RosettaNet Press Release
RosettaNet Launches Operations In Singapore And Taiwan To Implement Global E-Business Standards

More Than 100 Asian Companies Advance Consortium's Success in the Global Adoption of Common E-Business Processes

For Release October 4, 2000

SANTA ANA --

RosettaNet, a consortium of computer technology companies developing supply chain e-business interface standards, announced today that it has expanded its operations globally by opening consortium efforts in two Asian regions: Singapore and Taiwan. Leading technology companies in these regions are formalizing their commitment to RosettaNet B2B e-commerce standards by signing agreements that provide an organizational structure and funding for implementation within their respective regions.

"This is a significant milestone for RosettaNet in creating a truly global standards-based organization," said Jennifer Hamilton, CEO, RosettaNet. "RosettaNet began as a multinational-based initiative, and we continue to expand the global operations with local and regional offices that will participate in ensuring the development of truly global standards and implementation of RosettaNet e-business processes."

The RosettaNet Singapore organization, which was introduced on Sept. 29, includes 20 member companies. Another 60 companies are evaluating consortium membership. The RosettaNet Singapore organization will be coordinated by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), an agency of the Singapore government. A temporary working committee, comprised of representatives of participating companies, will be succeeded by an elected permanent Steering Committee as the first order of business, according to Hamilton. The working committee includes member companies Agilent Technologies, Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Molex, Motorola, On-Semi Conductor, STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments.

"Singapore is committed to contributing to the global development of e-commerce standards. Singapore is the headquarters to scores of multinational companies with Asian operations. RosettaNet Singapore can play a leadership role in promoting RosettaNet standards and facilitate these companies towards common information exchange standards in the supply chain. Streamlined business transactions would enable these companies to compete in the global marketplace," said Dr. Kaizad Heerjee, assistant chief executive, online development of IDA Singapore.

RosettaNet Taiwan held similar launch ceremonies on Oct. 3 in Taipei under the sponsorship of the Institute of Information Industry (III), a semi-government organization and the Taiwan High-Tech Industry CIO Association that has funded preliminary organizational efforts. More than 40 Taiwan-based companies will initially participate in RosettaNet Taiwan.

"In Taiwan today, business and government have recognized that globally interoperable e-commerce is important to the economic development of Taiwan. Participation in RosettaNet efforts will align local business standards with international standards to assure interoperability with the global partners," said Dr. Quincy Lin, chairman of the Taiwan High-Tech Industry CIO Association and senior vice president of corporate development at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.

The Singapore and Taiwan consortia follow Japan in creating organizations dedicated to implementation of RosettaNet B2B supply chain standards in Asia. While regional members may also join, or have joined, RosettaNet's three industry initiatives - Information Technology (IT), Electronic Components (EC) and Semiconductor Manufacturing (SM) - the newly formed consortia are empowered to address regional differences in business practices and how they will conform to or influence modifications to global RosettaNet standards.

RosettaNet is far more ubiquitous than typical technical standards. In addition to adopting non-proprietary Internet protocols and XML Internet language, members are adopting a technical dictionary of common terms, a standard implementation framework and Partner Interface Processes® (PIPs®) that define the structure and content of transactions.

"RosettaNet is rapidly becoming the global standard for high tech B2B," said Executive Board Chairman Colin Evans, director of e-business strategy at Intel Corporation. As time and cost pressures increase in the information technology, electronic components and semiconductor fabrication businesses, there is a growing need for automated e-commerce standards within global companies that operate in Asia, regardless of where they are headquartered.

"The benefits of RosettaNet cross geographic and industry boundaries. Having major manufacturing centers like Singapore and Taiwan on board is a real boost for every company involved in this effort," Evans said.

RosettaNet plans to begin similar initiatives to other parts of Asia, Malaysia, Australia, India and China in the future and seeks partners in these regions.

About RosettaNet
RosettaNet is an independent, self-funded, non-profit consortium dedicated to the development and deployment of standard electronic business interfaces to align the processes between supply chain partners on a global basis.

More than 300 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 can be found at www.rosettanet.org.