IBM Offers Comprehensive Electronic Commerce Solution and Support for Internet Service Providers
ISPs Build and Operate Multiple Electronic Commerce Web Sites in a Shared Environment using IBM Net.Commerce Hosting Server
San Jose (September 29, 1998) – IBM* today announced the IBM Net.Commerce Hosting Server*, a solution for helping Internet Service Providers (ISPs) deliver a full-range of hosted electronic commerce services for the smallest to largest businesses. Using this integrated software package, ISPs can set-up and operate full-service, low-maintenance, hosted electronic commerce services for multiple sellers in a shared commerce server environment.
The IBM Net.Commerce Hosting Server provides ISPs new features, tools, templates, and documentation to set-up and operate a self-serve, Web storefront rental service. Extensive functionality and support include: service set-up and operations, site analysis, store creation and operations, order management, store analysis, payment processing, sales tax calculation and shipping.
“Many businesses are looking to their Internet Service Providers to offer a full-range of services that includes the ability to sell online,” said Karl Salnoske, general manager of electronic commerce, IBM Software Solutions. “With this integrated software package, ISPs can now offer businesses a full-range of electronic commerce services and help them to become e-businesses.”
Internet Service Provider Benefits
IBM Net.Commerce Hosting Server can support all ISP customers regardless of size or solution requirements. Using this new software, ISPs can offer a variety of services including:
commerce-enabling to transaction-enabling existing web sites;
setting up a dedicated store front for hosting a single, customer site on a secure server;
hosting a mall or leasing “space” in an e-mall.
The IBM Net.Commerce Hosting Server contains many merchant-enablement features or “automatic, seller self-provisioning functions.” The ISP provides the seller with all the necessary tools and documentation needed to design a site, create a catalog, publish and operate a store. A newly-created Web site requires just one ISP intervention — to open the site following the capture of payment. Some other merchant-enablement features include: wizards, prefabricated store models, self-service administration, built-in customer support and performance tracking and reporting.
Seller Benefits
Sellers, who work with an ISP using the IBM Net.Commerce Hosting Server, benefit from proven, industry standard technology behind the electronic commerce Web site. As a seller’s business grows, new commerce features can be quickly adopted and the site can scale or move to a dedicated server.
Easy-to-use, browser-based tools provide sellers with 24-hour access to their electronic commerce sites to perform daily tasks. Sellers can regularly update the catalog, query and process orders, and view reports. Other seller functions include: searchable catalog of departments and products, shopper registration and address book, order submission and notification, broadcast e-mail, and customer support.
Shopper Benefits
Shoppers, visiting a Web site based on the IBM Net.Commerce Hosting Server, enjoy a complete shopping experience. If they plan on visiting the site regularly, shoppers have the option to register by filing their personal and contact information with the seller. Shoppers can view the navigable and searchable catalog, placing items in the shopping cart. When done, shoppers can provide payment using an online credit card transaction or other off-line payment method frequently employed as a protocol in business-to-business transactions. Shoppers can visit the Web site for order status and history as well as other customer service inquiries.
IBM Net.Commerce Hosting Server
The IBM Net.Commerce Hosting Server consists of the following components:
IBM Net.Commerce START * — merchant server software
DB2 Universal Database* — multimedia, Web-ready relational database management system for business intelligence and transaction processing
Domino Go Server* — web server for advanced site design and management
Net.Data* – database connectivity for Internet and intranet applications
IBM Payment Server* — a Java-based “cash register” that provides a comprehensive security solution for handling credit cards on the Internet
Support for CyberCash** Merchant Connection Kit — allows sellers to use CyberCash to authorize and process credit card payments for order placed in their stores
CSP Starter Site — a pre-configured, customizable “site in a box” for the ISPs hosted electronic commerce service
Merchant Pack — the tools and documentation for sellers to use to design their site, create their catalog, and operate their store.
The IBM Net.Commerce Hosting Server is expected to be available in late fourth quarter. Pricing will be announced at time of general availability.
Source: IBM