Saab only automotive manufacturer to receive honor
Norcross, GA - Saab Cars USA, Inc. has been recognized as one of the Top 100 most innovative users of e-business information technology by CM's InformationWeek magazine. The "InformationWeek E-Business 100" is the first time InformationWeek has recognized companies achieving overall excellence in e-business initiatives. Saab Cars USA, Inc. is the only automotive manufacturer recognized by the publication.
All nominations were assessed and evaluated by analysts from Hurwitz Group, a consulting and research firm specializing in strategic e-business and IT initiatives, as well as InformationWeek researchers and editors. Hurwitz Group specifically reviewed these companies' e-business strategies for their ability to execute their vision, integrate business and technology, and be innovative in e-business initiatives.
Saab Cars USA, Inc. is credited by industry observers as deploying the first sales-side extranet. Saab's e-business infrastructure is one of five key corporate initiatives to ensure customer satisfaction. The effort has contributed to a 35 percent increase in sales in the U.S. market.
"Being recognized by InformationWeek magazine as being one of the leading innovators in e-business is a great honor," said Joel Manby, CEO of Saab Cars USA, Inc. "As we look forward to 2000, we will continue to dramatically increase our e-business capabilities to further ensure customer satisfaction."
In 1999, Saab Cars USA, Inc. installed a Java-based computerized retailer information system at 225 dealerships and 20 service points in North America. This upgrade provides easy- to-use graphical access to parts and repair orders, as well as a variety of financial information located on both mainframe and midrange systems.
"We would like to thank our IT vendors who have helped support our e-business initiatives," said Jerry Rode, Director of Information Systems at Saab Cars USA, Inc., "most notably IBM and Jacada for providing a powerful e-business infrastructure. Jacada for Java, used in conjunction with Lotus Domino, has extended Saab's proven business rules and best practices throughout our enterprise to allow retailers to easily navigate through multiple systems and databases for parts, service, sales or financial information," he said.
The December 13th issue of InformationWeek includes the complete list of the Top 100 e-Business companies. The list can also be found at www.informationweek.com.
"All companies making the E-Business 100 exemplify three overarching characteristics essential to e-business successÑstrong leadership, business vision, and the capability to execute on strategy," said Judith Hurwitz, president and CEO of Hurwitz Group.
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