>>>Yes, Checkfree may be a gorilla, but it is very much in the b2c world.
You say that like it's a bad thing. BTW, being the Visa/MC of bill presentment is a good thing.
>>>Even the deal with Transpoint did not bring the b2b only more b2c.
Obviously you didn't listen to the conf. Call. I was mentioned twice that MSFT and CKFR would work on some invoicing and payment, although, details weren't disclosed do to competitive reasons. TransPoint was also in talks with U.S. Post Office, FedEx, and UPS on various opportunities. Now that CF owns TP, it opens more doors.
>>>Not the b2b, there is no product there for that yet.....Bluegill brings them the tools, but not the product set either.
No product? Also, not sure what you mean by 'product set'? From Blue Gill website: EDS is using BlueGill software in their new system to provide business-to-business bills for customers in the U.S. and Europe. Some bills now being delivered electronically are multi-thousands of pages if printed on paper.
CheckFree also provide E-Payment support to Quickbooks for small business. Existing relationships with companies like AT&T will make it easier to transition into B2B. T, MCI, produce many bills to businesses.
>>>The business to business end is much harder and more demanding than b2c.
I agree. Much more paper, but the margins are higher also. In addition, like you said, there are many segments within the B2B market.
>>> While Checkfree may be there, I just don't see it and I think their lead in b2c will hurt more than help.
Disagree here. The strength of CheckFree is they're ability to process payments, audit tracking, error handling, and customer care. All things that are needed in B2B as well as B2C. Partnerships with FDC only strengthen CheckFree's payment processing capabilities.
In the end I think it will take a long time for the B2B Bill Presentment Market to develop, and I think their may be many companies that have a piece of the pie. My question to you, besides CheckFree, who are potential B2B contenders? EPAY?
IMHO, Benny |
