PURCHASING NOTES

By Staff -- Purchasing, 10/19/2000

Dell Computer has cut prices in the U.S. on select models of its OptiPlex desktop PCs.

Dell Computer has cut prices in the U.S. on select models of its OptiPlex desktop PCs. The OptiPlex GX110, featuring the Intel Pentium III processor, is now available starting at $799, while the entry-level OptiPlex GX100, featuring the Intel Celeron processor, starts at $599.

U.S. businesses are investing as much as 20% of their total IT spending on Internet-enabling services, personnel and systems,

U.S. businesses are investing as much as 20% of their total IT spending on Internet-enabling services, personnel and systems, according to new research by Cahners In-Stat Group, Scottsdale, Ariz. "Over the past two years, U.S. businesses have been diligently building for e-business, using Y2K as an opportunity to begin transitioning from traditional offline business practices to those that leverage the Web," says Kneko Burney, director of e-business infrastructure and services research. "Though this transition is certainly not complete in 2000, it won't be long before all business is e-business, driving IT spending continually upward."

IBM is offering some of its computer products designed for midsize businesses through the Works.com marketplace:

IBM is offering some of its computer products designed for midsize businesses through the Works.com marketplace: ThinkPad notebooks, Intellistation workstations, NetVista PCs, monitors and printers. Works.com is made up of a purchasing management service integrated with an e-marketplace of indirect business goods. The purchasing management service allows customers to automate and streamline the purchasing process-from request and approval to ordering, tracking and reporting. Works.com strategic partners include Merrill Lynch and W.W. Grainger.

Hewlett-Packard, Intel, IBM and NEC are providing equipment and funding to the Open Source Development Lab,

Hewlett-Packard, Intel, IBM and NEC are providing equipment and funding to the Open Source Development Lab, a non-profit lab for developers who are adding enterprise capabilities to Linux. The lab, currently under formation, is expected to provide open-source developers with a centralized enterprise development environment for sharing ideas and innovations. The lab, based near Portland, Ore., will open by the end of the year.

The worldwide help-desk market is on pace to reach $1.3 billion in 2000, an increase of 30% over 1999 revenue of $992 million,

The worldwide help-desk market is on pace to reach $1.3 billion in 2000, an increase of 30% over 1999 revenue of $992 million, according to Dataquest. The market is projected to maintain double-digit growth through 2004, when revenue is expected to top $3.3 billion. Computer Associates led the market in 1999 with 40% market share. IBM holds 15% of the market.

International Computer Negotiations holds its Advanced Procurement Strategies

International Computer Negotiations holds its Advanced Procurement Strategies annual summit for high-tech purchasing professionals Oct. 25-27, 2000, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. For information, call ICN at 407-740-0700 or visit www.dobetterdeals.com.

Quaker Oats has saved 10% on a recent purchase of computer equipment and services through a consortium bid

Quaker Oats has saved 10% on a recent purchase of computer equipment and services through a consortium bid that leveraged the combined buying power of five customers using the FreeMarkets B2B eMarketplace (PUR: Mar. 23, '00; p. S22). The companies consolidated their purchases of such standard computer equipment as desktop and notebook PCs, printers and peripherals, and IT support. "Quaker Oats' global operations depend on state-of-the-art technology and services," says Carl Curry, vice president of integrated purchasing and logistics. "The FreeMarkets consortium bid provided us with a platform for sourcing the high-quality products and services our locations around the world need at substantial savings by leveraging the power of other large buyers."

Software suppliers are turning to support and integration services as a way to get closer to their customers and as a revenue generator

Software suppliers are turning to support and integration services as a way to get closer to their customers and as a revenue generator, reports IDC. "As margins in both hardware and software markets shrink and product differentiation diminishes at an increasing rate, suppliers are looking to service offerings to provide greater margins as well as a basis of differentiation," says Ana Volpi, senior analyst for IDC's Software Support and Integration Services research. As the nature of software support and integration shifts, the market's worldwide revenues will increase from $35.2 billion in 1999 to almost $71 billion in 2004. Predictive/preventive maintenance is growing the fastest, with a 1999-2004 compound annual growth rate of 33%.