22 November 2004 — Continuing its momentum to drive global data synchronisation adoption world-wide, GXS today announced that it has been selected by the Hong Kong Article Numbering Association (HKANA - EAN Hong Kong) to develop and manage the global data synchronisation network (GDSN) compliant data pool for Hong Kong. By utilising the GXS Trading Grid® integration services platform, the data pool will allow suppliers, retailers and manufacturers across the region to improve levels of efficiency and to trade more competitively on a global scale. The announcement follows previous agreements for GXS to power data pools in Taiwan, Russia, United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

With GXS’ capabilities, the data pool will power global interoperability within the Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN) linked by the GS1 Global Registry™. As a result of the connection, trading partners will be able to quickly and efficiently exchange product information that is accurate, up-to-date and compliant with the EAN.UCC standards thus reducing costly out of stocks, increasing speed-to-shelf and cutting logistics costs.

“Our members are serving both the domestic and international markets,” said Anna Lin, chief executive of the HKANA. “If we are to sustain their growth, the introduction of the GDSN will be crucial. We are glad to have GXS alongside our GDS endeavour. Together, we will be able to provide better support to members of the business community. By assuring product information accuracy, the data pool will facilitate a higher level of collaboration and solutions empowering emerging technologies, such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), that allow suppliers, retailers and manufacturers in Hong Kong to excel in supply chain efficiency and performance through working more closely with their trading partners.”

Over 70 percent of trade activities taking place in the Pan Pearl River Delta (PPRD) region is outbound in nature. The HKANA recognised the importance of complying with global standards to the continuous prosperity of the region, which encompasses Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangxi, Hainan, Hong Kong and Macau.

”The vision of a truly global, accurate and efficient supply chain is being rapidly accelerated through the proliferation of local country data pools,” said Ross Curtis, GXS senior vice president. “Through our announcement with HKANA, GXS continues to demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to GS1 international member organisations, and the Global Data Synchronisation Network.”

“This is a significant win for the Asia-Pacific region,” added Ben Wong, vice president of Asia-Pacific Operations at GXS. “By powering many of the key country data pools, GXS is demonstrating its commitment to help suppliers throughout the region to easily synchronise item, location and price data with their local and global business partners. Leveraging over a decade of expertise serving small-and-medium businesses (SMB’s), including supporting over 20 different languages world-wide, GXS is helping customers offload integration complexity and enabling them to focus on what’s more important – growing and developing their businesses.”

GXS passed the vigorous selection process set by the HKANA in which potential partners’ expertise, local presence, commitment to industry standards, technological capability and experience were thoroughly examined. GXS’ track record in supporting world-wide data pools in Taiwan, Russia, the United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand also gave an edge to the Company in the screening process.

About HKANA
The Hong Kong Article Numbering Association (HKANA – EAN Hong Kong), soon to be known as GS1 Hong Kong, is an independent, non-profit industry support body founded by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in 1989. It operates under the international charter of EAN International, the global organisation responsible for administrating a set of global standards for Supply Chain Management. EAN International has over one million members across 155 countries/economies worldwide. The HKANA’s website is at: http://www.hkana.org/.

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.