ONCE (Open Network for Commerce Exchange), le r?seau ouvert pour les ?changes commerciaux, rena

( BW)(WA-ONCE/W3NET) Open Network for Commerce Exchange -- ONCE -- is ''Reborn''

Business Editors

OLYMPIA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 8, 2005--Due to the undying resolve of a group of companies like BayanTrade, British Telecom, Pantavanij, Perfect Commerce, Quadrem, and W3Net, the Open Network for Commerce Exchange (ONCE) has been repurposed and "reborn." Originally founded in 2000 as the Global Web Trading Association (GTWA) with a focus on e-Marketplace growth and global interoperability, today ONCE is expanding its Mission and Membership base

According to ONCE Chairman, Tom Westbrook, President and CEO of W3Net, Ltd., "The new Mission of ONCE is to provide all companies dedicated to B2B e-Commerce a collaborative forum to advance, accelerate and advocate global online trade. Currently our Membership is represented by marketplaces, enterprises, software vendors and service providers in nine different countries throughout the World. We expect to be in 14 countries before year end." In line with its new Mission, ONCE has also set a new business agenda for 2005 and beyond.

"Our Members have been clear that their top priorities are for ONCE to provide a strong networking forum, be a compelling voice and advocate for B2B e-Commerce, and to be responsive to their business needs on demand," explains Westbrook.

"We will now be holding at least one global summit and two regional conferences annually where our Members can meet up with peers and business partners to share ideas, discuss hot topics, collaborate on standards and best practices, or to take on new and exciting projects. And, in mid June we will be launching our Advocacy program to promote our Members and to help grow and accelerate their business globally." Kicking off this renewal, ONCE recently concluded its 2005 Global Summit in Milan, Italy, hosted by Italian Member company i-Faber (www.1city.biz) and sponsored in part by Oracle.

Signaling the strength and continued support of its Members and extended B2B community, participating companies included such global leaders as Corning, Oracle and Accenture

"We are extremely pleased and honored to have hosted this successful global meeting for the New ONCE," explained i-Faber CEO, Paolo Cederle.

"ONCE is an important forum for participation by all companies conducting or supporting B2B"

To learn more about ONCE and how to take advantage of the benefits offered through Membership, visit the ONCE Website at www.connect-once.com or contact Thomas J. Westbrook, Chairman, ONCE; President/CEO, W3Net, Ltd., P.O. Box 2592, Yelm, WA 98597, Phone: 360-458-9800, e-mail: [email protected]

CONTACT: W3Net, Ltd Thomas J. Westbrook, 360-458-9800 [email protected]

KEYWORD: WASHINGTON Technology_IT

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MANUFACTURING OIL/GAS ENERGY COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS BANKING PRODUCT

SOURCE: ONCE