Returns Online Systems Validated
ROI System Tested at New Microsoft Technology Center
Utilizing Microsoft Software and IBM eServer Systems
Seattle, WA - May 8, 2001 - Returns Online, Inc. (ROI) announced today the
successful testing of its returns management system at the new Microsoft
Technology Center - Silicon Valley (MTC-SV) in Mountain View, Calif. Through
its strategic relationships with both Microsoft Corporation and IBM, the
company combined Microsoft`s software with IBM`s eServer systems to create a
powerful start-to-finish returns management infrastructure for the retail
industry.
Returns Online, one of the first companies invited to utilize the new MTC,
was introduced by Bill Gates at the facility`s grand opening ceremony on
March 26th. ROI and MTC-SV engineers occupied a lab at Microsoft`s new
facility for two weeks where they evaluated, tested and verified the returns
management system`s reliability, security and scalability with IBM xSeries
hardware and Microsoft`s .NET server platform. Returns Online, in tandem
with Microsoft and IBM, recreated its returns management system in the lab,
complete with the new IBM eServer xSeries systems. Microsoft consultants
and engineers assisted the ROI engineers in evaluating, tuning and
optimizing the system`s clustering design and the Microsoft SQL enterprise
databases.
"We built our returns management system on the best software and hardware
platforms available - Microsoft and IBM," says Craig Eidem, senior vice
president and chief technology officer at Returns Online. "Since our system
captures previously unavailable information about returns for merchants, we
wanted to ensure our security practices would protect this data. Microsoft
gave us the opportunity to validate our system in an environment where
security and reliability issues for both software and hardware could be
rapidly resolved. We have also proven that we have developed robust and
scalable systems for rapid growth."
"The recent success of Returns Online is proof that the Microsoft Technology
Center is a place where companies can go to kick the tires, create
solutions, get proof and walk out the door with a blue print for success,"
said Peter Boit, vice president of E-Commerce for Microsoft. "Returns Online
was able to verify its architecture in a real-world environment prior to
migrating the solution to its live site. This kind of foresight is
priceless."
Returns Online`s system resides on IBM eServer systems: an iSeries server
for the returns management software, and Intel-based xSeries servers for the
database, application, and user interfaces. Using Microsoft`s .NET server
platform, ROI`s returns management system includes a robust database for
storing information about the merchant`s products, consumer contacts, and
merchandise return status and location. The platform provides web-based
interfaces for the comprehensive solution that includes return
authorization, transportation, auditing, disposition and information.
"IBM is committed to helping Returns Online successfully deliver its returns
management solution with our eServer systems - providing them the
reliability and scalability to support their business and growth," said Dave
Carlquist, vice president, IBM`s Global Net Generation Business.
About Returns Online
Returns Online, Inc. provides comprehensive returns management services to
the retail industry. The company combines experience, innovative solutions,
state-of-the-art facilities and a network of alliances and partnerships with
Fortune 500 companies to handle product returns in an automated, scalable,
and flexible manner. This fully integrated solution includes return
authorization software, transportation, merchandise auditing, flexible asset
recovery options, and comprehensive reporting. Our reliable service reduces
operating costs, maximizes asset recovery, increases customer retention, and
protects the brand. Returns Online`s commitment to customer satisfaction
makes it the clear choice for the complete outsourcing of product-returns
management for brick-and-mortar, catalog and online retail companies, as
well as all points along the retail supply chain. For more information,
visit the company Web site at (www.returnsonline.com), or e-mail
info@returnsonline.com.
# # #
Contact:
Returns Online, Inc.
Chris Bachert
206-230-8000, ext. 232
chrisb@returnsonline.com
Back...
