Homepoint Launches Business-To-Business Internet Solution For The Home Furnishings Industry, Powered By Interworld

Furniture World Magazine

InterWorld Corporation (NASDAQ: INTW), a leading provider of Enterprise Commerce software solutions for manufacturers, distributors and retailers, announced the recent launch of HomePoint Corporation's business-to-business extranet for home furnishings on the Web. HomePoint's Advantage Network, located at www.homepointadvantage.com, took InterWorld only 35 days to implement. The industry average time for a mission-critical implementation is anywhere between 3-6 months, according to industry analysts. The HomePoint Advantage e-business solution integrates an affiliated dealer network, consumer Web site, and an exclusive extranet that is based on InterWorld's Commerce Exchange 3.0 software. By integrating the three channels, HomePoint creates a synergy that increases efficiency and productivity within the home furnishings industry. Additionally, the network synchronizes delivery channels and localizes delivery scheduling, ultimately reducing freight costs from returned items. Through HomePoint's Advantage Network, customers also benefit from increased selection, convenience and improved online customer service. Finally, InterWorld has also provided integration with Peoplesoft, HomePoint's back-office system, through its partnership with Active Software. "InterWorld's Enterprise Commerce solution will allow HomePoint to rapidly grow its HomePoint Advantage Network for furniture dealers. It is a scalable solution with an architecture that supports rapid enhancements -- two very important factors for an organization experiencing growth at HomePoint's rate," said Barbara Jessen-White, CIO of HomePoint. "We're excited to help propel HomePoint toward the next generation of Enterprise Commerce by integrating their online processes with their suppliers, customers and partners," said Jeremy Davis, president and CEO of InterWorld. "To meet HomePoint's business-to-business needs, our Commerce Exchange 3.0 software was implemented without custom programming, which further illustrates the extensive out-of-the-box functionality of our solution."