Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed Softline Limited`s (SFT) 60% owned US subsidiary SVI Holdings Inc has signed a co-marketing agreement with IBM to integrate key IBM e-business software with SVI`s e-Host , a new retail e-commerce software solution projected to be launched during the second half of 1999.
The company expects e-Host to be a powerful and sophisticated retail software solution that leverages point-of-sale retail store information with the power of Internet marketing tools to enhance customer communications, product marketing and supply chain management.
Employing state-of-the-art enterprise data warehousing, retailers will be able to use e-Host to learn more about each customer`s unique buying habits to conduct highly targeted, cost-effective product promotion and loyalty programs via the Internet.
Under the agreement, SVI will incorporate top of the line IBM database, Internet e-commerce technology and application server technology, including DB2Universal Database, Intelligent Miner for Data, IBM Net.Commerce, IBM WebSphere, IBM eNetwork Firewall, and Lotus Notes and Domino Release 5, together with SVI`s own proprietary software to create the e-Host solution.
IBM will provide co-marketing funds to support the marketing of the integrated e-Host solution.
"We`re excited to be working with IBM to create an innovative e-business solution that will transform the way retailers do business," said Barry Schechter, CEO of SVI Holdings.
"By combining IBM`s market leadership in e-business with our Point-of-Sale ("POS") expertise we believe e-Host will provide a secure, enterprise-wide solution that bridges the gap between the traditional retail storefront and the emerging opportunities available through e-business."
It is anticipated that secure on-line shopping will be offered via virtual storefronts, feeding demographic and inventory information back to the retailer`s data warehouse and supply chain management system. e-Host* will integrate in-store point of sale data with back office/head quarter systems enabling the integrated use of e-business throughout the enterprise network.
"e-business has progressed far beyond having a Web site. To compete successfully in today`s electronic world one must add value by linking the Internet to the considerable investment that businesses have made in their host systems and existing processes," said Ian Bonner, vice president, marketing, IBM Global Business Partners. "SVI is teaming with IBM to help retailers increase the return on their software investment by leveraging key customer information the POS terminal is already capturing."
"In conventional retailing, the POS terminal is the `portal` through which all customers pass. SVI has in excess of 80,000 POS terminals installed world wide running our software and servicing in excess of one million customers a day. By harnessing the data passing through these terminals, SVI is uniquely positioned to help retailers learn more about their customers` buying patterns and increase customer loyalty through a more sophisticated use of this information," said Shaun Rosen, CEO of the SVI Retail Division.
e-Host* will take advantage of DB2 Universal Database`s combined power for business intelligence (decision support, data warehousing and data mining) and industry-leading performance and reliability for transaction processing.
IBM Net.Commerce and WebSphere make it easier for SVI customers to establish online storefronts with industry-leading security, intelligent catalog tools and the most extensive database access in the industry. IBM`s eNetwork Firewall provides safe, secure e-business by controlling all communications to and from the Internet. Lotus Domino allows retailers to derive the benefits of secure, interactive Web applications that engage co-workers, suppliers and customers in on-line collaboration and coordination of critical business activities. ends
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IBM
IBM DB2 Universal Database is the industry`s first multimedia, Web-ready relational database management system - powerful enough to meet the demands of large corporations and flexible enough to serve medium-sized and small businesses. DB2 Universal Database combines power for business intelligence (decision support, data warehousing and data mining) with industry leading performance and reliability for transaction processing. It delivers on IBM`s network computing e-business promise, linking the world`s business information with the Internet to realize business value.
IBM eNetwork Firewall
The IBM eNetwork Firewall, part of IBM`s Secure Way offerings, enables safe, secure e-business by controlling all communications to and from the Internet. Unlike most other firewalls the IBM firewall provides both a high level of security and flexibility through support for all three critical methods of network access control. It can act as an application gateway, a circuit-level gateway, or a set of expert filters. In addition, the IBM firewall supports VPN, and includes VPN client software for mobile users who need access to your internal network from remote locations.
IBM Intelligent Miner
The IBM Intelligent Miner family helps companies identify and extract high-value business intelligence from their data assets. Through a process of knowledge discovery, the organization can leverage hidden information in its data, uncovering associations, patterns and trends that can lead to real competitive advantage.
Lotus Notes and Domino
The Domino Server family is an integrated messaging and Web application software platform for growing companies that need to improve customer responsiveness and streamline business processes. The only solution built on an open, unified architecture, Domino is trusted by the world`s leading companies to deliver secure communication, collaboration and business applications.
Domino R5 Servers set a new standard for rich Internet messaging, ease of administration, integration with back-end systems and reliability. Lotus Notes and Notes Designer will allow BTCI to rapidly develop and modify their application base to meet customer needs. Notes Designer is an applications development tool for Domino.
IBM Net.Commerce
Powered by DB2** Universal Database, IBM Net.Commerce is part of the WebSphere**family, a commerce server product that breaks new ground by making it easier for merchants to establish online storefronts with industry-leading security, intelligent catalog tools and the most extensive database access in the industry.
IBM WebSphere
The IBM WebSphere Application Servers, along with Lotus Domino, represents the industry`s most complete range of Web application server environments that support business applications from simple Web publishing through enterprise-scale transaction processing.
SVI
SVI Holdings` strategy is to become a leading global provider of enterprise software solutions for the retail industry. These solutions include point of sale, retail marketing and merchandising, training and financial systems. SVI maintains offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa. The company has a worldwide base of more than 80,000 terminals among such major clients as Office Max, Crate and Barrel, Home Depot, the U.S. Postal Service, Musicland, Charming Stores and others.
(a)Indicates trademark, registered trademark or trademark pending of SVI Holdings Inc. (b)Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. (c)Lotus and Lotus Notes are registered trademarks and Domino and Notes are trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. ++ All other trademarks are the properties of their respective companies.
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