Software incorporates webMethods technology; designed to streamline global trading partner automation, integration
Gaithersburg, MD — September 12, 2005 — GXS, a provider of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce solutions, today announced the launch of its new B2B Gateway software solutions designed to provide large and medium-sized enterprises with a platform to streamline global trading partner integration.
GXS Enterprise Gateway and GXS Partner Gateway blend software and services from GXS with software from webMethods and represent an upgrade for GXS customers using GXS Enterprise System, which was GXS' former integration broker solution. Building on the companies' partnership announced in November 2004, GXS B2B Gateway solutions provide customers a global business integration solution to automate and manage global trading communities.
GXS Enterprise Gateway is designed for large enterprise customers and has a single B2B integration platform for centralizing, monitoring and optimizing real-time supply chain processes. The solution is powered, in part, by webMethods Fabric which uses a service-oriented architecture for flexibility to meet current and future integration needs.
GXS Enterprise Gateway also includes the B2B translation software, GXS Application Integrator, and is packaged with a pre-configured adapter to the GXS Trading Grid, connecting customers to global business partners.
Penske Logistics, which is currently using the GXS Enterprise Gateway, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Truck Leasing, a joint venture of Penske Corp. and General Electric. A leading global transportation services provider headquartered in Reading, Pa., the company operates more than 200,000 vehicles and serves customers from nearly 1,000 locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and Europe. Penske Truck Leasing's product lines include full-service leasing, contract maintenance and commercial and consumer rental. Penske Logistics offers solutions for transportation, warehousing and supply chain management.
"As our business grows at Penske, the number of trading partners with which we do business increases," said Patrick Jurkovic, systems manager for electronic data interchange (EDI) and customer integration at Penske Logistics. "Having a single, global integration solution that improves the reach and effectiveness of our customers' supply chain network is essential. GXS Enterprise Gateway is very attractive to us as we work to maximize the effectiveness of this growing and more complex supply chain."
Also launched today is GXS Partner Gateway, a B2B integration solution for the mid-market that combines integration and data translation software with a library of adapters, configured and packaged for use by mid-market companies. GXS said Partner Gateway enables a medium-sized business to conduct electronic commerce with larger business partners, such as major retailers.
According to Kosin Huang of the analyst firm Yankee Group, "GXS' B2B gateway is widely used by buyers and suppliers across the globe, including companies in Asia and the Pacific Rim. New products for the Trading Grid support business process management and activity monitoring, which will only strengthen the installed base. The company's products are strong, particularly around integration with internal applications and trading communities outside of the firewall."
GXS and webMethods have engaged in a strategic partnership to provide customers with best-in-class integration software and services. As a result of this partnership, companies around the world will be able to leverage GXS' Trading Grid and webMethods' integration software to seamlessly collaborate with vendors and partners and improve operating efficiencies and customer service.
