Microsoft has released a .net package designed to allow companies
to connect to any partner's business-to-business (B2B) systems in a
more cost-effective way, writes Daniel Thomas.
The Microsoft Solution for Supplier Enablement, which combines the
company's SQL Server, Commerce Server and Biztalk Server, is aimed
at companies using various channels to sell products to partners,
including B2B marketplaces, procurement systems and direct Web
sites.
The release is part of Microsoft's overall strategy, centred on the
.net platform, of moving from being a supplier of standalone
products to providing software as a service over the Web. The
software giant sees Web services as the best way to increase
revenue in the future and is keen for more companies to conduct
business over the Internet.
"This solution provides a compelling new choice for B2B selling
broader set of suppliers are now able to realise the benefits of
conducting business electronically," said a Microsoft
spokesman.
The software can build on any existing Microsoft infrastructure
thus reducing integration costs and speeding up return on
investment, the company claimed. Using their existing
infrastructure, businesses can provide catalogues to a number of
different potential buyers, without being locked in to proprietary
systems, Microsoft said, adding that the software could be tailored
to an organisation's specific needs.
SQL Server provides the database anchor of the package,
contributing native XML support, a data store and an online
analytical processing engine. Commerce Server adds XML-based
catalogue, order processing, Web site and personalisation
capabilities, while Biztalk will handle XML delivery, business
processes and mapping and transformation.
In addition, BizTalk will allow the software to access data in
other systems, such as ERP and CRM applications, Microsoft said.