumes. Dubai and these events continue to attract a wide range of the world's leading decision makers, which is a significant indication of how this market is valued by the industry.'

Masergy Unveils Video Extranet Service for Enterprise B2B Video Communications

2008-06-16T11:07:00.001+05:30

Masergy, a service provider specializing in simplifying business networks for enterprises, has introduced its Video Extranet service for interoperable business-to-business videoconferencing for enterprise customers, partners and suppliers.

Masergy said its Video Extranet provides video conferencing solutions to enterprises seeking to communicate privately across different network providers inside a managed quality-of-service (QoS) network environment.

Enterprises often run video conferencing equipment on closed, private networks, limiting their connectivity to others to protect their own network assets, performance and integrity, said Scott Brothers, director, product management at MASERGY. With the MASERGY Video Extranet service, these companies now can get flexible video connectivity with guaranteed QoS, reliable performance and consistent security to enterprises using high-definition, telepresence or standard video conferencing equipment.

The company noted that benefits for enterprises implementing Masergy's Video Extranet service include:

- B2B communication among enterprises on separate private networks - Video communications between corporations on different IP carriers - Interoperability of various application equipment in a secure network environment

The inherent security of the Video Extranet environment eliminates the need for encryption while connecting corporations on different carriers or private networks, Masergy said. The Video Extranet handles all network routing directly via Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) and tunneling.

Source: tradingmarkets.com

ForeignTRADEX Connects U.S. and Australian Industrial Suppliers and Buyers

2008-06-15T10:13:00.000+05:30

The International Industrial Supply Trade Portal ForeignTRADEX has launched a Web site focusing on helping American and Australian manufacturers, exporters and importers develop trading partnership

(live-PR.com) - Sydney, Australia - ForeignTRADEX, a division of the US-based Industrial Leaders Group, and co-publisher of the Free Industrial & Construction Marketplace at http://www.industrialsaver.com/classifieds, announced today the release of a special report designed to promote American products and manufacturers in Australia at http://www.foreigntradeexchange.com/countries/australia.html. According Ivana Vesina, spokeswoman for the company's European and Australian market, the report is designed to help U.S. manufacturers find international business contacts, trading opportunities and import export resources in Australia.

Mark Hamilton, Business Director of ForeignTRADEX said U.S. manufacturers of industrial supplies, equipment and machinery serious about entering or expanding into Australia will find the company's Industrial Supply Marketing Report to be very useful. "Whether you want to locate trading partners in Perth, Melbourne, Hobart, Darwin, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane or other cities in Australia, ForeignTRADEX can help you find the companies and resources you're looking for to help your business grow."

Previously ForeignTRADEX.com launched a new version of its World Trade Forum at http://www.ForeignTradeExchange.com/forum which presents some of the most useful Web sites in the world focusing on international trade. According to Hamilton Nearly 1,000 global business Web sites have been reviewed by independent editors of ForeignTRADEX and all are accessible on the site's Import Export Directory at http://www.ForeignTradeExchange.com/trade_directory.html

Ms. Vesina, from her office in Sydney said American and Australian manufacturers are able to promote their products on the Industrial Leaders Group network of industrial supply trade portals, forums, directories, B2B blogs and marketplaces free of charge at http://www.WorldwideIndustrialMarketplace.com/freelisting.html

About ForeignTRADEX

ForeignTRADEX.com is a US-European Industrial Trade Directory and Marketplace connecting manufacturers, distributors, exporters and importers of industrial products throughout Europe and the United States, as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand at http://www.ForeignTradeExchange.com

Contact information:
ForeignTRADEX

290 Turnpike Road
Westboro, MA 01581
USA

Contact Person:
Rich Milton
PR
Phone: 206-333-0355
eMail: eMail

Web: http://www.ForeignTradeExchange.com

Author: Richard Milton

e-mail

Web: http://www.industrialsaver.com
Phone: 206-333-0355

Reed Business Buys UK-Based B2B Marketplace Site ApprovedIndex

2008-06-14T10:39:00.000+05:30

Reed Business Information, which itself is in the process of a messy sale, has made an acquisition through its UK arm RBI UK: it bought out UK-based B2B marketplace and lead gen site ApprovedIndex. The terms were not disclosed. AI is an online B2B marketplace matching business buyers and suppliers across the UK...it operates in about 100 sectors in categories such as website designers, management training, marketing companies and photocopiers. This buy is similar to RBI USA's acquisition of BuyersZone early last year, which was also in the B2B marketplace space. It will also compliment RBI's existing online directory Kellysearch. More details in the release.

IndustrialCOOP Helps Companies Buy and Sell Adhesives and Sealants Worldwide

2008-06-13T10:37:00.000+05:30


IndustrialCOOP Trademark

12.06.2008 17:42:24 The search engine filtered for industrial buyers IndustrialCOOP.com, has launched a new directory and marketplace connecting manufacturers, distributors, importers and exporters of adhesives and sealants

(live-PR.com) - Westborough, Massachusetts - IndustrialCOOP, a B2B co-op search engine for industrial and construction professionals, and a division of the Industrial Leaders Group, announced today the launch of its new adhesives and sealants directory. According to Kim Morelli, a company spokesperson, the directory is designed to be used in conjunction with the company's free industrial and construction classifieds site at www.industrialsaver.com/classifieds which enables users to post and explore free advertisements.

Morelli said the Adhesives and Sealants Directory includes offerings for all types of glues, epoxies, hot melts, urethanes, anaerobic and self adhesive tapes, coatings, silicons, high temperature adhesives, rubber-to-metal adhesives, cyanoacrylates, woodworking glues, asphalt and cement sealants and additives, as well as standard and custom adhesives for paper, plastic, films, metals, vinyl, ceramic tile, fabrics, textiles and other sealing and adhesion applications at www.industrialleaders.com/listings/adhesives.htm ..

Additional offerings for adhesives and sealants are available from the company's on-line auction where users can bid and offer a variety of industrial goods. The auction enables registered users to gain access to a broad range of industrial supplies, equipment and machinery, in addition to all kinds of adhesives and sealants at www.industrialsaver.com/stores/mro/Industrial-Su ..

"IndustrialCOOP and the Industrial Leaders Group connects industrial buyers and suppliers all over the world from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East," says Frank Wallace, Business Director of the company. He added, "Whether you're looking to buy industrial adhesives, sell construction sealants or any other industrial product, IndustrialCOOP helps you find suitable B2B buyers, suppliers and resources all over the globe."

About IndustrialCOOP

IndustrialCOOP.com is a co-op industrial search engine filtered for engineers and other industrial buyers at www.IndustrialCOOP.com. The site allows users to search multiple industrial directories at once - saving them time and resources.
Contact information:
IndustrialCOOP

Industrial Leaders
290 Turnpike Road
Westboro, MA 01581

Contact Person:
Rich Milton
PR
Phone: 206-333-0355
eMail: eMail

Web: http://www.IndustrialCOOP.com

Author:
Richard Milton
e-mail
Web: http://www.industrialsaver.com
Phone: 206-333-0355

Sterling Commerce Launches Hosted Trading Network Offering Australian Companies Enhanced Supply Chain Performance

2008-06-12T10:36:00.000+05:30

Sydney - 12 June 2008 — Sterling Commerce, an AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) subsidiary, today launched the availability in Australia of its Sterling Collaboration Network, an on demand business-to-business (B2B) network which makes it easier for companies to securely integrate trading processes and enhance B2B process automation and orchestration among their trading communities.

Organisations signing onto the Sterling Collaboration Network in Australia now have immediate access to more than 280,000 unique trading entities around the globe.

At the same time, the Sterling Collaboration Network will enable local companies to automate the flow of information regarding their mission-critical business activities across organisational and geo-political boundaries. Traditionally, these processes have been manual, fraught with complexity due to multiple standards and data formats and provided for low visibility in tracking supply chain activity end-to-end.

In the past, many retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and third-party logistics firms have automated portions of their core purchase-to-pay and order-to-cash processes with their B2B communities and supply chains. However, even for “best in class” organisations, the greatest opportunity for additional cost savings and efficiency lies in electronically integrating trading partners that still transact business via phone, fax, e-mail, and postal mail.

In existence for over 30 years, the Sterling Collaboration Network eliminates all paper-based transactions and has 19,000 customers, including Orica Australia, and more than 90 global network interconnects already in operation. While Orica Australia signed onto the network eight years ago via an international license agreement, worldwide cosmetics provider, L’Oreal Australia is the first customer locally to sign onto the Australian network extension this month. The on demand network will make it easier for L’Oreal to integrate its trading community. “The Sterling Collaboration Network will enable L’Oreal to operate as a business in a stable electronic data interchange (EDI) trading environment with seven key retailers and thousands of retail outlets throughout Australia.

“On an average day, we can process at least 1,500 orders and ship more than 4,000 SKUs. By signing on with Sterling Commerce, we know we are working with a technically adept organisation which has many years of experience in value-added network services,” said Aaron Khong, General Manager – IT, L’Oreal Australia.

The Sterling Collaboration Network uses Sterling Commerce B2B integration expertise and its global supply chain community to maximise the number of supply chain partners with whom retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and logistics firms conduct business. Companies can gain a complimentary assessment of their potential savings from greater B2B automation by using the Sterling Commerce B2B Automation Savings Calculator at: www.sterlingb2bautomation.com.

“The Sterling Collaboration Network has been an invaluable part of our business for several years. It acts as an electronic Australia Post providing a one-stop shop connection to our trading network. Not only does it provide immediate visibility into document status, it gives us simplicity, security and peace of mind in being able to track and manage hundreds of thousands of orders each year with all our valued customers and suppliers,” said Mark Zrna, Senior Systems Engineer – B2B, IT Shared Services, Orica Australia.

“We are excited that Australian and multi-national firms with offices in Australia can now contact us directly to join the Sterling Collaboration Network. Companies will now be able to achieve process improvements by managing issues in real-time as they occur and respond proactively to supply disruptions and improve market responsiveness. At the same time, they will have local access to Australian account management, technical staff, migration services and support,” said Michael Vulcan, Managing Director, Australia/New Zealand, Sterling Commerce.

About Sterling Commerce

Sterling Commerce, a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), helps customers thrive in a global economy by connecting their business communities, processes, people and technology. More than 30,000 customers worldwide – including 80 percent of the Fortune 500 – use Sterling Commerce solutions for business process integration, multi-channel selling, and supply chain fulfillment to improve profitability inside and outside their company walls. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Sterling Commerce has offices in 19 countries with regional offices in Sydney and Melbourne. For more information visit: www.sterlingcommerce.com.au.

LaGarde Launches Phoenix eCommerce Platform

2008-06-11T12:31:00.000+05:30

Modular platform to meet the needs of dynamic mid-market businesses.

LaGarde Inc., an eCommerce solutions provider, today announced the launch of their Phoenix eCommerce platform which is offered as a software as a service model and is aimed at mid- and large-market businesses. The company states that the Phoenix platform was built to allow unlimited modularity, while meeting every eCommerce security standard.

It explains that its Phoenix platform is designed to be flexible, configurable and scalable and will make it easier for mid-and large market businesses to enhance and grow their connections with customers, suppliers, employees and business partners. The flexibility inherent in the Phoenix platform enables businesses to integrate state-of-the-art functionality without disrupting their current business systems, minimizing the need to retrain or alter internal processes.

It adds that this platform is specifically designed for B2C, B2B, manufacturing, distribution, services and government, education, and not-for-profit industry segments. The underlying technology is designed to support customization and integration for the increased functionality dynamic businesses need for efficiency and profitability.

"eBusiness in general and eCommerce specifically have become increasingly more complicated while at the same time significantly more valuable and strategic to businesses and organizations of all types," said Bob LaGarde, founder and CEO of LaGarde. "The increasing burdens of regulatory compliance and complexity of eBusiness enablement demand that vendors provide scalable, extensible turnkey solutions. This concept of 'flexibility meets security' enables the Phoenix platform to surpass all other SaaS solutions on the market and we are excited to bring our 12 years of experience to bear on this new offering," said LaGarde.

"The new Phoenix platform has already won several accolades from the Micrsoft.NET community," said Michael Wiley, premier field engineer, Microsoft Services, U.S. East Region. "I also want to reiterate that the Phoenix application is one of the best we've seen."