Compiled byTim Stevens Buyers of direct and indirect industrial products and materials can automatically search hundreds of e-marketplaces with the help of ViniShopper from Vinimaya Inc., Tarrytown, N.Y. Users enter keywords to search for products, specifications, and vendors. The company's proprietary intelligent agent technology is then applied to locate individual vendor sites, trading exchanges, auction sites, and other trading communities. Results include real-time pricing, availability, product specifications, sources, sizes, and packaging. Buyers can link directly to the seller's Web site to complete the online purchase, or submit multiple RFPs or RFQs (Request for Prices/Quotations) for different quantities and specifications. The application's directory currently contains around 500 e-marketplaces, and users can add other sites and suppliers of their choosing. Product/market segments covered include chemicals, office supplies, computers, electronic components, machine tools, MRO, medical equipment, construction, industrial equipment, and laboratory equipment.
