Sizing up the E-Biz Landscape

COMPANY: AOL/NETSCAPE
WHAT THEY OFFER HOW IT STACKS UP
CommerceXpert suite of server- The suite is comprehensive,
software products, priced from though not easily customized.
$75,000 to 250,000, lets a AOL's 14 million customers will
company set up shop online and help draw people to the portal.
swap information between Sun's distribution of the software
employers and suppliers while through its 7,000 salespeople
automating business tasks also gives it a broad reach. Still,
such as inventory management. Netscape is designed primarily
Netcenter business portal to work on Sun's heavy-duty
provides a virtual trading arena. Unix software.
COMPANY: MICROSOFT
WHAT THEY OFFER HOW IT STACKS UP
Windows NT-based programs Not as complete an offering as
help companies on a range Netscape's, and Unix is seen as
of E-commerce fronts, from better able to handle scads of
setting up a storefront to transactions. But the thousands
running a Web site. They work of Windows developers give
with Microsoft Backoffice companies a wide variety of
software for heavy-duty jobs software choices and knowhow.
and with software from Microsoft's MSN.com portal site
1,300 partners. Costs also gives retailers an outlet
range from $25,000 to to bring in customers, though
more than $1 million. it trails AOL's reach.
COMPANY: IBM
WHAT THEY OFFER HOW IT STACKS UP
Much like Microsoft, IBM's IBM's software works on a
Net.commerce helps companies variety of computers, including
set up shop online and handle different flavors of Unix and
orders. Software and services Windows NT. Has established
can then be added from about clients in many industries. Still,
1,000 IBM partners. Costs run IBM lacks the portal piece to help
from $25,000 to $10 million. merchants reach more customers.