ANDERSEN CONSULTING TO ADDRESS EXPLODING DEMAND FOR eBUSINESS INTEGRATION SOLUTONS.

Andersen Consulting, a global management and technology consultancy, announced that it is expanding its relationship with STC, a global provider of eBusiness integration (eBISM) packaged solutions. This alliance unites two players in the eBusiness market, and outlines a number of joint business development, education and co-development initiatives to help clients optimize their information infrastructures by leveraging eBI solutions.

With the recent proliferation of packaged applications such as supply chain management, customer relationship management, decision support, and eCommerce, along with the growth in corporate acquisition strategies, many companies are faced with highly disconnected IT infrastructures, impeding the seamless flow of information needed to enable true eBusiness. Andersen Consulting recognized the significance of this need for integration nearly two years ago, and has since maintained a relationship with STC, including an equity stake managed by AC Ventures. Jackson L. Wilson, managing general partner of AC Ventures, who was recently named to STC's board of directors, notes "We recognized that STC's proven product track record coupled with Andersen Consulting's eBusiness integration capabilities would create a powerful force in helping companies create their future in the new economy."

Solidifying the commitment to this relationship, STC's flagship product e*Gate Integrator, has been installed in Andersen Consulting's global solution centers to enable both joint development and delivery of eBI solutions. STC's eBusiness solutions have also been incorporated into Andersen Consulting's eCommerce training curriculum, which is being conducted globally and is a required part of the firm's eBusiness training curriculum.