Commerce features local inventory processing, but could stand a boost from additional applications. Using Internet Information Server and Windows NT, Site Server authenticates users and administrators. Site Server controls access to its service based on profiles of users and user groups. Open Market Transact does not feature separate authentication for administrators. InterWorld Commerce Exchange features authorization by group membership and allows administrators to manage resources.
Commerce maps individual users to permissions for individual commands.
In the next newsletter, we'll look at how these offerings stacked up in other areas, such as reporting, fulfillment and the environments they support. Sandra Gittlen is managing editor of Network World Fusion. Previously, she was senior reporter covering Internet research and standards. About the author To order a copy of the Comparative Evaluation of Leading Electronic Commerce Servers report Microsoft Site Server 3.0 Commerce Edition IBM Net. Inc. All rights reserved.