Portals & Platforms Notable Links

The Internet world changes so rapidly it can be hard to keep up with. The editors at Medical DeviceLink have compiled several noteworthy articles and sources of information on B2B commerce from the last year. Because of ever-changing nature of the industry, these links can hopefully serve as a valuable record not only of where B2B is going, but where it has been.

An interesting take on e-marketplaces from May 2000 that gives a basic rundown of e-markets in general, how to measure the success of an e-market, etc. This is an excellent article to compare with more recent takes on the success of e-marketplaces (see next link). The article details strategies for creating a richer, standout marketplace that current B2B models will find applicable now, almost a year later.

A pessimistic take on the future of B2B e-marketplaces. The author states, "the vision of buying and selling manufacturing materials, food, auto parts, chemicals, and a myriad of other items through a vast Web marketplace with stock market-like efficiency has propelled B2B startups. But now potential participants-especially suppliers-must be shown hard data to support why they should discard their current sales channels and invest in a new one. That's a hard sell." The author stresses the role the bottom line plays in the ultimate success of any on-line exchange.

Need Internet stats? Emarketer.com is the one-stop destination for B2B and B2C numbers and analysis. Users can purchase eReports on various industries like the online healthcare industry and register for free, informative newsletters. An assortment of business eChannels provides news and analysis on demographics, e-mail marketing, advertising, broadband, and more. Users can also obtain marketing projections, analytical commentary, and information on industry trends.

This article from E-Commerce Times argues that while B2B marketplaces have suffered along with the rest of the Internet world, they have distinct advantages that will allow them to survive and prosper. The article discusses a couple of important entries into the sector: Dell Computer’s Dell Marketplace and the automotive systems supplier Covisint, the latter a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler, GM, Ford, Renault, and Nissan.

Discussed here is the eminent failure of the majority of European B2Bs. Among the predicted survivors is Dutch medical supply marketplace EumediX.

Their tag line says it: This is the hub for everything B2B e-commerce. Powered by the JxNetwork (a Jupiter Media Metrix venture), NetMarketMakers provides thorough information, and analysis to the people who build and use Net markets. Weekly market news, daily news headlines, informative newsletters, a large knowledge base containing over 4,000 B2B Net market makers, plus an area called B2B basics for those new to the B2B world, help to create a well-rounded experience of Net markets.

Line56 focuses on Internet commerce and provides "strategic guidance for those who seek maximum advantage from the dynamic advances and alliances of global B2B e-commerce." News and features include news and interviews with industry players, while Line56's resources also include an extensive company directory and the lowdown on B2B finance and research. The site provides a list of healthcare marketplaces as well.

This venerable source of information on the high-tech world offers a wealth of original articles and other information on the happenings within the B2B marketplace segment.