Alliance Marks Important Step in Global Data Synchronization

ALEXANDRIA, VA (June 11, 2001) - The WorldWide Retail Exchange (WWRE), the premier integrated retail exchange for retailers and suppliers, today announced that it intends to enter into a strategic alliance with UCCnet, a universal foundation for electronic commerce. Through the alliance, the WWRE will commit to work with UCCnet in the implementation of the first global registry, and the WWRE will join UCCnet's PARTNERS IN SYNC Alliance Program as a Preferred member. Ultimately, both will work with other trade exchanges, industry-driven e-marketplaces and national data pools to lead development and support for global end-to end interoperability between multiple data sources in countries across the globe.

The WWRE endorses UCCnet's approach to global c-commerce (collaborative commerce) and will use UCCnet's data synchronization and global item, location and partner profile registry. This will improve the ease and efficiency of trading partner interactions, provide retailers and suppliers with synchronized data and reduce inaccuracy of data by leveraging existing data sources. The Exchange will work with UCCnet to provide its global members with a rapid on-boarding process enabling access to UCCnet. WWRE members that subscribe to UCCnet's foundational c-commerce services will be able to communicate industry standards-compliant, synchronized item information with their trading partners.

"Both the WWRE and UCCnet understand the absolute necessity for data standards in global synchronization and are committed to working together to develop a viable solution for retailers, suppliers, distributors, and ultimately consumers," said Colin Dyer, Chief Executive Officer of the WWRE. "This alliance ensures that WWRE members can integrate UCCnet's foundational services, upon which they can collaborate on future transactions over WWRE's platform."

"The announcement by WWRE to become an IN SYNC PREFERRED PARTNER, reflects their support for standardized c-commerce to their members. In the end, that commitment will generate real value for all participants, driving significant cost out of the supply chain," says Paul Benchener, President and Chief Operating Officer of UCCnet. "As well, we'll be enabling WWRE product offerings providing their members with the power to link to a global community with one process and one standardized format."

"The UCCnet and WWRE agreement is a great opportunity for all WWRE members. With one point of entry and one process for WWRE members to collaborate and exchange information with suppliers, both retailers and suppliers achieve global reach faster and more efficiently," said Bill Grize, President & CEO of WWRE member company Ahold USA Retail. "The initiative is another important step to accelerate the adoption of global standards."

About UCCnet
UCCnet is the not-for-profit, tax-exempt industry leader responsible for providing a universal foundation for global electronic commerce. Through its support of global EAN•UCC standards, UCCnet delivers an open platform for collaborative commerce services, including compliance verification, synchronization of product information, registry and lifecycle management of synchronized products, user locations and user trade capabilities.

As a subsidiary of the Uniform Code Council, Inc., the global standards organization, UCCnet leverages its position to enable the rapid, clear development of industry Internet standards and practices. In addition, UCCnet provides implementation methodology, allowing small, medium and large enterprises to integrate e-commerce into their business in a swift and efficient manner. For more information, visit www.uccnet.org.

About the WWRE
The WWRE is the premier Internet-based business-to-business (B2B) exchange in the retail e-marketplace. Designed to facilitate and simplify trading among retailers, suppliers, partners and distributors, the WWRE currently consists of 53 leading retailers from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America with combined sales of U.S. $790 billion. For more information, visit the website at www.wwre.org or www.worldwideretailexchange.org.

 

Media Contacts:
Keri Phifer
WorldWide Retail Exchange
703.234.5056
kphifer@wwre.org

or

Mark Silvey
Elias/Savion Public Relations for UCCnet
412.642.7700
mark.silvey@elias-savion.com

 

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