Ariel Technologies makes Microsoft the centre of its hub

Ariel Technologies is using Microsoft software to run its business-to-business marketplace joint venture with Johnnic`s TradeWorld, which links its customers to 18 500 suppliers, resulting in some 41 500 transactions per month. Ariel relies on Microsoft to help link the listed buyers and sellers together through its side of the joint venture, Hub 21, which went live on 1 September 2000.

Denel has already joined the trading community and two further customer announcements are expected soon. Using the Infobank Intrade directory service based on Microsoft SQL Server, customised price lists from suppliers are generated according to customer-unique purchasing profiles. The software automatically determines whether a customer qualifies for a bulk discount or special price offer, then builds it into the list which the buyer views on Hub 21. All the transaction data is processed through a single database run off a server cluster, leading to decreased administration for Ariel, as well as making searching time faster.

The built-in security layer provided in the Microsoft Site Server technology, ensures that only authorised buyers on Hub 21 have access to the information appropriate to them. This is particularly important for hospitals or clinics purchasing medication and other potentially sensitive supplies through the hub.

According to Malcolm Dunkeld, who runs Ariel`s electronic commerce operation, only the top five percent of portals in the world conduct more than 10 000 transactions per month. "The current volume experienced by TradeWorld places it with the top portals in the world. We did not just want to develop a static business-to-business portal, we wanted a Microsoft-based end-to-end service which provides everything to our customers, from pricing and payment, to the delivery logistics associated with e-enabling their purchasing requirements."

Future technology expansion plans for Ariel include integration with the eFreight freight management system, as well as with TradeWorld`s customs clearance department for tracking deliveries. Customers will also benefit from `request for quote` and online auction functionality. Hub 21 is also planning links to local payment engines and banks for improved convenience to customers. There are Windows 2000 upgrade plans once Commerce Server 2000 and BizTalk server 2000 are released, which will include utilising advantages delivered through the BizTalk electronic business framework.

"Business-to-business commerce is going to be driven forward in South Africa by initiatives like Hub 21," says Garry Hodgson, Internet development group director at Microsoft South Africa. "Microsoft`s .NET vision is about streamlining all aspects of business through the use of the Internet and electronic market-places are one of the vehicles in which our online technology strategy will be delivered."