Saab Cars USA Receives Award for Innovation in E-Business
16 December 1999
Saab Cars USA Receives Award for Innovation in E-Business; Saab Only Automotive Manufacturer to Receive Honor
NORCROSS, Ga.--Dec. 15, 1999--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.