A Unique Product Lifecycle Management Tool for Private Label Retail
Michael Bittner - December 16, 2005

Background

Software solutions provided via an exchange network over the Internet have been especially enticing to retailers and their suppliers. About five years ago, we witnessed the emergence of the Worldwide Retail Exchange (WWRE). Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia (US), this Internet-based, business-to-business (B2B), retailer e-marketplace was founded by a consortium of seventeen international retailers. The idea was to operate an independent company that would benefit its members through a common commitment to openness, leading edge technology, retail industry process efficiencies, and transaction information confidentiality. The perceived benefits included B2B standards setting, collaborative activities, value-added services, participation in a global networked community, shared technology investments, and business process formulation and standardization...