15% gap upwards on the following company press release:(I like placing DSTM right next to the word Microsoft)
Datastream to Provide E-Commerce Solution Based on BizTalk Framework; XML Technology Used in Datastream's e-MRO(SM) Supports BizTalk(TM) Framework
PR Newswire - June 21, 1999 09:21
GREENVILLE, S.C., June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Datastream Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: DSTM) today announced future support for Microsoft's BizTalk Framework in its e-MRO e-commerce solution. Released in February 1999, e-MRO utilizes Extensible Markup Language (XML) technology with the Microsoft platform, including Microsoft Transaction Server(TM), Microsoft SQL Server(TM) and Active Server Page(TM) technologies.
By embracing the Microsoft BizTalk Framework, e-MRO will seamlessly integrate with any MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) parts distribution software that is compatible with the Microsoft e-commerce platform or BizTalk Framework. In addition, Datastream's customers will avoid the costs of custom integration and support for each distributor.
"As e-commerce grows, it is critical that companies such as Microsoft and Datastream collaborate to promote a common method for e-commerce transactions," said Marcus Schmidt, industry marketing manager for manufacturing at Microsoft. "Datastream's use of the BizTalk Framework provides a stable, reliable and expandable system for MRO purchasing."
"We are pleased to be working with Microsoft to provide an e-commerce architecture built upon the BizTalk Framework," said Larry Blackwell, president and CEO of Datastream. "With this architecture, Datastream is positioned to expand e-MRO to include more alliance partners as more companies adopt the BizTalk Framework for business-to-business e-commerce."
With e-MRO, customers can search, select and purchase industrial parts through Internet-enabled Datastream products. e-MRO provides an integrated purchasing system that can reduce item acquisition costs, improve catalog search time, streamline requisition processes, decrease data entry, speed parts delivery time and improve inventory control.
"I really like the whole concept of e-MRO," said Bob Fink of Morgan Marshall Inc. "We place many orders, and place them frequently, so time savings and inventory control are very important to us."
About e-MRO
An extension of Datastream's current maintenance and procurement applications, e-MRO connects Datastream customers with Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) parts suppliers through the Internet. e-MRO accesses catalog content through agreements with Applied Industrial Technologies, Fastenal Company and WESCO Distribution. Collectively, these industry-leading distributors dominate the MRO market with 1.4 million parts and approximately $5.5 billion in annual revenues.
About BizTalk
Introduced in March, BizTalk is a new cross-platform e-commerce framework that makes it easy for businesses to integrate applications and conduct business over the Internet with trading partners and customers. The BizTalk Framework is composed of XML schema and industry standards that enable integration across industries and between business systems, regardless of platform, operating system or underlying technology. The newly created XML specification will provide streamlined, accelerated and easy-to-use business processes and eliminate current system boundaries, help companies create more online business, and increase the opportunity to communicate and cooperate with other companies.
About Datastream
Datastream Systems, Inc. is the leading* provider of Enterprise Asset Maintenance (EAM) systems aimed at improving plant efficiency, increasing equipment uptime and reducing costs through industrial automation. e-MROSM, Datastream's electronic commerce initiative, extends the nature of this automation by connecting maintenance buyers and suppliers through the Internet. Maintenance.com, the first MRO-based Internet auction site, is the industry's leading community for these buyers and sellers to exchange items efficiently through Internet-based auctions. The Company has sold over 50,000 systems worldwide, accounting for more than 55 percent of the unit market share* in CMMS/EAM. Datastream has offices in 10 countries, software products in 15 languages, and customers located in 129 countries, including over 60 percent of the Fortune 500. For more information on Datastream, please visit our multilingual Web site at dstm.com .
* Based on number of system units sold, as reported by Automation Research Corporation, 1998.
This news release contains forward-looking statements which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 1998. With respect to such forward-looking statements, Datastream seeks the protections afforded by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Datastream is a registered trademark and e-MRO is a trademarks of Datastream Systems, Inc. Microsoft, BizTalk, Microsoft Transaction Server, Active Server Page and Microsoft SQL Server are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other products or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE Datastream Systems, Inc.
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