The GXS and Inovis merger completes

It's hard to argue with that: GXS Trading Grid and Inovisworks together represent more than $200 million in cumulative R&D since 2004, when the companies initiated the transition of traditional VANs (value-added networks) to service-orientated integration platforms, capable of high-value managed services. The combined organisation now has more than 40,000 direct customers, and covers a variety of industries, including automotive, consumer products, high-tech manufacturing, logistics and transportation. It also has operations in over 20 countries, making it a true worldwide provider, with a global feature set, and consistent services. "With this merger, our company will significantly advance its B2B e-commerce capabilities to serve our customers' integrated business networks in new and more impactful ways," says Segert. "By combining the managed services leadership, multi-national footprint and vast trading partner network of GXS with the application suites and deep retail experience from Inovis, we are optimally positioned to serve both large and small enterprises around the world. Going forward, GXS will continue to deliver B2B e-commerce solutions that will enable our customers to win in the marketplace," he conculdes. Interestingly, in a December 2009 report, 'The Impact of a GXS/Inovis Merger', analyst Forrester Research stated: "Most enterprises are looking for a wide range of integration solutions from a single vendor, and the ability to obtain these services via multiple channels – software licenses, managed services, SaaS-based software solutions, and cloud computing alternatives – is becoming increasingly important. GXS' and Inovis' combined resources will be able to deliver these types of flexible integration solutions better than either provider could on its own." Looks like third-party assisted B2B trading has truly come of age: stand by for rapid growth from the young pretenders.