ProcureNet, eBreviate to Pair on Purchasing

JUNE 22 ? Electronic Data System Inc.'s eBreviate.com announced June 22 it has signed a strategic business agreement with ProcureNet Inc., in which the companies will integrate each other's online purchasing services and expertise to the advantage of their government customers.

By William Welsh, Staff Writer


JUNE 22 ? Electronic Data System Inc.'s eBreviate.com announced June 22 it has signed a strategic business agreement with ProcureNet Inc., in which the companies will integrate each other's online purchasing services and expertise to the advantage of their government customers.


The agreement will allow Great River, N.Y.-based ProcureNet to leverage eBreviate's electronic sourcing capabilities to conduct Internet negotiations for its customers. At the same time, Walnut Creek, Calif.-based eBreviate will be able to expand its online procurement options by authorizing the use of ProcureNet's flagship products suite, OneSource, along with ProcureNet's logistics and fulfillment capabilities.


"We see tremendous opportunities in offering eBreviate's e-sourcing technologies, content and delivery expertise to ProcureNet's customer base," said Niul Burton, president of eBreviate, which is a subsidiary of Plano, Texas-based EDS. "We're excited about ProcureNet's leading position in the [business-to-government] marketplace where we are confident our combined market strengths will offer unique, powerful solutions."


One of eBreviate's key product offerings is ìdownward auctions" where suppliers lower their bids to win the business of a particular buyer. To date, eBreviate has auctioned approximately $1.8 billion in goods and services and achieved for its customers savings as much as 60 percent off the original cost, according to company officials.


ProcureNet's OneSource is an end-to-end suite of products and services that helps customers streamline their purchasing processes. The company's Web-based interface allows users the opportunity to shop online for goods and services for maintenance, repair and operations requirements. ProcureNet has more than 125 public and private sector customers.


"The use of e-procurement solutions by government buying organizations is accelerating," said Lisa Williams, of the Yankee Group. ìStrategic alliances such as the one between ProcureNet and eBreviate show that the market leaders are responding to [business to government] demand by providing more leveraged and integrated services."