ECR, 24-26th May, Hall 12, Stand F02, Brussels Expo — GXS, a leading provider of B2B integration solutions, has announced increasing momentum in the adoption of its Global Data Synchronisation (GDS) solutions since it completed the acquisition of HAHT Commerce earlier this year. In addition, GXS announced continued investments in its GDS solutions, such as incorporating support for emerging global standards and simplifying implementation processes for new customers.

According to a recent Gartner report [GXS Acquires HAHT and Strengthens Its Retail Capabilities, dated April 1, 2004 and authored by Andrew White, Frank Kenney and Benoit Lheureux]: "Global data synchronisation (GDS) has become important to retailers and suppliers, especially in response to mandates from such retailers as Wal-Mart and Home Depot that their partners synchronise data with the retailers' extranets via the Global Register, which is part of UCCnet."

Key GXS Milestones over last 100 days

• GXS has signed over 100 new customers in the past 100 days to its already strong data synchronisation customer list.
• To simplify and speed GDS customer implementations, GXS launched a Data Sync Tele-Consulting Service, a new service offering designed to help small and mid-sized (SMB) suppliers develop and implement cost-effective data synchronisation strategies.
• In the United States, UCCnet recognised GXS as one of its Top Performing Solutions Providers.
• GXS, one of the founding members of the EAN.UCC Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN), joined a pilot program managed by the Global Standards Management Process. As a pilot member, GXS has committed to achieving compliance with a common Global Registry by July 2004.
• The Company has earned certification on the UCC Solution Partner Program UCCnet™ Synchronisation Suite 2.2.1 and UCCnet™ Consultant certification.
• GXS was selected to develop the United Kingdom’s first supply chain standards-compliant data pool to drive global data synchronisation. Owned and operated by UK-based supply chain standards association e.centre, the data pool will provide a mechanism for international trading partners, particularly in the retail industry, to share and synchronise product data for greater efficiencies and increased profitability across global supply chains.

“Adding more than 100 new companies in 100 days to our already strong customer roster, which includes JC Penney, Target and Kohls, is validation of our deep domain expertise in the retail industry,” said Bobby Patrick, senior vice president of marketing. “New customers include organisations like Thermos, National Gypsum Company, AW Sperry, Dixie Green, Homestead Fabrics Ltd., Swanson Tools, Larson Manufacturing of South Dakota, Cryntel Enterprises and Beef and Blooms. We plan to increase momentum in our customer base by extending the range of data synchronisation solutions available to retailers and suppliers of all sizes.”

Beef and Blooms, a supplier of bedding plants to one of the largest hardlines companies in the world, was required to implement a process to synchronise their product data in a short timeframe. As retailers increasingly adopt data synchronisation projects, suppliers – particularly small and mid-sized ones – are tasked with cost-effectively developing and implementing their own data synchronisation strategies in order to keep up with the industry. For plant suppliers in particular, data synchronisation is an ongoing challenge due to a constantly growing inventory. As an SMB with limited technical resources, Beef and Blooms began the search for a data synchronisation solution partner who could provide a comprehensive and affordable solution.

“As a small business serving large retailers, we wanted to partner with a solution provider with many years of experience serving both retailers and suppliers,” said Anne Marie Jacintho, co-founder, Beef and Blooms. “Given their depth of experience, GXS was an easy choice to make. In addition, GXS Data Sync Tele-Consulting for Suppliers Service gave us affordable access to industry experts who helped us plan our implementation strategy quickly and easily.”

As additional validation of Global eXchange Services’ leadership in the data synchronisation community, UCCnet, a not-for-profit organisation that provides item registry and synchronisation services, has recognised GXS as one of its Top Performing Solution Partners. Representing over 70% of UCCnet service implementations, these partners provide best-in-class knowledge, resources and tools to implement UCCnet services quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

In a separate announcement made yesterday, GXS announced that Thermos, the manufacturer whose name is synonymous with lunch boxes, beverage containers and coolers, will deploy GXS Enterprise System™, a powerful B2B integration solution, and Application Integrator™, a scalable mapping and translation tool for electronic data interchange (EDI). Coupled with Quick Connect™ for item data synchronisation, GXS gives Thermos a robust platform to support its strategic real-time B2B collaboration objectives.

“GXS will help Thermos drive best-in-class data synchronisation, data exchange and EDI, as well as UCCnet™ standards compliance with our trading partners,” said Dr. Alex Huang, chief financial officer of Thermos. “We chose the company as one of our key e-business partners because of its ability to provide us with a complete end-to-end solution that integrates our internal applications, while helping us conduct more efficient business transactions and targeted marketing programs. By continuing to optimise our customer satisfaction and order processing efficiency, we’ll continue to develop even deeper relationships within our retailer community.”

About GXS
GXS is a leading global provider of B2B e-commerce solutions that simplify and enhance business process integration and collaboration. Organisations worldwide, including more than 75 percent of the Fortune 500, leverage GXS Trading Grid® to achieve balance between supply and demand. Active in the global standards arena, GXS solutions enable customers both large and small, to connect with global partners, synchronise product information, optimise inventory levels and demand forecasts, and accelerate the execution of supply chains.

Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., GXS provides sales and support to businesses and their partners worldwide. For more information about GXS visit www.gxs.co.uk.