E-commerce interfaces by DDMS

KELLER, TX-Distribution Data Management Systems (DDMS) has announced E-Gate and E-Gate Interactive, e-commerce interfaces for the company's Distribution Professional software package. E-Gate is designed for use with Internet e-commerce solutions hosted for the dealer by a wholesaler or other provider. Initially, the program will support BuySuite's Internet catalog packages and United Stationer's On the Web! service. Both BuySuite and On the Web! offer Internet-based catalogs with online ordering. Customer orders are transmitted to the dealer's site from the host's server. E-Gate lets the dealer move these orders into the DDMS software for complete management of fulfillment and billing. E-Gate also includes software for generating custom pricing files. With e-commerce packages that support this feature, the dealer can upload these files to set up customized pricing for specific customers.

E-Gate Interactive allows an online connection between an e-commerce package and DDMS' Distribution Professional software. When a customer connects to the dealer's Internet purchasing application, it automatically requests customer, item, and pricing data from DDMS. Once the order is completed, it moves into the Distribution Professional's order flow for fulfillment.

In addition to supporting existing ecommerce solutions, E-Gate and E-Gate Interactive will let dealers create their own solutions. Companies interested in developing their own custom Internet catalogs can simply tailor the commerce engine to the appropriate interface. (Specifications are available from DDMS.) Dealers who want to implement shopping cart style purchasing can develop their site for EGate. Businesses seeking to offer their customers a more advanced Internet ordering solution with real-time data exchange and purchasing controls should choose E-Gate Interactive.

DDMS is a leading supplier of computer systems, software, data communications, and support services for distribution industries, including office supplies and furniture, business equipment, educational supplies, art materials, and janitorial and sanitation supplies. Over 1500 DDMS computer systems have been installed throughout the United States, Canada, and the Carribean Basin.