Future of Multi-Channel Retailing Focus of Expert Panel; 360Commerce Expert to Sit on Industry Panel at Retail Systems

Business Wire, June 25, 2001

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 25, 2001

Jerry Rightmer, CTO of 360Commerce, a leading provider of integrated commerce software, will address top-of-mind issues for multi-channel retailers as part of an industry panel at the upcoming Retail Systems conference and tradeshow, June 26-28, in Chicago, Ill.

Rightmer will discuss current trends crucial for customer-centric retailers and the unique technical requirements of an integrated multi-channel retail architecture. Attendees will also learn how specific technical components can increase the return on investment when upgrading a legacy system or implementing an entirely new one.

Integrating multiple channels and the store with the enterprise has always seemed to be an expensive and time-consuming proposition for many retailers. In spite of the apparent obstacles, leading-edge retailers are doing what it takes to satisfy customer demands and obtain a 360-degree view of their customers. According to a recent study by Jupiter Communications, by 2005, U.S. online consumers will spend more than $632 billion in offline channels as a direct result of research that they conduct on the Web.

In addition, a recent Jupiter Media Metrix survey appearing in RetailTech magazine says that 83% of online buyers would like to be able to return online purchases at offline stores. Additionally, 59% said that they would like to order a product online and pick it up in an offline store. However, Jupiter analysts found that only 18% of multi-channel retailers offer in-store pickup of items ordered online.

Rightmer plans to address common issues and questions retailers have about the most time- and cost-efficient solution to provide seamless shopping to customers. He will illustrate how selecting the right technical components can allow retailers to offer these types of customer-pleasing services, while reducing risks and leveraging current technology investments. Rightmer will discuss the advantages of a flexible environment when undertaking this type of project, such as easier interfacing with current technology, integrating new functionality, and adapting to future needs.

"At 360Commerce, we feel that we have the answer for those retailers struggling with integration issues and who need to prove ROI to get the project budgets they need," said Rightmer. "Our recent deployments at The Home Depot and Apple demonstrate the quick time-to-market that our solution provides, and our ability to run on any Java(tm) Virtual Machine provides customers with the freedom to choose best-of-breed or legacy systems, keeping implementation costs down. I hope I can address some of the concerns retailers have during this panel and demonstrate how many of these concerns can be addressed through an evolutionary use of current technology."

Rightmer directs 360Commerce's implementation of world-class software engineering and manufacturing techniques. He also often addresses technical issues for various trade and high tech media, as well as speaking at industry events. As the chair of the process subcommittee of the IXRetail committee, Rightmer is an active participant in the organization that is defining the emerging standard for intercommunication between retail applications. During Rightmer's thirteen years in retail systems development, he has worked with a number of department store, mass merchant, specialty and e-commerce retailers.

The panel presentation, entitled Multi-Channel Retailing, will be part of Retail Systems' R&D breakfast program on June 28, 2001 from 7:30 a.m. - 8:20a.m. Also participating on the panel with 360Commerce will be CommercialWare, Found, IBM and MarketMax. Sapient will be moderating. For more information on Retail Systems, go to www.retailsystems.com.

About 360Commerce

360Commerce software enables consumers to shop seamlessly across all channels by empowering retailers to connect the store and all other channels with the enterprise in real time. Leading retailers on 360Commerce's customer list include The Home Depot, Sears, Apple, KB Toys, Burlington Coat Factory, Circuit City, The Great Indoors (Sears' new concept store), Cole National and Meijer. 360Commerce's ExtendYourStore software suite includes CrossReach(tm), a cross-channel customer service desk; Unleashed(tm), a wireless mobile point-of-sale application; next generation Point-of-Sale; Web and kiosk versions of Gift Registry; and Conductor, an enterprise application integration engine that connects all channels with the enterprise for a 360-degree view of the customer. For more information, visit www.360Commerce.com.

Trademarks: 360Commerce, ExtendYourStore, CrossReach and Unleashed are trademarks of 360Commerce Inc. Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc.