VerticalNet Launches New E-Commerce Center Product; New Functionality
Will Offer Additional E-Commerce Opportunities to VerticalNet
Communities
HORSHAM, Pa., Oct 21, 1999 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- VerticalNet, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VERT), the Internet leader and first-mover in
business-to-business vertical communities of commerce, today introduced
the VerticalNet E-Commerce Center, a first of its kind e-commerce
product that will enhance the current transactional functionality for
buyers and sellers within its vertical communities.
Delivering more ability and power to VerticalNet(R) communities, the
VerticalNet E-Commerce Center gives sellers access to a full spectrum
of scalable features such as a fully integrated catalog, career center
and online transaction engine, as well as auction capabilities and lead
management tools. An E-Commerce Center costs $15,000 annually.
This new e-commerce product addresses sellers' business needs across
the enterprise and enhances e-business opportunities for marketing,
research, channel development, recruiting and sales functions. For the
buyer, VerticalNet's E-Commerce Center offers a streamlined process for
a one-stop shopping experience. The product will also enhance
VerticalNet's robust marketplace and strengthen the buyer's ability to
choose products from multiple sources.
"This initiative is a holistic approach to e-commerce and the first in
a series of related initiatives we will be rolling out," said Mark
Walsh, president and CEO of VerticalNet. "By expanding our customers'
ability to exchange goods and services through new avenues, our
communities become much richer and provide greater value. This is one
of several e-commerce initiatives that VerticalNet will be rolling out
in the next 12 months. Our vision is ambitious, and creating new and
innovative ways to grow our e-commerce business is a top priority for
the company."
In developing its E-Commerce Center, VerticalNet received input from
partners and clients, including more than 10,000 buyers and sellers.
Over the past several months, VerticalNet has been running a test
program for the E-Commerce initiative and "soft launched" the new tool
set across many communities.
VerticalNet, Inc. expects its new E-Commerce Center will be sold by
both VerticalNet and a select group of partners.
About VerticalNet
VerticalNet, Inc. (www.verticalnet.com) owns and operates 51
industry-specific Web sites designed as online business-to-business
communities, known as vertical trade communities. These vertical trade
communities provide users with comprehensive sources of information,
interaction and e-commerce. |
