iConnect announces pricing for exchange of OAGIS BODs

February 14, 2005 - Effective immediately, iConnect is making the implementation of OAGIS/AIAG BODs available to all companies interested in communicating information with their supply base, at zero cost. This program entails full integration and automation into backend Enterprise Resource Planning Systems. Once established, this will permit you to communicate with your supply base very effectively whether it is to provide visibility to inventory information, material planning information or KANBAN process implementations.

iConnect has deployed proprietary BOD technology since 2001 in order to provide end users with greater ease-of-use (integrated or not) resulting in substantial cost reduction over traditional EDI VAN and translation software providers. iConnect has taken a lead role at AIAG in helping to define BODs as well as the processes surrounding their implementation. We believe OAGIS/AIAG BOD technology is a very promising technology that can drive down the costs related to electronic transmissions significantly as it promises interoperability in addition to ease of use. Removing the cost from initial implementations allows early adapters to experiment with new technology and could result in a speedy industry-wide implementation. Offering a zero cost implementation to early adapters is our way of thanking companies on the leading edge. This offer is valid until September 2005.

Does this mean that I will have to start paying after September 2005?
No, All companies that initiate a rollout to their suppliers with iConnect prior to September 2005 will never have to pay for the transmission of data to their suppliers!

Does iExchangeWeb work with other solutions?
Yes, iExchangeWeb is a non-invasive technology that is fully interoperable with other inventory visibility solutions as demonstrated at Autotech 2004. Although OAGIS/AIAG BODs are interoperable; there are several businesses that choose not to interoperate. Currently, there are no technical reasons for the various systems not to be interoperable, however, several solution providers feel that working with other providers would negatively affect their customer base and drive down the associated costs for their solutions.

Who were the other participants in the POC?
There were several companies (Barcode Data Systems, BC Emergis, Bosch, Caterpillar, Covisint, DaimlerChrysler, FORD, General Motors, GXS, iConnect, IBM, Johnson Controls, Lear, Metaldyne, Microsoft, QAD, Smartdraw, Sterling, Trinary, and Drake Certivo) that participated in the Proof of Concept done at AIAG in 2004. To date this process has not been put into production.

Can I use iExchangeWeb to get my traditional EDI data?
You can utilize iExchangeWeb to send and receive EDI data with any trading partner on any network. iExchangeWeb is a next generation transaction network capable of handling any type of data format ranging from XML to EDI to Excel spreadsheets. iExchangeWeb also provides on-network data transformation from proprietary formats to Standard formats and vice versa.

My ERP provides a module to convert my data to EDI. Will iExchangeWeb work with that module?
iExchangeWeb can accept ERP specific data and convert it to OAGIS BOD formats. You can choose to purchase a module from your ERP provider or utilize the free conversion services from iConnect.

Are there any Kilo character charges?
There is no Kilo character charges associated with any transmission in iExchangeWeb. Unlike traditional Value Added Networks, iConnect has eliminated Kilo character charges even on EDI transmissions.

Is there any contract to sign?
At iConnect, we believe by serving our customers at the highest levels, long term commitments or contracts are not required. All our services are offered on a month-to-month basis. If we fail to provide the level of service that the customer requires or if our customers decides to move in another direction, they can cancel their service at any time.

To get further details or to sign up for this offer, please contact us at sales@iconnect-corp.com or contact Rob Bandfield at 734-930-4274.