RosettaNet Launches Architecture Center of Excellence In Singapore.

SINGAPORE -- RosettaNet:

--Key Supporters Include Cisco Systems, GridNode, HP, IBM, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, Institute for Information Industry, Intel, Microsoft, Nanyang Polytechnic, NCS, Oracle and Singapore Computer Systems

RosettaNet, the global leader in e-business standards, announced the official launch of the RosettaNet Architecture Center of Excellence located in Singapore. The Center is a result of the collaboration between RosettaNet, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), as well as industry-leading organizations and high tech companies, and is aimed at building upon the consortium's resident architecture expertise.

This $1.4 million Architecture Center of Excellence will allow RosettaNet to provide greater focus on the emerging industry trends that can lead to more effective use of the standards by the community. Leveraging RosettaNet's proven methodology, this Center will investigate how enhancements to the architecture can promote increased global adoption, specifically amongst the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and also explore how leading edge technologies such as Web Services and RFID (radio frequency identification) can be incorporated into RosettaNet standards.

The Center will support the continued use of RosettaNet in hi-tech segments and adjacent verticals, and is expected to further drive business benefits including reduced inventory "days of supply" (e-logistics), improved cash flow (e-payment), accelerated time-to-mark (collaborative design), and overall improved supply chain visibility.

"As B2B industry infrastructure continues to mature, a greater number of emerging technologies and related frameworks are introduced into the marketplace. In creating the Center, we acknowledge that architecture is a critical element of the standard," said Herman Stiphout, president of RosettaNet. "This is a significant opportunity for RosettaNet to accelerate strategic consortium initiatives that drive worldwide adoption and implementation. In addition, the Center helps strengthens RosettaNet's footprint in Asia and drives continued collaboration with dynamic industry partners such as IDA, NYP, as well as our valued member community."

"IDA is pleased that RosettaNet has chosen Singapore to be the first location outside of the U.S. to house the Architecture Center. This signifies that Singapore has the necessary talent, infrastructure and business knowledge to help RosettaNet and industry partners further promote valuable e-business standards and solutions," remarked Mrs Tan Ching Yee, Chief Executive Officer, IDA.

"We are proud to support the establishment of this Center as it is in line with our role to develop capabilities in the area of IT-enabled business process integration. Local ICT companies will benefit by building new competencies and leveraging the expertise that this Center brings. The economy also benefits through the development of new capabilities in Singapore, thereby helping our manufacturing and logistics companies gain a competitive edge."

NYP will host the Center at its School of Information Technology, and provide resources to manage the operations and coordinate development work. Staff and students will have opportunities to engage in projects and capability development programs at the Center. Additional resources, such as on-loan architects, hardware and software, are being sponsored by Cisco Systems, GridNode, HP, IBM, Institute for Information Industry (III), Intel, Microsoft, NCS, Oracle, and Singapore Computer Systems (SCS).

"NYP is honored to have been selected to partner with RosettaNet in its continued efforts to develop and enhance its architecture," said Edward Ho, Deputy Principal/Technology at NYP. "This collaboration offers an excellent opportunity for NYP to work closely with the community of industry leaders as we strive to further develop our capabilities in the dynamic infocomm industry. It is indeed heartening to know that the standards developed from the RosettaNet Architecture Center of Excellence will be adopted on an industry-wide basis."

Initially, the RosettaNet Architecture Center of Excellence will include nine architects and a director, including Tin Aung Win of Nanyang Polytechnic as the Center director; Daniel D'Cotta, GridNode; Tay Hwee Kiang and Shishir Saxena, IBM; Raymund June-Ray Lin and Eric Tse-Ming Tsai, III; Mar Kheng Kok and Teo Yong King, Nanyang Polytechnic; Hau Koh Foo, NCS and another member from the Singapore Computer Systems. Ongoing, the team will cooperate with RosettaNet's Architecture Office, a subset of the consortium's global standards management organization, reporting directly in to Mr Paul Tearnen, vice president of standards management. The Center's staff will also regularly interface with members of RosettaNet's Architecture Advisory Committee (AAC), as well as Partners and staff.

In October 2004, a delegation representing the Architecture Center will travel to RosettaNet's corporate headquarters in the United States for a two month training program. Thereafter they will return to Singapore for hands-on application training in the Center.

"On behalf of the entire RosettaNet community, I would like to recognize the efforts of those who have helped to make the launch of this Center a reality," said Steven Yeo, RosettaNet Vice President of Asia, on loan from Intel. "The many players that have come together, including our host organizations, IDA and NYP, along with our sponsors, continue to demonstrate a commitment to the region and the continued evolution of RosettaNet."

Following the recent formation of the RosettaNet Architecture Advisory Committee (AAC), the new Center further underscores the Consortium's drive toward excellence in sustaining a world- class architecture framework. The AAC provides thought leadership, guidance and support for RosettaNet's ongoing architectural evolution. Member companies represented include Agilent Technologies, Cisco Systems, E2open, GridNode, HP, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Motorola, National Semiconductor, Siemens and Sony.

About RosettaNet

RosettaNet is a non-profit consortium dedicated to the collaborative development and rapid deployment of open, Internet-based business standards that align processes within the global trading network. More than 500 multinational and regional companies in the information technology, electronic components, semiconductor manufacturing and telecommunications industries participate in RosettaNet's strategic standards and services development. Fortune 1000 companies worldwide have implemented RosettaNet standards, conducting B2B operations that value billions in annual revenues.

RosettaNet is one of the industry's most ambitious standards implementation efforts spanning the globe. To date, the consortium has established several regional affiliate organizations -- in the Americas, Australia, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan -- giving a voice to various business economies seeking to adopt and influence RosettaNet's global standards. Information on RosettaNet's worldwide activities, including a complete list of member companies and participating organizations, is available at www.rosettanet.org. RosettaNet is a subsidiary of the Uniform Code Council, Inc.(R) (UCC(R)).

About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing infocommunications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies. For more information, visit www.ida.gov.sg.

About Nanyang Polytechnic

Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) is a premier tertiary institution in Singapore that offers quality education and training in engineering, information technology, design, business management, health sciences and chemical & life sciences. With the mission to prepare its graduates for life and work, NYP has continuously been involved in capability development of its students and staff. The Polytechnic does this by engaging in numerous projects with industry and in applied R&D to keep pace with developments and advances of the industry.

NYP's strong partnership with industry players built over the years has resulted in the setting up of specialist Centers such as the NYP-Microsoft .NET Mobility Solution Center, the NYP-IBM Web Innovation Zone, NYP-Cisco Interoperability Verification Test Lab, NYP-Cisco IP Convergence Lab and the NYP-Software AG XML Center of Competency. These Centers serve to support the industry in leading technology applications development. As a value-added service to the industry, NYP conducts an array of specialist and customized training programmes for organisations and working professionals. For more information, visit www.nyp.edu.sg.