SciQuest extends relationship with Merck, launches two new solutions
SciQuest has expanded its contract with Merck to accelerate the deployment of the Merck Marketplace, an internal Merck laboratory supply e-commerce initiative. Under the terms of the agreement, SciQuest will deploy its solutions to the desktops of Merck's scientists throughout 2001. Specific terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"These new technologies are allowing operational efficiencies for Merck's electronic purchasing initiative," said Dan Nardi, Director of Development and Production Procurement at Merck Global Procurement. "The SciQuest application, integration and execution services have helped us make meaningful progress."
In a separate release, SciQuest announced the launch of its Chromatogram Library. The library is an online application database and contains thousands of chromatograms. The program is designed to enable scientists to search for chromatograms from their desktop. The database is also indexed to column trade names, including 3,600 column types representing approximately 90,000 columns from more than 100 suppliers.
"The SciQuest Chromatogram Library is a comprehensive and easy to use research tool that allows our customers to do a search from their desktop in minutes, which in the past involved comparisons with numerous catalogs or Web sites," said Holland Jordan, Director of Science at SciQuest. "We know the daily challenges of chromatographers and are excited to offer this new resource. At SciQuest, we are committed to bringing a growing portfolio of technology solutions to the marketplace which will give the scientists more time for science and reduce time required searching for the materials they need."
SciQuest also announced that it has released SmartStore, a hosted e-commerce solution, designed to allow suppliers of scientific products to transact business directly with customers through their Web sites using SciQuest's technology platform.
The SmartStore platform is designed to allow suppliers to build their own Web storefront to capture sales revenue beyond the SciQuest private e-marketplaces for buyers. Those suppliers that have already created their own e-commerce sites also can use the solution to improve the performance and adaptability of their own Web-based marketplace.
The SmartStore platform is designed to provide suppliers with the ability to accelerate time to market and implement solutions within weeks; reduce the risk of implementation; save deployment and maintain costs; and integrate with customers' procurement applications and systems.
"SciQuest has transformed its business model from a 'virtual distributor' to a provider of technology-based solutions for scientific buyers and suppliers," said Stephen Wiehe, CEO of SciQuest. "With the acquisition of EMAX Solutions and its enterprise asset management software last year, we began the expansion of our technology-based solutions portfolio. SmartStore is another example of our commitment to offering the research industry the most robust and proven technology solutions that make e-commerce work for science."