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Covisint upgrades document-sharing tool

Online marketplace Covisint introduced an enhancement Wednesday to its online application that allows carmakers and their suppliers to exchange documents related to orders, shipping and forecasts through a Web browser. The new version, called Supplier Connection 2.0, supports electronic document formats and procedures used regularly by European carmakers. Supplier Connection is an alternative to Electronic Data Interchange, which is used pervasively by automakers and their biggest suppliers, but is often too expensive for smaller suppliers, Covisint Product Manager Shawn Thomas said. Covisint has sold Supplier Connection to two companies, both North American automotive parts suppliers. The product is one of several online applications and services Covisint has released since Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler formed the marketplace in 2000. Covisint also hosts online auctions, electronic parts catalogs and applications for sharing inventory data, manufacturing schedules and automotive designs online.

Alorie Gilbert Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Alorie Gilbert
writes about software, spy chips and the high-tech workplace.
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Alorie Gilbert
Online marketplace Covisint introduced an enhancement Wednesday to its online application that allows carmakers and their suppliers to exchange documents related to orders, shipping and forecasts through a Web browser. The new version, called Supplier Connection 2.0, supports electronic document formats and procedures used regularly by European carmakers.

Supplier Connection is an alternative to Electronic Data Interchange, which is used pervasively by automakers and their biggest suppliers, but is often too expensive for smaller suppliers, Covisint Product Manager Shawn Thomas said. Covisint has sold Supplier Connection to two companies, both North American automotive parts suppliers. The product is one of several online applications and services Covisint has released since Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler formed the marketplace in 2000. Covisint also hosts online auctions, electronic parts catalogs and applications for sharing inventory data, manufacturing schedules and automotive designs online.