An application that is downloaded from the Web each time it is run. The advantage is that the application can be run from any computer, and the software is routinely upgraded and maintained by the hosting organization rather than each individual user. But in smaller companies, the purchasing division may have to brew the coffee, as well as buy it. In order to raise capital and serve U.S. customers, the company moved its headquarters to Seattle in mid-1998. The company expects losses to continue as it builds its brand, with some analysts predicting that the firm will break even by 2004.
Users can also use the site to buy or sell goods by auction.
Vendors on the U.S. site pay a fee to use the service, which is not yet available in Canada. Public on Nasdaq since March 1.