EDI-to-XML Translation Bridge Service Allows Thrifty Office Supply to Accommodate Customer Needs and Reduce Processing Costs
Columbus, Ohio, April 2, 2002 -- Sterling Commerce, a subsidiary of SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE: SBC), today announced that Thrifty Office Supply Inc., a national distributor of office products, is utilizing Sterling Commerce’s EDI-to-XML bridge service, allowing them to serve key customers participating in e-marketplace and Web-based exchange communities while leveraging existing investments in EDI technology.
The bridge service, offered through Sterling Commerce’s electronic trading network, allows companies to share information and complete transactions electronically between established EDI business-to-business trading communities and Internet-based e-marketplaces and exchanges. By using its EDI-based B2B commerce infrastructure, Thrifty Office Supply can electronically send and receive purchase order and invoice information to e-marketplace participants without the need to invest in and support an additional B2B commerce infrastructure.
“Sterling Commerce’s bridge service enables Thrifty Office Supply to respond to key customer requests to participate in their e-marketplace initiatives, while also expanding our sales channels to potential new e-marketplace customers,” said Jo Elda Aragon, President and CEO of Thrifty Office Supply. “Just as important, we’re able to expand our B2B commerce efforts without investing in additional hardware, software and technical resources to support each new marketplace technology.”
An initial application for the bridge service will be participation in SBC’s Web-based e-marketplace. Thrifty Office Supply is a primary office supply vendor for the SBC Southwestern Bell territory, where employees now will be able to order Thrifty products directly from their desktops. This capability benefits both Thrifty and SBC by increasing efficiencies, automating the order process and maximizing the value of existing contracts by reducing the number of “rogue” purchases placed with outside suppliers.
Sterling Commerce’s electronic trading network solutions provide integrated connections to B2B commerce communities, including business partners, traditional EDI value-added networks, new marketplaces and Web-based exchanges. The bridge service facilitates secure Internet communications with multiple marketplaces, XML-to-EDI translations, document delivery, and document choreography services between marketplace participants and their EDI business partners.
About Thrifty Office Supply, Inc.
Thrifty Office Supply, Inc., is a privately held, independent office products dealer, established in 1984 by Jo Elda Aragon, President and Owner. A minority-owned, woman-owned full service supplier headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, Thrifty was created to fill a need for a price competitive, service-oriented office supplier in the Oklahoma City area. Since then, Thrifty has grown from a two person operation to a national contender in the office supply industry, Thrifty’s major emphasis has been to anticipate the technological needs of our customers for advancements that will assist them in their purchasing process, making them more efficient and cost effective, while continuing to offer high quality customer service. For more information about Thrifty, visit us at www.thrifty-os.com
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