Microsoft and Infobank power Africa

Technology partners, Microsoft South Africa and Infobank Africa, are combining their core technical strengths and expertise to ensure that the African continent reaps the benefits of participating in the growth of the digital economy. The partnership will produce effective electronic business-to-business (EB2B) software solutions underpinned by Microsoft technology, allowing local companies to compete in the global electronic trading environment.

Research results released by Accenture indicate that African companies are embracing technology as a means of levelling the playing fields, and see e-commerce as an opportunity to compete successfully in the global economy. By trading electronically, companies are able to offer new services and products to the local market as well as gain access to new geographic areas at minimal cost.

"Infobank has a good knowledge and a strong vision of where e-procurement is going in the industry," says Garry Hodgson Internet and developer group director at Microsoft South Africa. "Combining this strength with Microsoft`s view of virtual trading, achieves the best between technology and business functionality."

InTrade, one of Infobank`s product suites, is aimed at large corporates and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and facilitates the development of EB2B trading communities. Based on Microsoft Web server and browser technologies providing full support for international trading, InTrade comprises of three integrated modules that span the full spectrum of B2B e-commerce activity. The software enables over 50 languages and deals with multiple currencies and tax systems from a single installation.

Built solely on the Microsoft platform and incorporating new technologies such as XML and BizTalk functionality in its product offerings, Infobank has the ability to integrate its software solutions into clients` existing systems. "When providing tools for clients to compete effectively, one needs to ensure that the product suite offers the flexibility and scalability required to accelerate clients` time to market," says Gavin Lourens, professional services director at Infobank Africa. "The decision for Infobank to develop its products on a Microsoft platform was based on Microsoft`s strong base functionality covering a broad spectrum of tools inherently built into its products. This allows organisations of all sizes to participate and compete in global electronic trading communities."

"Microsoft has a clear vision and strategy for e-commerce based on providing business agility through the use of technology," says Hodgson. "Infobank`s products are focused on e-procurement and the ultimate migration into supply chain management. Infobank utilises Microsoft`s technology vision to provide the functional systems and the communication infrastructure required."

Fully committed to Africa`s progress through technology, Infobank distributes and implements its InTrade product suite across 53 countries on the African continent, and has secured a significant share of the market by delivering the first two live electronic trading hubs in the southern hemisphere. "We believe e-commerce will form the basis of significant future growth on the African continent," says Lourens, "with South Africa identified as an early adopter."