Today's customers are more inclined to use electronic contacts rather than more traditional methods, yet only 36% of these customers are satisfied with their Internet purchasing experiences.

ASA's Center for Advancing Technology held another in its series of Electronic Commerce Blue Ribbon Summits and covered topics such as the economics of e-commerce, extensible markup language, and e-commerce exchanges.

Unity Networking and WIT & Co. recently announced a strategic alliance to use Unity's surplus Web marketplace, WholesalerDirect.com. Unity has also partnered with Eclipse and Mincron Software Systems.

Informix Corp. announced that it would establish two independent operating companies - Informix Software for its database business and Informix Business Solutions for its e-commerce business.

BuildPoint launched a new online catalog that allows contractors to purchase job materials online.

Moen announced the introduction of SupplyNet, an Internet-based global supply-chain management tool designed for its suppliers.

In response to business pressures, automation suppliers such as Siemens and Honeywell are now embracing Internet sales, according to a recent study.

Prophet 21 is offering an application service provider option to its customers and prospects to enable them quick and easy access to business-critical applications via the Internet.

BuildNet, parent company to HVAConline and PLUMBINGon-line, launched BuildNet Express, a tool to synchronize the supply chain by allowing trading partners to share critical information.

Wholesalers marketing their Web sites to customers and suppliers should review all business functions first.