Partner Press Release
American Express Supports RosettaNet eConcert Launch

For Release June 9, 1999

Santa Ana, CA -- As a buyer in the Information Technology arena, American Express' Global Procurement organization is committed to leveraging electronic commerce to improve the purchasing process. We recognize that online access to information and connections with our suppliers can deliver enormous time and cost savings, enabling our procurement organization to add value to our company's overall bottom line through employee productivity and more strategic purchasing decisions.

The reason American Express has been involved as a founder and executive boardmember of RosettaNet is that we believe the deployment of open and universal business interfaces will streamline supply chain processes and result in reduced costs and increased service levels for buyers. A recognized leader in strategic procurement practices, American Express' Global Procurement organization wants to ensure that the buyer's role in the supply chain is strengthened in the evolving electronic commerce channel.

Further, a standardized electronic commerce architecture will enable all the various participants in the IT supply chain to feel free to invest in e-commerce solutions, which will bring them to market faster. We're participating in the proof-of-concept pilot phase of for RosettaNet's eConcert initiative in order to help accelerate the development of real-world solutions for a global, interoperable electronic marketplace.