Internet marketplaces help companies cut costs and control production.
Online market sites have grown especially with manufacturers who can keep a tighter rein on lines of supplies and numerous vendors. Aspect, based in Mountain View, Calif., brings to the merger a sought-after database of 17 million parts and 7,000 manufacturers. The combined revenues of i2 and Aspect in 2000 will make it the largest provider of software and content for B2B, the company said. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter. The mergers should increase TradeMatrix's functionality, from design collaboration to strategic sourcing for direct materials.