Launch of Rosettanet in Singapore - Singapore Manufacturers to Use Global Process Standards to Facilitate Business-to-Business Online Communication

Singapore manufacturers and their supply chain partners will soon be able to tap into global process standards that promise cost efficiency and ease of online communication through a common e-business language, called RosettaNet. The RosettaNet standards will be pervasively...

Singapore, 29 September 2000 | For Immediate Release

Singapore manufacturers and their supply chain partners will soon be able to tap into global process standards that promise cost efficiency and ease of online communication through a common e-business language, called RosettaNet. The RosettaNet standards will be pervasively used in the semiconductor manufacturing, electronic components and information technology industries.

According to a preliminary study conducted by Boston Consulting Group in September 2000, Business-to-Business (B2B) commerce is expected to hit US$4.8 trillion worldwide by 2004. The launch of RosettaNet in Singapore is therefore timely.

Based in the United States, RosettaNet is an independent, self-funded, non-profit consortium of major Information Technology (IT) and E-Commerce (EC) companies. The consortium aims to develop a common e-business language and align electronic business interface processes between IT and EC supply chain partners on a global basis. Over 300 companies representing over US$1 trillion in annual IT and EC revenues currently participate in RosettaNet's standards development, strategy and implementation activities.

According to Ms Jennifer Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of RosettaNet, the evolution of EC has changed the way businesses work and communicate. By establishing standard processes for the electronic sharing of business information, RosettaNet opens the channels of communication and a world of opportunities for all parties in the supply chain. "RosettaNet-adopting companies will gain efficiencies, increased productivity and flexible trading partner relationships. End-users enjoy speed and uniformity in purchasing decisions," said Ms Hamilton. "The fact that Singapore is aggressively pursuing common e-business processes is a logical next step. Singapore government and companies have played a leadership role in accelerating E-Commerce in the region, and they are now gaining significant momentum in driving the adoption of global RosettaNet standards. Their involvement will benefit companies’ worldwide implementation of RosettaNet standards," she added.

"The manufacturing sector is one of the main engines driving the growth of Singapore, and it contributes 25 percent to our annual GDP. With things moving so rapidly, we are looking for quantum leaps and the establishment of RosettaNet in Singapore will help us propel the manufacturing sector further into the world of e-business. In addition, RosettaNet is a good example of an industry-driven initiative under IDA's Infocomm21 blueprint," said Dr Kaizad Heerjee, Assistant Chief Executive, Online Development, IDA.

RosettaNet Singapore, an industry-driven consortium will comprise members of the Steering Committee, Supply Chain partners, Solutions Partners and Coalition Partners. It is facilitated by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and supported by the Continuous Acquisition for Life Cycle Support (CALS) Association¹.

A Protem Committee for RosettaNet Singapore is made up of representatives from 10 established MNCs. These are Agilent Technologies, Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, Compaq, Hewlett Packard, Intel, Molex, Motorola, ON Semiconductor, STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments. The Protem Committee is working on the formation of RosettaNet Singapore's Steering Committee and will be recommending a road map, which includes setting up a Competency Centre, a one-stop technology hub where members can obtain information on RosettaNet Standards and training, as well as the use of its facilities.

"For a start, RosettaNet Singapore will promote and implement RosettaNet process standards in the manufacturing community. It will facilitate the review of global standards and ensure that local concerns are heard and addressed. We are pleased to note that to-date, 20 companies in Singapore have indicated their interest to participate in RosettaNet's standards implementation activities," said Mr Casey Teo, Chairman, RosettaNet Singapore, Protem Committee.

For more information on how to participate in RosettaNet Singapore, please contact Mr Wong Kim Siong, Online Development of the IDA, at Tel: 6211-0339, or email at cals-spore@post1.com.

ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
About RosettaNet

RosettaNet is an independent, self-funded, non-profit consortium dedicated to the development and deployment of standard electronic business interfaces to align the processes between supply chain partners on a global basis. Launched in June 1998, RosettaNet is currently in the pilot phase of its implementation cycle. More than 300 companies representing over US$1 trillion in annual information technology and electronic component revenues currently participate in RosettaNet's standards development, strategy and implementation activities.

About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore

The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre. For more information, visit www.imda.gov.sg.

¹About Continuous Acquisition for Life Cycle Support (CALS Association)

The CALS Association (Singapore)'s theme is "To build on-line capability to support collaborative commerce". Direction of this association is to be more project-focused by working together with industry and serves as a platform to encourage industry participation. CALS Association Singapore will: (1) Continue to promote standards, policies and life-cycle management strategies; (2) Focus on key industries: manufacturing, construction, logistics and retail; (3) Organise industry for brain-storming and feedback of ideas; and (4) Facilitate possible commercial tie-ups amongst companies.

For media clarifications, please contact:

Ms Jennifer Toh
Assistant Manger, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: (65) 6211-0508
Fax: (65) 6211-2227
Email: jennifer_toh@imda.gov.sg

or

Ms Julia Lai
Citigate Dewe Rogerson, i.MAGE Pte Ltd for IDA
Tel: (65) 6534-5122 / 9574-7417 (Pager)
Fax: (65) 6534-4171a

Press Contact for RosettaNet:

Ms Paula Brici
Lages & Associates for RosettaNet
Tel: US (949) 453-8080
Email: paula@lages.com