New player seeks to ease integration woes for large retailers
A new on-demand technology platform from newcomer n2N Commerce Inc. aims to integrate large retailers' direct operations better and less expensively than what's currently available.
The platform integrates e-commerce, call center and order management applications. It employs Web 2.0 technology and personalization techniques to enable retailers to create unique branded consumer experiences across channels.
Based on research conducted by Cambridge, MA-based n2N with 20 large multichannel retailers, most currently have homegrown systems.
The retailers' choices for integration include expensive packaged applications, maintaining custom code or comprising business requirements through a hosted service.
N2N hopes to fill its needs with an on-demand offering that promises a continuous flow of innovation and reduced operating costs.
One of the company's first customers is Victoria's Secret Direct, which is scheduled to go live with n2N's software in the second half of 2007.
Victoria's Secret's parent Limited Brands Inc. is an investor in n2N. Venture capital firm General Catalyst Partners has also invested in n2N. The company's initial financing is $30 million.
By employing n2N's on-demand service, the lingerie retailer expects to be able to implement new business practices, drive down operating costs and have access to the latest technologies and applications.
