Stories by Greg Dalton

Procurement sheds its ‘boring' image

Procurement sheds its ‘boring' image: Big bosses have traditionally paid little attention to their companies' purchasing departments. Why should they? Procurement was boring.

A Junk-Food Lover's Web Dream

Here comes the b-to-b doughnut exchange. Three corporate heavyweights teamed up on Wednesday to form a new Internet exchange for doughnuts and other junk food sold by those little convenience stores at gas stations.

Hey, Big Spender

Big bosses have traditionally paid little attention to their companies' purchasing departments. Why should they? Procurement was boring.

Aerospace Industry Lures Suppliers Online

Just as ford and general motors are attempting to lure their suppliers into their electronic playgrounds, aerospace companies are also getting into the act.

Ford Wins B-to-B Auction Race's First Stage

Ford Motor Co. was thumping its chest on Wednesday and bragging that it beat arch-rival General Motors in the race to have the first business-to-business auctions for the auto industry. Ford also said that its AutoXchange has enlisted Cisco Systems as a technology provider and equity owner.

Automakers Rev Up Web Strategies

It's fun to ogle the sleek concept cars that automakers parade at auto shows this time of year, but every enthusiast knows that they are largely objects of fantasy. The economics of mass production will tone down the voluptuous lines and bold colors until something sadly subdued rolls off the factory floor.

Wiring the Toolbelt Set

Anyone who has remodeled a home or built a new one almost certainly has horror stories about how difficult it is to get the kitchen cabinets, countertops and dishwasher all to arrive at the right time and place.

Microsoft Makes a VerticalNet Leap

Microsoft Corp. has gone vertical.

Can Exchanges Put Energy Into E-Commerce?

Ariba and Commerce One are falling all over each other these days announcing glistening new marketplaces for all sorts of big and dirty industries. The firms, which are two poster children of the business-to-business e-commerce craze, are building these virtual markets by courting corporate titans in the hope that these partners will be able to attract the deal flow necessary to bring the exchanges to life.

Heavy Metal: GM, Ford Strike Internet Deals

Two of the world's largest automakers are teaming with two of the most popular Internet service companies in an effort to reach customers on the Web and in their cars.