Manugistics and IBM Launch Supply Chain Collaboration Solution for Mid-Size Companies

Manugistics Group, Inc and IBM have announced a Supply Chain Collaboration solution designed to help mid-size companies improve product visibility and flow, maximize customer service, reduce costs, and increase sales. The solution, a joint effort between the two companies, incorporates Manugistics software and IBM platform technology, and is targeted at mid-size companies in the food and agriculture, consumer packaged goods, distribution, consumer electronics, and retail industries.

Key Takeaways:

• The Supply Chain Collaboration solution features Manugistics NetWORKS, along with IBM Global Services consulting and implementation services, IBM MQSeries message-queuing software, IBM RS/6000 and IBM Netfinity servers, and customer support with financing options provided by IBM Global Financing.
• The solution is designed to be highly scalable and configurable to customer needs, incorporating "drag and drop" connections to enable quicker integration into existing systems.
• Manugistics and IBM have launched a global joint marketing campaign to promote the solution, targeting mid-size companies in the specified industries.
• Greg Owens, Manugistics' president and CEO, stated that the announcement is "another milestone in the long-standing alliance between Manugistics and IBM."
• Mark Ryan, vice president of IBM Global Midmarket Business Marketing, emphasized that mid-size companies can dramatically improve their profitability by optimizing relationships with customers, suppliers, and partners.

Statistics:

• Manugistics has more than 900 clients worldwide, including leading companies such as Amazon.com, Coca-Cola Bottling, Commerx, Compaq, DuPont, Mobil, FreightWise, General Electric, Harley-Davidson, Hormel, Nestle, Timberland, and Unilever.
• IBM is the world leader in providing business solutions for medium-size businesses, with a dedicated Global Midmarket Business unit offering cross-industry and industry-specific solutions.
• The Majority of the world's largest companies (Fortune 500) are recognized to be leveraging the power of B2B and B2C eCommerce

Sources:

• "Manugistics and IBM Launch Supply Chain Collaboration Solution for Mid-Size Companies", PR Newswire, July 17, 2000
• Manugistics Group, Inc. annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 29, 2000
• Manugistics Group, Inc. quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2000
• Manugistics Group, Inc. website at http://www.manugistics.com