Welcome to the Summer 2007 edition of the Datalliance Newsletter

The first half of 2007 has been a very busy and productive time at Datalliance. Our "Software as a Service" approach to provide VMI as a managed service continues to be a hot topic in the industry and continues to be one of the primary reasons that new customers select Datalliance (see new customer press releases below). Our feature article (see below) focuses on "Why SaaS is a Good Fit for VMI". The article is based on a recent webcast sponsored by Datalliance where we had featured speakers from AMR Research, Rockwell Automation, and EESCO discuss the concepts, benefits and practical experiences of SaaS and VMI. I'm confident that you will enjoy the different perspectives included in this article.

Earlier this year we made a very exciting announcement when we introduced the Datalliance Direct program. Through this program Datalliance absorbs the cost of transporting EDI documents associated with VMI when routed through the HDeXchange and ICC Value Added Network. By absorbing these costs for suppliers and distributors using Datalliance, we have eliminated the largest cost associated with VMI data sharing. Please see the full press release below.

I am also pleased to report that the latest results from our Datalliance survey were very positive. In the areas of Customer Care, Datalliance Enhancements, Customer Management Support, and the Benefits of VMI, our scores were either improved or consistent with responses from the last survey. One question on the survey dealt with the Datalliance organization's ability to be responsive and effective in supporting customer needs. We look to this question as an indication of our overall performance, and were pleased that our overall rating on this question improved from last years impressive 4.65 to 4.81 (out of a possible 5). Though these are very positive responses, we will continue to look for ways to improve the overall customer experience with Datalliance.

Once again, I'd like to ask you to save the date for the annual Datalliance customer meeting. The 2007 Datalliance Forum is September 12-13 in Cincinnati, Ohio. I look forward to seeing you at this annual event.

As always, I encourage you to provide us with input on topics for future editions of this newsletter. Please feel free to contact me at carl@datalliance.com with your ideas and suggestions. I hope you enjoy the newsletter!

Carl Hall
President, Datalliance

AMR Research, Rockwell Automation, and EESCO Discuss Why SaaS is a Good Fit for VMI in April Webcast

Recently, Datalliance sponsored a webcast focused on the concepts, benefits, and real-life issues associated with implementing VMI. Titled "Why SaaS (Software as a Service) is a Good Fit for Vendor Managed Inventory", the webcast featured speakers from AMR Research, Rockwell Automation (A Datalliance VMI User), and EESCO (a Rockwell Distributor and Datalliance VMI user).

Datalliance Announces "Datalliance Direct" Program

Datalliance to absorb cost of VMI EDI records routed through the HDeXchange & ICC Value Added Network (VAN)

Reduces total cost of doing VMI for Suppliers and Distributors using Datalliance service

Datalliance announces the "Datalliance Direct" program. Through this program, Datalliance will absorb the cost of transporting EDI documents associated with VMI when they are routed through the HDeXchange & ICC Value Added Network. Prior to the introduction of this program, suppliers and distributors were responsible for the cost of transmitting these records. These transmission costs can range from $1,000-30,000 annually for an individual supplier or distributor depending on the volume and size of the records. By absorbing these EDI costs, Datalliance has eliminated the largest cost associated with VMI data sharing...

Bracco Diagnostics Selects Datalliance Vendor Managed Inventory

Software as a Service (SaaS) approach provides shortest path to business benefits

Datalliance announced that Bracco Diagnostics has selected the Datalliance Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) solution to help them increase business, improve operations and strengthen relationships with trading partners/customers. With annual sales of approximately 800 million Euro, Bracco is a worldwide leader in diagnostic imaging technologies. The company does business in 115 countries and has 2,100 employees worldwide...

Velvac Selects Datalliance VMI Solution

VMI to help build stronger customer relationships through electronic collaboration and sharing of inventory and order information

Datalliance announced that Velvac, a leading manufacturer and supplier of vision systems and components to the truck, recreational and specialty vehicle industries, has selected the Datalliance Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Solution. Velvac is a global company with corporate offices and warehouse facilities in New Berlin, Wisconsin and a full scale manufacturing, state-of-the-art powder coating and assembly facility located in Reynosa, Mexico. Additional warehouse facilities are strategically located in...

New Release of Datalliance Enhances Performance Reporting and Increases Planner Productivity

Datalliance announced the immediate availability of the latest release of Datalliance. Enhancements that improve performance reporting and increase planner productivity are the highlights of this new release. All of the enhancements in this release support Datalliance's ongoing development objectives of enhancing user productivity, improving information access through flexible reporting, and incorporating technology to simplify and reduce the overall cost to implement and operate Datalliance...

Leading Electrical Industry Suppliers Select Datalliance® Vendor Managed Inventory Solution

IDEAL, Legrand and Southwire select Datalliance for "Next Generation" of Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)

Datalliance announced that three more leading electrical industry suppliers selected the Datalliance Vendor Managed Inventory solution in the second quarter of 2007. Ideal Industries, Inc. (IDEAL) is one of the world's premier manufacturers of professional quality tools and supplies, serving installation professionals in the construction, maintenance, data communications, and OEM industries. Legrand North America (Legrand) is a leading provider of electrical and network infrastructure products, systems, and solutions. Southwire Company (Southwire) is North America's largest building wire manufacturer and one of the world's leading wire and cable producers...

Datalliance Operations/Data Center Update

In this issue of the Datalliance Newsletter, the Operations/Data Center Update focuses on the importance and testing or backup systems for Data Center environmental systems, expanded Datalliance office space, and the upgrade and consolidation of internal servers.

Save the Date: The 2007 Datalliance Forum is scheduled for September 12-13 in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, please click here or contact us at 513-791-7272.

Webinar - VMI 101: An Introduction to Vendor Managed Inventory on July 23, 2007 at 2PM EST

Datalliance will present an overview of VMI and examine the competitive advantages it provides. The webinar is presented by Datalliance Staff and is open to the public.

For more information or to sign-up, please contact us at info@datalliance.com

This newsletter is also available online at www.datalliance.com/newsletters.html

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