IBM WebSphere Business Integration for Retail Distribution Portfolio Streamlines Product Information Management Processes for Retail

Transcription

1 Software Announcement September 24, 2002 IBM WebSphere Business Integration for Retail Distribution Portfolio Streamlines Product Information Management Processes for Retail Overview The retail industry is facing many challenges as it moves through the first decade of the 21st century. A combination of factors, such as a sluggish economy and fierce competition, is driving retailers to focus on reducing costs and the time required to bring products to market. Retailers require process integration that is specific to their industry. To address this need, IBM delivers solutions within the WebSphere Business Integration (WBI) for Retail Distribution portfolio. Now, a new retail product information management solution has been added to the WBI portfolio that provides retailer enterprise integration with the UCCnet standard registry. WBI for Retail Distribution offers a new retail-specific business process template to help automate the product information management process. Included in this offering are three new IBM CrossWorlds Collaborations which: Send and receive data to and from the UCCnet standard registry Validate that the data meets the retailers standards, help manage the item approval process, and publish approved item data to the retailers other enterprise system Store and retrieve the item data during the item review process Key Prerequisites Supported on the following platforms: Windows environment Intel system with Windows 2000 Professional AIX environment RS/6000 systems with AIX Solaris environment Sun Enterprise 250 with Solaris 7 (2.7) or Solaris 8 (2.8) Refer to the Hardware Requirements and Software Requirements sections for specific details. Planned Availability Date October 18, 2002 Electronic Distribution Only At a Glance If you would like to streamline your retail product information management processes, then you will appreciate this process integration solution. A new retail-specific offering provides process collaborations to jump-start integration to the UCCnet standard registry. Benefits to retailers can be substantial and may include: Reduced operational costs and fewer errors Additional sales due to more accurate and timely data when making key business decisions Winning a greater consumer market share by accelerating product-to-retail shelf cycles For ordering, contact: Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL Reference: YE001 This announcement is provided for your information only. For additional information, contact your IBM representative, call 800-IBM-4YOU, or visit the IBM home page at: IBM United States IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation

2 Description IBM WebSphere Business Integration (WBI) for Retail Distribution expands its portfolio of retailer-specific business processes to include a solution for integrating product information with the UCCnet standard registry. New in This Release IBM WBI for Retail Distribution now provides a business process for receiving product information data from the UCCnet global registry, to validating the contents of the data, routing the data through an approval/review process, and synchronizing the validated data with other applications throughout the enterprise. This product information management solution requires the following new collaborations: IBM CrossWorlds Collaboration for UCCnet Message Manager IBM CrossWorlds Collaboration for Merchandise Qualification IBM CrossWorlds Collaboration for Data Storage These three new collaborations, when used with other components, help automate the product information management process. New WBI for Retail Distribution Collaborations IBM CrossWorlds Collaboration for UCCnet Message Manager This collaboration provides retailers with a streamlined process to receive extensible Markup Language (XML) data from the UCCnet standard registry, to initiate processing on this data, and to send responses back to UCCnet. This collaboration automates the steps required to interface with UCCnet. IBM CrossWorlds Collaboration for Merchandise Qualification This collaboration cleanses the item data, helps manage the item approval process, and routes the approved item information to other enterprise systems. Processing begins with internal validation of the data to ensure it is correct, complete, and in the required format. If the data does not meet these guidelines, this collaboration can automatically create and send a notification to the appropriate user, stating that additional information is needed in order to continue with the approval process. Next, this collaboration helps manage the review and approval processes. An IBM MQSeries Workflow template is bundled with the IBM CrossWorlds Collaboration for Merchandise Qualification. This provides the retailer with a long-running item approval process that allows for human interaction. This collaboration then updates the retailer s back-office systems with the processed item information, ensuring the item data is automatically synchronized throughout the enterprise. IBM CrossWorlds Collaboration for Data Storage This collaboration houses item data during the approval and review processes. Therefore, the required item information is available to the retailer as long as the item is being processed, even if the approval process spans days, weeks, or even months. Summary IBM s product information management solution provides retailers with robust, affordable, secure access to UCCnet standard registry. The benefits of automating the product information management process can be dramatic. The product information management solution provided within the WebSphere Business Integration for Retail Distribution portfolio gives retailers an easy way to efficiently collaborate with suppliers using clean, synchronized data. Product Positioning As part of the WebSphere Business Integration portfolio of offerings, the IBM CrossWorlds solution further extends IBM s portfolio of e-business infrastructure software. The combined IBM CrossWorlds solution helps companies maximize the business results from their e-business initiatives as well as their investments in applications and systems. The IBM CrossWorlds solution offers functionality required by both the Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) and Business-to-Business Integration markets so that companies can more easily automate business processes both inside and outside the company s firewall. Within one coherent framework, WebSphere, companies can address seemingly disparate integration efforts, such as tying together customer data, automating business processes, and linking to Business Partners over the Internet. The IBM CrossWorlds portfolio of products has several key features: An industry-leading business integration server A rich set of prebuilt collaborations or predefined business process logic for more easily extending and uniting processes An easy-to-use graphical development environment and tool set that facilitates rapid end-to-end development, deployment, and maintenance of business objects and processes An extensive list of connectors, providing out-of-the-box access to many popular packaged applications for faster integration Using these products, companies can experience significant business benefits, such as a single unified view of enterprise-wide data, regardless of the application or database where the information may reside. They can also gain the advantage of flexible business processes that are more easily changed to accommodate business needs. With IBM CrossWorlds, processes are defined separately and exist independently of enterprise applications. Finally, a company can more easily include external trading partners in its business processes and leverage Internet-based trading networks and exchanges. Reference Information WBI for Retail Distribution expands the extensive business integration solutions announced in IBM CrossWorlds V4.1.1, IBM CrossWorlds V4.1, and IBM CrossWorlds V For details on IBM CrossWorlds V4.1.1, refer to Software Announcement , dated June 18, For details on IBM CrossWorlds V4.1, refer to Software Announcement , dated March 26,

3 Trademarks WebSphere, AIX, RS/6000, and MQSeries are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others

4 IBM US Announcement Supplemental Information September 24, 2002 Education Support The following classes are available: Course Title Core Technology Implementing IBM CrossWorlds IBM CrossWorlds Advanced Mapping IBM CrossWorlds Advanced Cross Referencing IBM CrossWorlds Collaboration Development IBM CrossWorlds Connector Development IBM CrossWorlds Consulting Academy IBM CrossWorlds ebusiness IBM CrossWorlds SAP Connector Workshop Course Number CW200 CW300 CW500 CW510 CW550 CW600 CW700 CW800 CW900 Visit the following Web site for additional information: Then, select WEBSPHERE BUSINESS INTEGRATION. For additional information, contact IBM CrossWorlds Education at: U.S. Only: Europe, Middle East, Asia: Offering Information Product information will be available through Offering Information (OITOOL) at: Publications The following product information will be available for IBM WebSphere Business Integration (WBI) for Retail Distribution: Solution overview information Solution installation and configuration information Release Notes Collaboration overview, use case, and development reference information Generic business object reference information The following Web site will contain the complete set of documentation: /infocenter Technical Information Specified Operating Environment Hardware Requirements Refer to the respective announcements for the hardware required to support the following: IBM CrossWorlds V4.1.1 For information on IBM CrossWorlds V4.1.1, refer to Software Announcement , dated June 18, IBM DB2 V7.2 For information on IBM DB2 V7.2, refer to Software Announcement , dated April 24, IBM MQ Workflow V3.3.2 with Fix Pack 2 For information on IBM MQSeries Workflow V3.3, refer to Software Announcement , dated March 13, Software Requirements WBI for Retail Distribution is supported on the following platforms: Windows 2000 (Professional, Server, or Advanced Server) with Service Pack 2 IBM AIX Solaris 7 (2.7) or Solaris 8 (2.8) The following software must be installed and operating properly before installing WBI for Retail Distribution: IBM WBI V4.1.1, or IBM MQSeries V5.2 IBM CrossWorlds using VisiBroker (runtime) V4.1 IBM MQ Workflow V3.3.2 with Fix Pack 2 IBM CrossWorlds V4.1.1 IBM DB2 V7.2 FP 5 IBM CrossWorlds Trading Partner Interchange Solo The following IBM CrossWorlds Connectors must be installed: IBM CrossWorlds Connector for IBM CrossWorlds Connector for JText IBM CrossWorlds Connector for MQSeries IBM CrossWorlds Connector for MQSeries Workflow IBM CrossWorlds Connector for JDBC The IBM CrossWorlds XML Data Handler must be installed. This announcement is provided for your information only. For additional information, contact your IBM representative, call 800-IBM-4YOU, or visit the IBM home page at: IBM United States IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation

5 Performance Considerations: IBM CrossWorlds is a scalable product that is dependent on the complexity of the specific IBM CrossWorlds environment, throughput, and data object size. Planning Information For planning information, refer to the application guide: IBM CrossWorlds System Installation Guide for Windows IBM CrossWorlds System Installation Guide for UNIX Customer Responsibilities: It is strongly recommended that IBM CrossWorlds Software Services or Business Partners be used to assist in the installation, design, implementation, and maintenance of the IBM CrossWorlds solution. To implement an IBM CrossWorlds solution, these skills are required: Ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot IBM CrossWorlds components, including MQSeries, VisiBroker, DB2, Oracle, or SQLServer databases. Some network awareness is also required. Java programming knowledge. Some SQL experience and basic understanding of relational databases and SQL statements, triggers, and stored procedures. Thorough understanding of specific packaged applications or client legacy applications to be managed. Thorough understanding of the IBM CrossWorlds solution. Customers should take full advantage of the educational program provided for IBM CrossWorlds solution. Direct Customer Support: For support, new IBM CrossWorlds product customers with Passport Advantage contracts should call Existing CrossWorlds customers should continue to use established CrossWorlds channels for support. Packaging: This is a Passport Advantage offering only. WBI for Retail Distribution is distributed only via electronic distribution. Security, Auditability, and Control IBM CrossWorlds uses the security and auditability features of the system on which the products are installed. The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities. Ordering Information This product is only available via Passport Advantage. is not available as shrinkwrap. Product Group: CrossWorlds Product Identifier Description IBM CrossWorlds Collaborations Product Category: WSBI for RD It (PID) (5724-C12) For details on the licensing information, refer to: IBM CrossWorlds Collaborations One charge unit collaboration IBM CrossWorlds Collaboration Additional Connection One charge unit application connection Passport Advantage New Passage Advantage part numbers introduced in IBM WBI for Retail Distribution are: IBM CrossWorlds Collaborations Retail Distribution Program Name/Description IBM CrossWorlds Collaboration for Merchandise Qualification Per Collaboration License and Software (SW) Maintenance 2 Anniversary Date SW Maintenance Renewal to SW Maintenance After-License to IBM CrossWorlds Collaboration for UCCNet Message Manager Per Collaboration 2 Anniversary Date SW Maintenance Renewal to SW Maintenance After-License to IBM CrossWorlds Collaboration for Data Storage Per Collaboration 2 Anniversary Date SW Maintenance Renewal to SW Maintenance After-License to Terms and Conditions Part Number D51Q8LL D51Q9LL E00J3LL D51QALL D51BVLL D51BWLL E00CKLL D51BXLL D51QBLL D51QCLL E00J4LL D51QDLL This product is only available via Passport Advantage. is not available as shrinkwrap. Licensing: IBM International Program License Agreement. Proofs of Entitlement (PoE) are required for all authorized use. Part number products only, offered outside of Passport Advantage, where applicable, are license only and do not include Software Maintenance. License Information Form Number IBM WebSphere Business Integration Collaborations for Retail Distribution LI L-DTIS-5CHQ7P Limited Warranty Applies: Yes It

6 Program Services: Program Service for the new IBM CrossWorlds components is available until December 31, Money-Back Guarantee: If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program, return it within 30 days from the invoice date, to the party (either IBM or its reseller) from whom you acquired it, for a refund. This applies only to your first acquisition of the program. Copy and Use on Home/Portable Computer: No Volume Orders (IVO): No Passport Advantage Applies: Yes, and through the Passport Advantage Web site at: Usage Restriction: Yes For details on the licensing information, refer to: Software Maintenance Applies: Yes Software Maintenance, previously referred to as Subscription and Technical Support, is now included in the Passport Advantage Agreement. Installation and technical support for the products announced in this letter is provided by the Software Maintenance offering of the IBM International Passport Advantage Agreement. This fee service enhances customer productivity by providing voice and/or electronic access into the IBM support organizations. IBM includes Software Maintenance with each program acquired during the coverage period. The coverage period means the period commencing on the date you acquire the program up to the first or second anniversary date, depending on whether you acquired coverage for one or two anniversaries. The coverage period for Software Maintenance acquired in the two months preceding an anniversary date will be extended to the next applicable anniversary date. While your Software Maintenance is in effect, IBM provides you assistance for your (1) routine, short duration installation and usage (how-to) questions; and (2) code-related questions. IBM provides assistance via telephone and, if available, electronic access, only to your information systems (IS) technical support personnel during the normal business hours (published prime shift hours) of your IBM support center. (This assistance is not available to your end users.) IBM provides Severity 1 assistance 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For additional details, consult your IBM Software Support Guide at: /handbook.html Software Maintenance does not include assistance for (1) the design and development of applications, (2) your use of programs in other than their specified operating environment, or (3) failures caused by products for which IBM is not responsible under this agreement. For more information, about the Passport Advantage Agreement, refer to the IBM International Passport Advantage Agreement Software Announcement , dated July 10, 2001, or visit the Passport Advantage Web site at: IBM Operational Support Services Support Line: No Other Support: Passport Advantage AIX/UNIX Upgrade Protection Applies: No Entitled Upgrade for Current AIX/UNIX Upgrade Protection Licensees: No iseries Software Subscription Applies: No Variable Charges Apply: No Educational Allowance Available: Not applicable Prices For Passport Advantage Information and prices, contact your IBM representative or your authorized Business Partner. Additional information is available on the Passport Advantage Web site at: Passport Advantage For Passport Advantage and charges, contact your authorized IBM Lotus Business Partner. Additional information is also available on the Passport Advantage Web site: Global Financing IBM Global Financing offers competitive financing to credit-qualified customers to assist them in acquiring IT solutions. Our offerings include financing for IT acquisition, including hardware, software and services, both from IBM and other manufacturers or vendors. Offerings (for all customer segments: small, medium, and large enterprise), rates, terms, and availability can vary by country. Contact your local IBM Global Financing organization or visit the Web at: Order Now Use Priority/Reference Code: YE001 Phone: Fax: Internet: Mail: 800-IBM-CALL 800-2IBM-FAX ibm direct@vnet.ibm.com IBM Atlanta Sales Center Dept. YE001 P.O. Box 2690 Atlanta, GA You can also contact your local IBM Business Partner or IBM representative. To identify them, call 800-IBM-4YOU. Note: Shipments will begin after the planned availability date

7 Trademarks iseries is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. WebSphere, MQSeries, AIX, and DB2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark of the Open Company in the United States and other countries. Lotus is a registered trademark of Lotus Development Corporation and/or IBM Corporation. Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others