Ann Bednarz

IBM Corp. this week is announcing an integration product aimed at a particular class of users - midsize companies using the WebSphere Commerce suite that haven't integrated their e-commerce software with their back-end systems.

GE Global eXchange Services, last week, enhanced security support for its Internet-based e-commerce services, which allow companies to exchange documents with trading partners over the Internet.

A crystal ball would be a welcome addition to any retailer's arsenal of supply-chain management software. Barring that, Shaw's Supermarkets Inc. aimed for the next closest thing - a tool that helps the grocer model the effects of any tweaks to its supply chain.

Researchers at IBM

For many IT executives, integrating enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management applications is akin to getting a root canal

For many IT executives, integrating enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management applications is akin to getting a root canal - expensive and painful.

Manugistics Group Inc. this week shared news about its updated supply chain software suite as well as its purchase of Western Data Systems Inc., a software maker with expertise in service and parts management and a roster of customers in the aerospace and defense industries.

IBM Corp. has released details about an upcoming WebSphere product aimed at financial institutions with secure, high-volume payment-processing needs.