But getting an exchange to function profitably is tricky and expensive, Kalakota said. While there are companies that claim to be profiting from their Web ventures, it's difficult to quantify these successes, because different companies use different metrics. For instance, Millipore Corp., a Bedford, Mass.-based manufacturer of purification tools for the biopharmaceutical and microelectronics industries, has yet to see a profit from online catalog transactions, according to Thomas Anderson, the firms' director of corporate communications. But the Millipore considers establishing its brand name on the Web a profitable investment, Anderson noted. In fact, he added, the company plans to expand its online operations by interfacing with its suppliers to reduce procurement costs.
Some companies demand to know up front from e-business vendors just what they're paying for.
He said the hospital's Web site has already shown a return on investment by attracting donations and new-patient referrals. Someone's stalking your directory. Computerworld Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Computerworld Inc. is prohibited.