CommerceNet is a global, nonprofit organization that has been evolving to meet the needs of companies doing electronic commerce since 1994. This community of influential e-commerce decision makers is over 700 strong, with a focus on business-to-business e-commerce worldwide. CommerceNet is uniquely poised to not only talk about e-commerce, but also to actively work in collaboration with industry executives, academia, entrepreneurs, and investors to promote and advance e-commerce globally. CommerceNet is the source of information, education, research, and inspiration for the unfolding e-commerce marketplace.
The CommerceNet charter includes the following goals:
Advise CommerceNet members of current/upcoming regulatory and legislative activities, in the international, federal, and state arenas, that will impede or enhance the growth of Internet commerce.
Develop recommended CommerceNet positions, working in conjunction with appropriate CommerceNet resources (task forces, members, staff, and so on).
Be an external voice through proactive advocacy and educational efforts, and communicate CommerceNet’s positions to appropriate government entities.
Cooperate with other advocacy organizations to amplify CommerceNet’s positions, when appropriate.
The entire enterprise is oriented toward the goal of making electronic commerce a superior alternative to paper-based commerce.
Participation in CommerceNet can take the form of full corporate member, for large organizations; however, this option may cost $60,000 per year. Associate memberships are available for as little as $8,000 annually for smaller businesses (those with less than $20 million in annual revenue).
For those who do not need or wish to participate as members of the CommerceNet consortium, subscriptions are available for $700 annually, with a $580 initiation fee. Subscribers are entitled to inclusion in CommerceNet directories and Internet software and information packages, among other benefits. Subscribers may also purchase Internet host services from third-party Internet Service Providers at special rates.
CommerceNet offers a forum for industry leaders to discuss issues and deploy pilot applications, and from these, to define standards and best business practices for using the Internet for electronic commerce. Through these efforts, CommerceNet will help this emerging industry evolve to common standards and practices so that users will see a seamless web of resources. Participating companies get additional assistance from CommerceNet, including the following:
Provides research on emerging e-commerce business and technology trends and developments
Offers networking opportunities with the key players in the market
Advocates consistent and appropriate public policy
Demonstrates and pilots projects to validate new models and concepts
Creates new business opportunities through promotion and partnerships providing mentoring opportunities with established leaders in electronic commerce
Promotes a framework that encompasses interoperability among developing electronic commerce standards and applications
Expands a company’s activities throughout the world by engaging local and regional organizations to establish regionally-based programs
Focuses on the support and expansion of a worldwide sponsorship that includes both end users and suppliers of technology
Another key benefit comes from CommerceNet’s influence on government and standards organizations. For example, CommerceNet is consulted by various organizations (including the White House) to represent the business and industry perspective of electronic commerce. This is your company’s opportunity to help define the next generation of electronic commerce and to ensure a consistent voice in the industry for its use and expansion.
Please see the following URL for more information: http://www.commerce.net/about/index.html#challenge.