Partner Press Release
GridNode Launches The GridTalk Solution For RosettaNet-Based Trading Networks

GridTalk Automates Real-Time Information Flow in Supply Chain for Companies of All Sizes; Delivers RosettaNet Basics Compliant Offering for B2B Integration with Small- and Medium-Sized Trading Partners

For Release December 3, 2001

Redwood City, CA and Taipei, Taiwan --

GridNode, a global software company and leading provider of eXtended enterprise Businessware (XB), today announced that GridTalk, a powerful XML solution that automates real-time information flow in supply chains, aligns with RosettaNet Basics, a RosettaNet milestone program that enables the affordable adoption of RosettaNet standards for small- to medium-sized companies.

RosettaNet Basics has defined Usage Recommendations (URs) that address baseline business-to-business integration (B2Bi) functionality.   The RosettaNet Basics Program, designed to simplify RosettaNet implementations, supports the development of low-cost, turnkey solutions by independent software vendors (ISVs) and solution providers (SPs).   The end result is the rapid adoption of critical e-business process standards for a greater number of mid-tier trading partners within the supply chain.

Companies seeking greater competitive advantages by automating business processes and analytics with their trading partners can now continue with their plans despite the economic crunch.   GridTalk’s highly-optimized, distributed architecture for B2Bi and collaboration offers a robust, yet affordable RosettaNet Basics-compliant solution for trading partners of any size to connect to their trading partners.   Critical supply chain data can be exchanged, shared, synchronized and analyzed in real-time via the Internet infrastructure, reliably and efficiently.   Designed with process automation, exception handling, security features and business audit functions, GridTalk works with the existing network infrastructure and enhances the information exchange capabilities of existing enterprise database systems, such as ERP, SCM and CRM.

“We have the need to make our supply chain more nimble and integrated, allowing the company to better react to the demands of our own customers and the flux of the marketplace,” said Chit-Pin Teh, Senior Director, E-Business, Seagate Technology International.   “Our entire supply chain will have to be very agile and responsive, our own suppliers must receive and act on our information at the same speed as we produce.   It is not enough for information exchange to just take place within our enterprise, not when our business stretches from our customers all through our operations, to suppliers, and contract manufacturers.   GridTalk, with RosettaNet support, provides a seamless supply chain integration solution.”

“The goal of the RosettaNet Basics Program is to connect hundreds of mid-tier trading partners by ensuring reusable, affordable, turn-key solutions,” said Jennifer Hamilton, CEO of RosettaNet.   “To help drive this important initiative, ISVs such as GridNode, are partnering with supply chain board member companies to identify and create a wide range of easy-to-implement, low-cost products and services for the industry.”

“GridNode’s solution for RosettaNet clearly places them in a leadership position, and their GridTalk solution offerings meet the stringent demands of today’s IT marketplace,” said Paul Waide, Analyst, Strategic Intelligence.   “GridTalk is an elegant XML-based approach for companies that need flexible solutions for ‘plug-and-play’ with existing IT architectures and does not require extensive IT overhead to run.   And, because GridNode’s products are highly scalable and compliant to industry standards, they will be able to manage companies’ changing needs as XML standards and frameworks evolve.”

“We are very pleased that our eXtended enterprise Businessware (XB) solutions are helping companies to meet business challenges and to maximize the value of their supply chain,” said Chee-Tong Leow, Managing Director and CEO of GridNode.   “GridTalk is among the first product responses to the RosettaNet Basics Program, an industry-wide RosettaNet initiative focused on enabling Global 2000 companies with B2B integration to small- and medium-sized trading partners.   GridTalk provides a cost-effective solution for both supply chain leaders seeking to engage and automate trading partners, and for smaller enterprises looking to connect to the standard-based trading partners for the first time.   With the availability of GridTalk, companies of all sizes can participate in the global trading network at the level of sophistication and price point appropriate for their supply chain management plans.”

About RosettaNet
RosettaNet is an independent, non-profit consortium dedicated to the collaborative development and rapid deployment of open Internet-based business standards that align processes within the global high-technology trading network.   More than 400 companies representing over $1 trillion in annual information technology, electronic components, and semiconductor manufacturing revenues currently participate in RosettaNet’s standards development, strategy, and implementation activities.   A complete list of member companies and more information on RosettaNet is available at www.rosettanet.org .

About GridNode
GridNode provides businessware for extended enterprise management.   Built on the innovative peer-to-peer (P2P) architecture, GridNode’s software allows for back-to-back integration across different trading partners in the supply chain, even when they have diverse information systems.   GridNode’s products are compliant with the latest industry and open business and technical standards, such as RosettaNet and UDDI.   For more information, please visit www.gridnode.com .