'Big Blue' supports e-business in a big way<\/p>\n
By Zatni Arbi<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): E-business, or e-commerce, looks set to be the
\nnext buzzword in the world of the Internet.<\/p>\n
The Internet's potential revenue generator has been a hot
\ntopic since the early days of Net fever. Since then, many have
\nsucceeded in reaping substantial rewards through the Net, though
\nmany more again have failed dismally.<\/p>\n
The question of security has been holding back customers and
\nentrepreneurs alike from doing business on the Net. IBM ("Big
\nBlue") has been actively providing technological and service
\nsupports to its customers for some time, to ensure that people
\ncan do business on the Net with confidence. With big players like
\nIBM, Siemens, Hewlett-Packard and others providing improved
\ntechnology and software, the benefits of the electronic
\nmarketplace may be realized sooner than many expected.<\/p>\n
The requirements<\/p>\n
The Internet has changed the way we live, work, learn and
\nplay, and it seems certain to continue to change our lives.<\/p>\n
As we move from manufacturing-based industries to a service-
\nbased economy, the potential seems to be even more boundless.
\nHowever, the electronic marketplace is in desperate need of fast
\nand secure networks that will enable users to streamline
\nprocesses, shorten delivery-to-market time, open new markets,
\nattract new and retain old customers, connect with partners and
\nsuppliers, abolish barriers between teams and create new
\nopportunities for growth.<\/p>\n
Because of the Net's inherent complexity, no single
\ntechnology can provide the answers to all business problems.
\nWhat's needed are secure, reliable, integrated solutions, which
\nare based on world class technology. These solutions should also
\nbe built out of a good understanding of the business needs that
\nwill turn e-business into reality.<\/p>\n
Big Blue<\/p>\n
The Global Services unit is an arm of IBM extending into 59
\ncountries. With 100,000 professional employees, the unit has
\nbecome IBM's fastest growing business, and the company's second-
\nlargest source of revenue. IBM's Global Industry Solutions unit,
\nemploying 30,000 professionals worldwide, develops tailored
\nsolutions to companies in 12 industry sectors including banking,
\ninsurance, health care, government, manufacturing and retailing.<\/p>\n
As of today, IBM's offerings for e-business includes: (1)
\nDomino, the new Web-enabled version of Lotus Notes software for
\ngroupwork; (2) Java Tools, a series of programs that optimize
\nJava for e-business; (3) Cryptolope technology, software that
\nwill guarantee the security of document exchange and e-commerce;
\n(4) CommercePOINT, a comprehensive family of services that
\nstreamlines online business-to-business and business-to-consumer
\ntransactions and (5) Web Object Manager (WOM), a series of
\ntechnologies enabling the quick creation of dynamic, customized
\nWeb pages for transactional Web sites, and managing network
\ntraffic across multiple servers around the world.<\/p>\n
In addition, the following tools are also available: (1)
\nNet.Commerce Payment, which is a group of products based on the
\nSecure Electronic Transactions (SET) standard allowing customers
\nto use credit cards online and ensures security; (2) IBM
\nSecureWay, which provides solutions for controlling network
\nsecurity; (3) Datamining solutions that enable businesses to
\nanalyze customer actions at the Web site and create one-on-one
\nmarketing relationship with customers; (4) Web enabled
\nmiddleware, including CICS, DB2 and the MQ Series that enables
\nbusinesses to integrate existing data into new, Web-based
\nsolutions and (5) All the necessary hardware such as servers and
\nworkstations.<\/p>\n
The Cryptolope technology represents an interesting approach
\nto security. Functioning much like an ordinary envelope, it is an
\nelectronic container that holds an encrypted version of text
\ndocuments or electronic commodities such as music, film, art,
\nsoftware, graphics and multimedia products. It can be shipped
\nthrough the networked universe faster than any courier service.
\nWhile encrypted material remains snug and protected during the
\njourney, a readable abstract -- describing the contents, price,
\nand terms and conditions -- heralds the package's arrival.<\/p>\n
Once the recipient has agreed to terms and conditions, they
\nare able to open the container using special keys provided to
\nregistered users only. IBM, as the owner of the Cryptolope, will
\nbill the buyer and remit payment to the content owner.<\/p>\n
Web Commerce<\/p>\n
Internet solutions designed for advanced Web Commerce already
\navailable on the Net include:<\/p>\n
1. Energy Network Exchange, a service provided jointly by IBM and
\nSiemens enabling electric utilities to sell excess electricity on
\nthe Net. It provides an electronic method for the purchase and
\ndistribution of wholesale electric power that complies with new
\nU.S. Federal requirements. Pacific Gas and Electric was the first
\nto take up this method.<\/p>\n
2. PetroConnect is a new Web site which allows petroleum
\nexploration professionals to exchange critical geologic
\ninformation. Under this system, professionals can collaborate and
\ntake advantage of its capabilities for locating and accessing
\ndigital databases, such as maps, surveys, well logs and seismic
\ndata, as well as for acquiring research reports, statistical
\nfindings and industry standards.<\/p>\n
3. World Avenue, an online shopping service on the World Wide
\nWeb. Here, consumers can navigate intuitively, viewing a
\nselection of goods tailored to their needs and interests and make
\npurchases quickly and securely. At the same time, retailers can
\ncreate dynamic and highly customized interactive catalogs, using
\na merchant's toolkit. The available tools and technology allows
\nretailers to capture key information about their customers'
\nbrowsing and purchasing habits -- with the customers' consent.
\nWorld Avenue enables retailers to analyze retail data quickly and
\nsimply for micro-merchandising purposes.<\/p>\n
The World Avenue's address is http:\/\/worldavenue.com. At the
\nmoment you can order steaks and other gourmet foods from Omaha
\nSteaks, although they may not arrive as fresh as you'd like them.
\nOther retailers include Fragrance Counter, Gotschalk's and Avante
\nJewelry. More Cyber-stores will open their storefront business on
\nthe electronic avenue.<\/p>\n
Many questions still linger. For instance, how will the rights
\nof electronic buyers be protected? IBM says that the intelligent
\nagents -- electronic "personal assistants" that create profiles
\nof individual shoppers based on past purchases, demographic
\ninformation and shopping preferences -- they have created ask for
\nthe shoppers' consent before asking for details. But who will see
\nthat this consent continues to be obtained before those agents
\nget down to work? And who will be responsible for educating
\nshoppers and informing them of their right not to give this
\ninformation in the first place?<\/p>\n
Nonetheless, it's clear that Big Blue's initiatives in e-
\nbusiness bring us closer to a time when we can confidently do
\nbusiness from the comfort of our home.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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