OneChem Selects B2B Integration Software From webMethods to Further Develop Its Chemical Industry E-hub Network

Business Wire, Sept 13, 2000

Business/Technology Editors & Chemicals Writers

RIDGEFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 13, 2000

OneChem, Ltd., the leading application service provider to the chemical industry, has selected webMethods, Inc. (Nasdaq:WEBM), the leading provider of business-to-business integration (B2Bi) solutions, to provide secure connections from OneChem to customers' ERP and back office systems and to further develop the functionality of OneChem's e-hub.

OneChem will use webMethods for Trading Networks, a software package that provides a fully functional infrastructure for building, managing and analyzing B2B trading networks. Once implemented, customers will have the ability to communicate information to their suppliers, customers, marketplace partners and other solution providers using a common channel.

OneChem is the product of more than 135 individual chemical industry professionals with business connections in more than 50 countries. OneChem develops, implements, and supports a suite of e-commerce solutions that meet the commercial demands of chemical companies. A key focus of OneChem's solutions is to target inefficiencies in transaction processing created by the complexities of sharing information between buyers, sellers, and third parties.

"We selected webMethods due to their proven solutions, their reach and range in the chemical industry, and for the webMethods for Trading Networks product which provides a data-driven framework for message routing and other features directed at e-hub solutions providers," said Rafael S. Labarta, executive vice-president of technology, OneChem Ltd. "OneChem's innovative use of webMethods B2Bi solutions and custom technologies allows us to function as a one stop solution provider for integrated data exchange between business partners and more traditional browser-based transaction support."

webMethods' solutions are an essential component of a comprehensive B2B infrastructure and allow Global 2000 companies and marketplaces to seamlessly connect to and build real-time trading networks. The software platform extends critical business applications and collaborative processes beyond corporate firewalls, integrating them with the ERP/EDI systems, mainframe applications, databases and Web sites of customers, suppliers, partners and marketplaces.

"In the chemical industry, a critical component for success is the ability to implement strategic B2B initiatives that enable organizations to reduce inventory levels and streamline the shipping and procurement process while maintaining a high rate of customer satisfaction and retention," said Charles Allen, co-founder and vice president, Industry Solutions of webMethods, Inc. "By selecting webMethods for Trading Networks to integrate buyers' and suppliers' back-end systems with OneChem's Internet-based applications, OneChem is reducing inefficiencies in the transaction lifecycle by providing customers the ability to facilitate purchase orders, invoices and customer self-service information in real-time."

webMethods provides a complete B2Bi solution that allows organizations to effectively realize their e-commerce strategies. The webMethods product family was designed to provide broad support for open standards and protocols, such as XML, RosettaNet, ebXML, FpML, cXML, xCBL, OBI, OAG, ACORD, BizTalk framework and EDI. Through support of these standards, webMethods' products provide seamless integration both within the enterprise and across the Internet to trading networks and B2B marketplaces.

About webMethods, Inc.

webMethods, Inc. (Nasdaq:WEBM) is the leading provider of software solutions for business-to-business integration (B2Bi). As the only company providing seamless B2Bi across the Internet and throughout the extended enterprise, webMethods provides Global 2000 companies and B2B marketplaces with a complete, end-to-end solution for integrating customers, suppliers and partners into real-time B2B trading networks, while also increasing internal operational efficiencies. The webMethods product family allows companies to create new revenue opportunities, strengthen relationships with customers, substantially reduce supply chain inefficiencies and streamline internal business processes.

Founded in 1996, webMethods is based in Fairfax, Va., with offices across the U.S., Europe and Asia. With an emphasis on key vertical markets such as chemicals, financial services, high-tech manufacturing and telecommunications, webMethods has more than 425 customers worldwide--from Global 2000 leaders such as Citibank, Dell, Eastman Chemical Company, Fidelity Investments, Grainger, Motorola and Starbucks to major B2B marketplaces like ChemConnect, e-STEEL and Ventro. webMethods' strategic partners include Ariba, Commerce One, Deloitte Consulting, EDS, i2 Technologies, J.D. Edwards, KPMG, Microsoft, Oracle Corp., SAP AG and Siebel. More information about the company can be found at www.webMethods.com.

About OneChem

OneChem (www.onechem.com) is the only company in the chemical industry with functioning software that transparently facilitates the critical functions in managing transactions between chemical buyers and sellers. A unique application service provider, OneChem's strengths lie in its chemical industry expertise, its total neutrality, its breadth of applications and its execution capabilities. Incorporated in 1999, OneChem has offices throughout the world including Connecticut, Florida, Delaware, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Japan and Switzerland.