Saab Cars USA Receives Award for Innovation in E-Business
15 December 1999
Saab Cars USA Receives Award for Innovation in E-Business; Saab Only Automotive Manufacturer to Receive Honor
NORCROSS, Ga., Dec. 14 -- Saab Cars USA, Inc. has been
recognized as one of the Top 100 most innovative users of e-business
information technology by CMP's InformationWeek magazine. The
"InformationWeek E-Business 100" is the first time InformationWeek has
recognized companies achieving overall excellence in e-business initiatives.
Saab Cars USA, Inc. is the only automotive manufacturer recognized by the
publication.
All nominations were assessed and evaluated by analysts from Hurwitz
Group, a consulting and research firm specializing in strategic e-business and
IT initiatives, as well as InformationWeek researchers and editors. Hurwitz
Group specifically reviewed these companies' e-business strategies for their
ability to execute their vision, integrate business and technology, and be
innovative in e-business initiatives.
Saab Cars USA, Inc. is credited by industry observers as deploying the
first sales-side extranet. Saab's e-business infrastructure is one of five
key corporate initiatives to ensure customer satisfaction. The effort has
contributed to a 35 percent increase in sales in the U.S. market.
"Being recognized by InformationWeek magazine as being one of the leading
innovators in e-business is a great honor," said Joel Manby, CEO of Saab Cars
USA, Inc. "As we look forward to 2000, we will continue to dramatically
increase our e-business capabilities to further ensure customer satisfaction."
In 1999, Saab Cars USA, Inc. installed a Java-based computerized retailer
information system at 225 dealerships and 20 service points in North America.
This upgrade provides easy-to-use graphical access to parts and repair orders,
as well as a variety of financial information located on both mainframe and
midrange systems.
"We would like to thank our IT vendors who have helped support our
e-business initiatives," said Jerry Rode, Director of Information Systems at
Saab Cars USA, Inc. "Most notably IBM and Jacada for providing a powerful
e-business infrastructure," he said.
"Jacada for Java, used in conjunction with Lotus Domino, has extended
Saab's proven business rules and best practices throughout our enterprise to
allow retailers to easily navigate through multiple systems and databases for
parts, service, sales or financial information."
The December 13th issue of InformationWeek includes the complete list of
the Top 100 e-Business companies. The list can also be found at
http://www.informationweek.com .
"All companies making the E-Business 100 exemplify three overarching
characteristics essential to e-business success -- strong leadership, business
vision, and the capability to execute on strategy," said Judith Hurwitz,
president and CEO of Hurwitz Group.
About Saab Cars USA, Inc.
Saab Cars USA, Inc. is the importer of Saab 9-5 and 9-3 automobiles and is
headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, near Atlanta.
About Jacada Ltd.
Founded in 1990, Jacada Ltd. develops, markets, and supports a family of
e-business infrastructure solutions that enable businesses to utilize their
existing host-centric software applications to conduct business over the
Internet. The company operates globally with headquarter offices in Atlanta,
Georgia; Herzliya, Israel; and London, UK. Jacada can be reached at
http://www.jacada.com or at 1-800-773-9574.
About Hurwitz Group
Hurwitz Group, a consulting and research firm providing advice and
assistance with e-business and IT initiatives, is recognized for its close
working relationships with clients and a focus on business realities. Hurwitz
Group clients include Fortune 2000 IT organizations as well as business-to-
business software and services vendors. Hurwitz Group strategists leverage
research from the company's knowledge centers to provide clients with a range
of services, including market development and positioning strategies,
enterprise technology strategies, and custom consulting.