Using XML to standardize the content of a select group of items in different electronic malls and a vendor catalog, the first phase of the pilot demonstrated the ability to perform secure search across multiple catalogs based on one set of parameters. Available options were returned to the user. Each smart card-based security package authenticated users as they accessed the system. The utilization of two different smart card technologies and two different user interfaces also demonstrated the independence of the framework from specific security infrastructures or vendors. With broad, easy access to online purchasing catalogs, Federal buyers will find items from a variety of sources on the Internet at competitive prices.
Interoperability has the potential to slash procurement cycles and costs.
The Catalog Interoperability pilot is the first demonstration of technology being developed by Veo Systems in an effort partially funded through a contract from the NIST Advanced Technology Program awarded to CommerceNet, Veo Systems, Tesserae Information Systems, and BusinessBots. About the Industry Participants CommerceNet is a non-profit industry association for companies promoting and building electronic commerce solutions on the Internet. Members include more than 500 companies and organizations worldwide representing the leading banks, telecommunications companies, online services, software and service companies, as well as end users, who together are transforming the Internet into a global electronic marketplace. Founded in June 1995, Digital Commerce designs, engineers and operates multiple virtual electronic markets through the World Wide Web in a secure environment. FedCenter , Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Digital Commerce Corporation.