Microsoft, GXS Ally on B2B Integration Initiative

Redmond giant names the GXS Trading Grid the recommended global B2B network for BizTalk Server

Redmond giant names the GXS Trading Grid the recommended global B2B network for BizTalk Server

Redmond, WA — May 10, 2006 — B2B connectivity specialist GXS has formed an alliance with Microsoft to market solutions to speed and simplify integration between trading partners worldwide, with a focus on enabling integration initiatives across organizations' global supply chains.

The alliance brings together software and services that include Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006, SQL Server 2005, the 2007 Microsoft Office system and GXS Trading Grid. Through the relationship, the companies will jointly market their solutions to help organizations build collaborative B2B networks that connect their trading partners across supply chains.

"Businesses of all sizes continue to demand highly scalable and affordable B2B solutions that connect their trading and business partners," said Sanjay Parthasarathy, corporate vice president of the Developer and Platform Evangelism Group at Microsoft.

Under the agreement, GXS said it would employ Microsoft technology in the GXS Trading Grid to speed and simplify integration between businesses. Because GXS is using Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 and SQL Server 2005 technology in the GXS Trading Grid, customers can extend existing internal investments on Microsoft .NET Framework-based technologies outside their enterprise through integration with business partners, according to GXS.

In addition, GXS said that it has developed a Grid-Ready solution using BizTalk Server 2006. The use of Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 with the GXS Trading Grid offers businesses a platform spanning the desktop, server and services software they can use in various B2B scenarios, according to GXS. A BizTalk Server 2006-based Grid Ready solution will be made available to the GXS customer base, providing them with a way to integrate with business partners.

Also as part of the agreement, Microsoft has named the GXS Trading Grid the recommended global B2B network for BizTalk Server 2006. Microsoft is recommending the GXS Trading Grid because of its operation with BizTalk Server 2006 and GXS' global reach, which spans more than 150,000 trading partners and 40,000 customers, according to GXS.

Microsoft and GXS said they plan to collaborate to enable and improve integration between the desktop and the supply chain. GXS plans to simplify the integration of diverse standards and protocols, enabling users of the 2007 Microsoft Office system and Microsoft Dynamics to automate their business processes with their customers and suppliers, according to the solution providers.

"By working with GXS and naming the GXS Trading Grid as its recommended network for BizTalk Server, Microsoft is enabling customers of all sizes to transform their supply chains from necessary burdens into tools for growth and opportunity," said Gary Greenfield, CEO at GXS.


Additional Articles of Interest

— Developing business continuity strategies and embedding business continuity processes into an organization's procurement process can enhance the organization's ability to actively assess and monitor vendor capabilities. To learn more, read "Integrating Business Continuity Criteria into Your Supply Chain," only on SDCExec.com.

— OEMs are ready to embrace Lean Manufacturing after the 2001 recession, but traditional approaches were designed for vertically integrated enterprises. The answer to their problem? Extended Lean and Statistical Kanban. Read more in "Extended Lean Can Make Your Supply Chain Hum," only on SDCExec.com.


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