Supply Chain

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Manugistics Group Inc. on Thursday introduced WebConnect Suite, a package for Web-based application integration.

CIOs have a choice: they can build and operate their own Web-based exchange to conduct trades with suppliers and customers, or they can join a public exchange owned by a third party.

Citing a softening demand within the IT industry, Ingram Micro Inc., a global distributor of computer products, will lay off 1,000 workers, or about 6 percent of its workforce, in an effort to save US$30 million to $40 million annually.

IBM has set itself apart from Microsoft Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. by offering simple connectors between trading partners. The company recently announced some additions to its Web services offerings, including support for open Internet standards and increased connectivity between applications.

Toronto-based Electronics manufacturer Celestica Inc. announced Monday that it has entered a five-year strategic alliance with Avaya Inc., a corporate networking solutions and services provider.

Citing poor coordination between its production lines and its extensive supply chain, Ford Motor Co. early this year outlined the business drivers for overhauling its manufacturing plants with wireless networks that should allow workers to call in automotive parts orders from the shop floor.

Collaborative Product Commerce (CPC) - using the Internet to build a more efficient product development process by...