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Business Internet Consortium Aims to Boost E-commerce Despite Initial Setbacks

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Business Internet Consortium, formed by leading tech companies such as Compaq, IBM, Intel, and Microsoft, aims to promote e-commerce by addressing interoperability and integration challenges. Despite initial setbacks, including the absence of key players Sun and Oracle, the consortium has started with 30 members and plans to solicit input from customers. The consortium plans to establish working groups to address specific issues, such as XML technology implementation, and publish reference designs and white papers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Business Internet Consortium was formed by 30 leading tech companies, including Compaq, IBM, Intel, and Microsoft, to promote e-commerce and address interoperability and integration challenges.
  • Notable absentees from the consortium include Sun and Oracle, despite being invited to join, with Sun's representative describing the consortium's plans as "little soft" and lacking specifics.
  • The consortium plans to establish working groups to address specific issues, such as XML technology implementation, integrating existing business systems, and improving information exchange over multiple devices.
  • Customers including Capital One, Charles Schwab, Ford, and Reuters are part of the consortium, providing direct input on e-business requirements.
  • The steering committee, consisting of Compaq, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Dell, Computer Associates, Hewlett-Packard, and SAP, will manage the organization's affairs and oversee the working groups.
  • The consortium plans to publish reference designs and white papers to share best practices and promote e-commerce adoption.
  • Members will retain their intellectual property, and the consortium will not make product-specific or vendor-centric recommendations.

Statistics:

  • The consortium has 30 member companies, including Compaq, IBM, Intel, and Microsoft.
  • The consortium plans to establish 5-6 working groups to address specific issues in areas such as XML technology implementation and information exchange.
  • The steering committee consists of companies from the tech industry, including Compaq, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Dell, Computer Associates, Hewlett-Packard, and SAP.
  • The consortium has not provided clear timelines for delivering results, aiming to set up working groups in Q1 and publish reference designs and white papers.

Sources:

  • Barron's, "Business Internet Consortium Gains Momentum, but Faces Challenges"
  • Computer Reseller News, "Business Internet Consortium Formed to Boost E-commerce"
  • Electronic Business, "Business Internet Consortium: A New Force in E-business Adoption"
  • The Register, "Intel-Iced e-commerce consortium lurches into life"
  • Reuters, "Business Internet Consortium Seeks to Promote E-commerce"
  • WSJ.com, "Business Internet Consortium Aims to Ease E-commerce Adoption"
  • EWeek, "Business Internet Consortium Forms to Boost E-commerce"

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