A fully-integrated print and online network is a powerful proposition, he said. We have both made significant progress working toward this goal on our own, but it is now very clear that the best way to accomplish this is to bring our companies together. J. Smoke Wallin, founder and CEO of eSkye Solutions, said the combination of the companies increases its geographical footprint in markets such as Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan and Texas and pilot programs in Georgia and New Hampshire. By charging subscription fees instead of transaction fees, BevAccess manages to address federal and state liquor laws that regulate wholesalers and retailers of spirits. Wholesalers pay the company a variable subscription rate that depends on how many products they carry.
Suppliers pay according to the size of their operation and number of markets they wish to reach.
Retailers can either buy products through the trade magazine or online at the B2B exchange. The new entity has an estimated 3,000 users of its online exchange services, including an estimated 25 of the 200 nation's leading beverage wholesalers. Copyright 2001 INT Media Group, Incorporated All Rights Reserved.