CarrierPoint Delivers Rapid-Integration Capabilities to its Web-Based Logistics Management tools
The OMSI toolkit provides rapidly-deployed, flexible-integration capabilities between CarrierPoint's logistics solutions and customers' legacy or packaged systems. Using a platform- and technology-independent architecture, the toolkit provides a number of options for integration that can be chosen based on the customers' existing technology infrastructure and talent.
The OMSI toolkit employs secure communications, authentication services and guaranteed message delivery, yet can be implemented and maintained by customer personnel without the assistance of in-house Internet technology experts. The toolkit utilizes industry-leading Internet communication and security technology to enable a platform- and language-independent API (Application Programming Interface) through which the customer interacts with CarrierPoint. This allows a simple, low-cost link to CarrierPoint's logistics solutions. Although the toolkit can also be used in conjunction with third-party integration tools or EDI systems, they are not required for its use.
According to an industry-wide survey performed by the Journal of Commerce, in which Optimum Logistics and Mercer Management Consulting analyze how Internet technology will transform the global supply chain, integration costs and complexities are often cited as obstacles to the adoption of Internet technology. Of the respondents not using the Internet, 25-30 percent cite upfront costs, including integration with legacy systems, as an obstacle to adopting Internet technology. In addition, half of those not yet using the Internet plan to use the Internet for their logistics needs within 12 months, if their needs, including integration issues, are addressed.
"CarrierPoint recognizes and understands customer hesitation when it comes to integration efforts; this toolkit has been developed to address that reluctance," said Wendy Tacker, CarrierPoint's manager of integration services. "Companies have developed substantial in-house IT expertise over the years, and, understandably, want to utilize these talents to the fullest. CarrierPoint's OMSI toolkit provides substantial flexibility in this area. Our approach to addressing integration issues has been very well received by our customers. They seem relieved and impressed that we do not talk about expensive third-party integration packages or consulting engagements. We come prepared with some real-world alternatives that they can employ and maintain as part of their normal processes, and find a solution that can be realistically deployed. This product is a powerful enabling adjunct to our Web-based logistics tools."
CarrierPoint's OMSI toolkit can be used to integrate a customer's system with any of CarrierPoint's logistics solutions, and can be used with various platforms and operating systems, including OS/400, Sun Solaris, Microsoft NT and Linux. The toolkit can also be used regardless of the way in which the customer has implemented a CarrierPoint solution - as a private licensed installation, hosted solution or ASP installation. About CarrierPoint
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, CarrierPoint is a leading provider of Web-based logistics software, supplying applications that allow shippers and carriers to communicate in real time. Through the use of leading-edge technology, advanced communications and data warehousing technology, CarrierPoint Web-enables the entire load tendering process for both contract and spot market shipments, thus greatly improving operating efficiencies in the transportation procurement process. CarrierPoint's value-added logistics application suite and toolset is available through licensing of the software or in an ASP format. For more information about CarrierPoint, visit its Web site at www.carrierpoint.com.
CONTACT: For CarrierPoint, Inc., Atlanta | Littman & Associates Public Relations | Mindy Littman, 770/447-5471 | mlittman@aol.com