Event Summary
USinternetworking,
Inc. (USi, Nasdaq: USIX), announced the next release of its Enterprise
E-Commerce Services Suite. The new version of USi's E-Commerce ASP services
leverage partnerships with Ariba (Nasdaq: ARBA) and Broadbase to add "buy-side"
applications services and integrated e-analysis. The new enhancements
also add other service extensions to their "sell-side" services based
on BroadVision and Microsoft Site Server.
The
USi Enterprise E-Commerce Services Suite - part of USi's iMAP portfolio
- is designed to help enterprise clients succeed with their Business-to-Business
(B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Internet commerce initiatives. USi's
iMAP services are centered on packaged applications that deliver the necessary
hardware, software, networking, security, data center facilities, implementation
services, maintenance, and 24x7 support for a single monthly fee.
All
services and enhancements are planned for general availability in the
first half of this year. Following is a description of USi's Enterprise
E-Commerce Suite:
USi
Enterprise E-Commerce Suite - Core Services
USi
E-Selling powered by BroadVision
Bundled
ASP services based on e-business applications from BroadVision. USi's
BroadVision services deliver personalized and scalable B2B and B2C solutions
for selling and managing one-to-one relationships over the Internet. The
base service is deployed in 90 days. Complementary services include new
BroadVision strategy and solution planning workshops, application migration
services and site "re-hosting."
USi
E-Selling powered by Microsoft
Bundled
application service based on Microsoft Site Server Commerce Edition 3.0
that offers B2B and B2C sell side solutions. The base solution is deployed
in 60 days. Complementary services offered include new Microsoft Site
Server strategy and solution planning workshops, application migration
services and site "re-hosting."
USi E-Procurement powered by Ariba
New
bundled application service based on the Ariba ORMXTM B2B procurement
solution and Ariba Network commerce services that provides rapid ROI for
Enterprise E-Procurement. Complementary services offered include E-Procurement
Workshops for ROI Analysis, Supplier Readiness Planning, Business Process
Definition, Business Process Benchmarking, Ariba ORMX Application Migration
and solution "re-hosting."
USi
Enterprise E-Commerce Suite - Features & Extensions
USi
E-Intelligence Services powered by Broadbase
Each
of the USi E-Commerce Services is pre-integrated with analysis and reporting
capabilities that allow clients to understand and evaluate the effectiveness
of their e-commerce solution. USi has partnered with Broadbase, to offer
advanced analysis and reporting services. This will allow clients to view
online activity, integrate with offline data sources, steer on-going investment
decisions and respond to customer needs.
USi
E-Integration Services
Support
for integration with ERP, CRM and legacy systems, trading partners, logistics
and fulfillment providers, and other third parties is provided through
a combination of USi E-Integration Services.
USi
E-Transaction Services
USi provides real-time tax calculation, integrated payment and transaction
processing for credit cards, procurement cards, and purchase orders.
USi
E-Administration Services
USi's
E-Commerce clients work with Usinternetworking's E-Commerce CLIENT Care
team to keep solutions up to date with the latest content, business rules,
business data, and user information. USi maintains control of core systems
infrastructure, while clients have the option of performing various content
and business management tasks through a controlled and secure remote access
and management environment.
USi Guarantee
USi
provides service level guarantees that encompass the end-to-end solution
functionality, performance and availability. To deliver this, USi monitors
each client's solution from a systems and end-user perspective using USiViewSM.
In addition, clients receive performance measurement reporting and consultation
regarding capacity planning, functionality enhancements, architecture
enhancements, and solution effectiveness.
USi
Global Services PlatformSM
USi
Enterprise E-Commerce services are integrated with the USi Global Services
Platform, which provides data center facilities, public Internet and private
IP networking, security, mirroring, disaster recovery and systems management
infrastructure. Through USiGSP, USi Enterprise E-Commerce clients receive
up to 99.9% application availability, capacity on demand, security, and
optimum performance.
USi
RAPID iMAPSM Methodology
USi's
RAPID iMAP methodology uses a repeatable implementation strategy to get
businesses up and running on applications. USi has over 300 certified
professionals delivering USi's E-Commerce services. By providing E-Commerce
services - from solution planning, to implementation, hosting, and 24x7x365
application management and support - USi has a deep knowledge and understanding
of what it takes to successfully deploy enterprise e-commerce solutions.
Market
Impact
USinternetworking's
efforts mirror those of Oracle, JD Edwards, SAP and others. The goal has
been to create full service business-to-business solutions through organic
development, strategic partnerships or both. With analysts predicting
the business-to-business arena to be in the trillions and the application
service provider market to be in the 20 billion range by 2003, it is not
difficult to see the attraction. USinternetworking's offerings represent
a strong effort to deliver a complete suite of e-commerce offerings with
the added option of a remotely hosted solution.
Launched
in October 1998, USi's Enterprise E-Commerce Services based on BroadVision's
One-To-One and Microsoft Site Server have seen a growth of 35 client
deployments. These clients include corporations in retail, manufacturing,
and high tech such as Hershey Direct, HPshopping, Cornerstone Brands,
and BroadVision.
USinternetworking's
Application Services Suite announcement is exciting. Companies considering
e-commerce solutions now have more choices. Not only are single solution
e-commerce offerings available, ERP, CRM, and asset management companies
are also coming to market with comprehensive solutions. In parallel ASP's
are emerging that support a full compliment of "ec" solutions. Thus organizations
have new application and hosting choices.
User
Recommendations
Obviously, companies considering e-commerce solutions should evaluate
their needs versus the wide spectrum of applications. Remotely hosted
applications might also offer cost effective access to web based software
solutions. Whether you're looking for an ERP solution or a procurement
solution, we suggest speaking with the vendors AND related ASP's specializing
in application hosting and support. There seems to be a race developing
and the finish line has ASP written on it. Early adopters may benefit
from strong negotiating and feature comparisons.