Why Microsoft and GXS?

GXS and Microsoft have partnered to deliver innovative solutions that simplify B2B integration between customers and trading partners. Through the relationship, the companies will combine their leading B2B solutions to ensure that trading partners of all sizes can build real-time, collaborative networks. The result - companies will accelerate supply chain performance while streamlining B2B operations.

Key details of the Microsoft/GXS Alliance
Action	Outcome
GXS embeds Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 and Microsoft SQL Server 2005 in the GXS Trading Grid	• Speeds integration among businesses and geographically diverse trading partners • Helps customers integrate their existing investments in Microsoft .NET Framework-based technologies outside their enterprise • Creates a flexible foundation able to adapt to changing trading partnerships over time
Microsoft BizTalk/GXS Trading Grid ‘Grid-Ready’ solution available to businesses worldwide	• Combined solution makes it easy to get up and running fast • Offers businesses a unique platform spanning the desktop, server and services • Can be used in all B2B scenarios to drive business success
Microsoft names GXS Trading Grid the recommended global B2B network for BizTalk Server	• Microsoft recommends the GXS Trading Grid because of its seamless integration with BizTalk Server 2006 and GXS’ unique global reach • GXS network spans over 150,000 trading partners and 40,000 customers worldwide • Fully leverages existing EDI systems
Microsoft and GXS will collaborate to enable and improve integration between the desktop and the supply chain	• GXS is planning a series of new solutions incorporating the B2B capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics applications suite and the forthcoming 2007 Microsoft Office system • Both companies will explore the development of new delivery models such as B2B appliances

Sources: Microsoft Corp.; GXS

The Recommended Microsoft Solution – A Single Integration Platform
Companies have improved internal business processes by investing in systems that integrate them. However, many critical business-to-business (B2B) processes, such as forecasting, ordering, shipments and payments, are not integrated and are managed by phone, fax or email. These manual B2B processes are highly inefficient— placing a drain on your resources—directly impacting your organization’s ability to serve customers and respond to their order requests.

BizTalk Server and GXS Trading Grid can eliminate these manual process and offer your organization the following benefits:

• Reduce Cost of Operations by automating trading partner relationships and removing manual processes
• Improve Customer Service by integrating internal applications with your trading partners, increasing sales improving responsiveness and customer satisfaction
• Increase Business Results by consolidating to a single global integration platform and removing expensive legacy systems
• Ease of Use by fitting into your existing IT environment so your organization will be up and running quickly

With a packaged connection to the Trading Grid, BizTalk Server connects your customers, suppliers and other trading partners to your critical decision-making systems. As a result, customers can seamlessly place an order in minutes versus hours or days. Your organization can now promise shipments and feel 100 percent comfortable that the goods will arrive on time. Your invoices will be processed automatically providing greater assurance for timely payments, so you can better manage cash flow. BizTalk Gateway enables you to eliminate manual processes, integrate business systems and increase business performance.

Features

BizTalk Server is a complete business integration solution that provides an easy way to integrate with one or thousands of your trading partners instantly. Built on the market-leading Microsoft technology, BizTalk Gateway is capable of real-time integration with your critical decision-making systems. BizTalk Server connects you with all your trading partners and significantly improves your business performance.

BizTalk Server is a truly unique offering that gives you the ability to:

• Meet Current and Future Customer Requirements – Can you support the next data format or communication protocol required by your customers? You may not be able to in-house, but GXS does. The GXS Trading Grid is a cutting edge business platform that’s constantly updated to support a broad range of B2B formats, protocols and standards. BizTalk Server’s direct integration with the Trading Grid ensures you will always be able to support new customer requirements. 
• Reach Any Trading Partner in the World – BizTalk Server gives you seamless integration to over 40,000 companies already connected to the GXS Trading Grid worldwide. GXS Trading Grid is the only global B2B integration platform that can support trading partners in every major economic market in the world from Asia Pacific to Latin America.
• Connect with Diverse Trading Partners – GXS Trading Grid gives your trading partners access to a variety of B2B trading capabilities, including Web Forms, Online Data Translation, Accounting Package Integration Adapters, and Direct ERP Integration tools. You can integrate with any trading partner in the world, no matter their size, location, language, or technical capabilities.