Melinda Mattei, USWeb/CKS, 650/-558-0890
[email protected]
Molly Chen, OneSoft Corporation, 703/821-9190 x 2351
[email protected]
USWeb/CKS Selects OneSoft�s OneCommerce as Core Application for iAMcommerce Service
Groundbreaking strategic alliance with OneSoft delivers �future-ready� managed e-Commerce service
San Francisco - December 9, 1999 - USWeb/CKS (Nasdaq: USWB), the leader in Internet professional services, today announced a groundbreaking strategic alliance with OneSoft�, a leading provider of Internet commerce solutions. Under the agreement, USWeb/CKS will license OneSoft�s OneCommerce� as the core application for the USWeb/CKS Internet Application Manager for e-Commerce (iAMcommerce�). The unique structure and terms of the agreement allow iAMcommerce to scale in real-time to provide a �future-ready� solution for customers. The alliance also includes joint marketing, sales and training programs, as well as the creation of a joint technology lab.
iAMcommerce is the first offering in the USWeb/CKS Internet Application Management System, or iAMsystem� family of services. iAMsystem is a set of managed business applications and services that is being developed, and will be deployed and managed on the USWeb/CKS Internet framework, or iFrame�. iAMcommerce also includes the full spectrum of USWeb/CKS Internet professional services, from strategic consulting and branding to custom technology integration, to deliver a �concept-to-cash� e-Commerce solution that maximizes recurring Time-to-Value for customers. More information about iAMcommerce can be found in the related press release issued today titled, �USWeb/CKS Introduces iAMcommerce � New Managed Service Rapidly Delivers Fully Customized E-Commerce Solutions.�
The pricing structure of iAMcommerce allows customers to pay only for actual, not potential usage. This means that as a business grows, so does its eCommerce solution � in real-time. To enable this, USWeb/CKS uses the iFrame infrastructure to dynamically allocate processors to customers as their site traffic increases, delivering instant capacity growth. This also saves customers money, as they can pay at the end of each month only for the number of processors used and do not have to stockpile resources in anticipation of spikes in site traffic. This kind of �pay-as-you-grow� service is available because USWeb/CKS and OneSoft have reached an innovative alliance agreement that supports this usage-based model.
�The strategic alliances we create are core to Managed Services� business strategy,� said Alex Hawkinson executive vice president of USWeb/CKS Managed Services. �Unlike many of our competitors who are in a race to see how many marketing-driven ISV �partnerships� they can announce, we build alliances that will become extensions of our value proposition to our customers. OneSoft was the natural choice for our iAMcommerce service, not only because of their product�s extensible, scalable, standards-based architecture, but because OneSoft shares our vision of delivering software as a service to clients.�
"Our alliance represents a key component of our corporate strategy, allowing us to provide our best-of-breed XML-based Internet commerce applications to USWeb/CKS customers worldwide as an extensible commercial service offering,� said Jim MacIntyre, chairman and CEO of OneSoft. �We believe that USWeb/CKS is positioned to provide a superior level of service, convenience and business flexibility to iAMcommerce powered by OneSoft customers.�
Extensible OneCommerce Solution Powers iAMcommerce
OneSoft�s OneCommerce solution delivers the power of Extensible Internet Commerce�. The XML-enabled OneCommerce software, with its patent-pending, component-based architecture allows commerce sites to rapidly adapt and scale in response to business and technology change. OneCommerce is based on OS.XML�, a complete framework for Internet business. OS.XML enables OneCommerce to integrate with the business applications required to support the complete business process.
With the component-based architecture of OneCommerce, companies can flexibly configure the solution to match their individual e-Commerce strategies. OneCommerce enables all phases of the on-line business process, from marketing, selling, processing, and supporting through to business optimization. In addition, OneCommerce delivers capabilities including Dynamic Personalization�, catalog management and content merchandizing that enable sites to attract and retain customers through the delivery of compelling, personalized experiences. And Role-Centric Workstations� put control of Internet commerce site content and information directly in the hands of non-technical business managers.
Developed natively for the Microsoft platform, OneCommerce is designed to operate in a managed services environment and is a natural fit for USWeb/CKS� iFrame. iFrame is USWeb/CKS� Microsoft-based standardized architecture for developing, deploying and managing all USWeb/CKS iAMsystem services, including iAMcommerce. To enable easy integration with new and existing business systems, both iFrame and OneCommerce are based on an open industry standard, Extensible Markup Language (XML) � widely regarded as an important data interchange format for the Web.
Joint Training, Support and Marketing Foster Market Penetration
USWeb/CKS and OneSoft have committed resources to train USWeb/CKS developer, customer service and sales professionals throughout the duration of the agreement, many of whom are expected to be trained by June of 2000. In addition, USWeb/CKS will work with OneSoft to develop worldwide sales and marketing programs involving both companies� field organizations to support the rollout of iAMcommerce.
The companies will also work closely together to support iAMcommerce customers. USWeb/CKS Managed Services will provide a front-line single point of contact for all iAMcommerce customer support requests � from training and help-desk inquiries to additional custom design and integration. Dedicated OneSoft support representatives will support USWeb/CKS to provide speedy, satisfactory resolution to all technical inquiries from customers.
About OneSoft Corporation
OneSoft Corporation is a leading provider of Internet commerce software and vertical market solutions for enterprise customers worldwide. OneSoft Corporation develops, markets, and licenses its software to companies in the retail, direct marketing, manufacturing, media/entertainment, and distribution industries. OneSoft delivers smart Internet commerce software products and solutions that automate the development and growth of enterprise customer relationships, resulting in increased revenues, decreased costs, and greater profit potential and shareholder value. Founded in 1995, OneSoft Corporation is headquartered in Northern Virginia's "technology corridor" with additional offices in New York and Los Angeles. The company can be reached at 800/687-0971 or www.onesoft.com.
About USWeb/CKS
USWeb/CKS (Nasdaq: USWB) seeks to transform businesses in the digital economy and create sustainable market leadership for its clients. As the leading Internet professional services firm, USWeb/CKS has created a new standard for success in the digital economy � Time-to-Value. Time-to-Value means USWeb/CKS applies its extensive insight, experience and scale to deliver breakthrough results quickly. The Company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with more than 4,000 professionals in 13 countries around the world. Additional information about USWeb/CKS is available by calling 415/284-7070.
This press release contains �forward-looking statements� (as defined under securities laws) regarding the expected performance and capabilities of OneCommerce, iAMcommerce, iAMsystem and iFrame, including the benefits of these products and services to our clients. Our actual results, and the results of our clients, may differ materially and adversely from those discussed in this press release. Key factors that could cause such a difference include, without limitation, risks associated with the introduction of new product and service offerings and technical challenges associated with the implementation of such offerings. For additional factors that may affect our business, see the documents filed by us with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
OneSoft, the OneSoft logo and all OneSoft product names are trademarks of the OneSoft corporation. USWeb/CKS and the USWeb/CKS logo, iFrame, iAMsystem and iAMcommerce are trademarks of USWeb Corporation in the U.S. and certain other countries.