This solution allows the customer to set up an e-marketplace where they can be both the market maker, that is host the marketplace and participate in it.
Participation calls for e-commerce which in turn requires transactions to be fulfilled.
The e-marketplace solution addresses both the buying and selling aspect and integration which is the key to our backend. Ms Raman said that the foundation for IBM's software solution is integration. Each of their solutions work with one another to give a complete solution for their customers. She added that many of the other IT vendors are also getting into integration such as Sun's iPlanet which has integrated their e-mail and Web solution together and HP which is consolidating their software to present an integration of suites for their customers. Highlighting the importance of integration, she cited wireless for instance which is becoming a viable option to conduct transaction on the Web.