WO2001097099A1 - Interactive on line business network - Google Patents

Abstract

An interactive on line information exchange and/or trading network for a potentially unlimited number of remote participants in a predetermined field of activity, the network being arranged so as to allow the remote participants to communicate with one or more other remote participants in the same field of activity and wherein the other remote participants may be selected from one or more of storage and or transport providers, producers, distributors, wholesalers, consumers, importers, retailers and the like; and wherein there is provided a first web site through which said remote participants communicate to access a central network provider and at least a second web site accessible from said first web site; said central provider enabling communication between at least one said remote participants and at least one other said remote participants.

Description

INTERACTIVE ON LINE BUSINESS NETWORK BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to on line interactive communications and trade network and more particularly relates to a system and method for business networking which links one or more participants in a particular filed of endeavor to a host website and/or to associated websites for the purpose of exchange of business data, transactions, information and the like related to the field of endeavor. More particularly the system and method of the invention provides an opportunity for one remote participant to interact with other remote participants within the network to engage in transfer of information relating to a selected field, of endeavor or trade in goods and/or services connected with the field. Although the invention in all its forms will be described with particular reference to its application to the global wine industry, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the invention may be applied to a variety of industries and trading circumstances.

PRIOR ART

There are in existence a number of on line interactive internet facilities which allow remote participants to engage in various interactive on line activities via internet web sites wherein the participant responds to data available at web sites or provides participant data to a website.

Examples of such systems include on line casinos and on line betting facilities available on such sports as football, motor racing and soccer. One such interactive on line gaming system provides a participant with the opportunity to choose a sport on which to wager a bet. Once a participant has joined as a member, there is ready access to such data as latest betting odds obtained from a betting data base, results of events, account status and rules and regulations.

The participant enters an events web page which provides an event selection. Once a sport is selected, the participant may then enter a bet amount following which the bet is officially placed. These systems are typified by the participant accessing an on line pre existing data base, and using the data to decide how and to what extent to interact in order to allow an opportunity to gain advantage from the interaction.

There are other known Interactive real time network systems such as that described in US Patent 5,762,552 which teaches a network based gaming system that enables a plurality of players to place wagers on a real time game of chance conducted in a casino via a distributed network or alternatively to place wagers on a game of chance using internally generated game sequences. The systems described in this patent predominately relate to live action board games of chance, such as roulette, craps or baccarat from which the player selects the desired game. Once the game is selected the player is presented with a video representation of the possible bets on the gaming machine and a means for establishing a stake by either depositing currency or by accessing various credit accounts such as a credit card or casino credit line. The results of the gaming are transmitted to a remote gaming machine by a network manager. This system requires minimal participation by a player and the outcome as far as each player is concerned is independent of participation by all other remote participants. This patent does not teach a system which enables remote participants to interact with each other and is limited to individual remote participant interaction with the system provider.

There are already in existence, a variety of interactive Internet systems such as advertising systems which enable a consumer accessing the Internet to view advertising in return for payment by an advertising provider at least part of the costs of the consumers Internet time. More recently there has been an expansion of advertising on the Internet spawning interactive systems allowing a consumer to link to an advertising provider for receipt of advertisements to defray the costs of on line Internet access. The advertising is usually mixed with information and may be carried in a banner which appears on a computer screen and incidental to the main program operated by a user.

A more recent alternative form of advertising involves interaction between an advertising provider and the target consumer in which the consumer is provided with advertising which might be tailored to suit a particular consumer profile and which enables the consumer to defray Internet costs by viewing the advertisements. In these systems the consumer has some control over and choice as to when and to what extent advertising is to be viewed. In return, the consumer is able to obtain free access to the Internet commensurate with the amount of advertising viewed. One such interactive system has involved the embedding of advertising in the associated computer programs but these have the disadvantage that the advertising cannot be easily updated.

These systems have been improved to allow convenient updating of the information for the benefit of the consumer and subject of the consumer profile. As an example of the known systems, United States Patent 5,774,869 discloses a method for promoting a sponsor's products by providing a consumer with sponsor paid access to the Internet. The method described utilises Internet access software which has a unique PIN number for each consumer computer. An Internet Entry Server verifies the PIN number and times the sponsor paid Internet access. In return, the Internet Entry Server performs a registration process which includes personal questions about the consumer whereupon the sponsor gathers queries for response by the user and gives the user a guided tour of the sponsors Internet page where the user is exposed to current products and services of the sponsor . The user is then free to browse the Internet and after the free time is over, user paid refresh options are available. One disadvantage of this system is that the user is prevented from Internet browsing during the guided tour and is thus totally subservient to the sponsor for the period of the tour . Known interactive systems of the above described type do not enable participation between remote participants but only participation between one or more remote participants and the system provider or host.

US Patent 5,446,919 discloses a communication system and method with demographically or psyhographically defined audiences. This system employs a data base which contains information about audience members and selects the most appropriate media message for that audience.

US Patent 5,740,549 discloses an advertising distribution system including a data base which stores data which can be updated. The data base contains categorised advertisements. An information administrator in each work station establishes communication with the data server from time to time so as to update the information items and advertisements stored in local memory with at least a subset of the information items stored in the data server. The system further includes a subset of workstations including a profiler for storing data representing subscriber information and viewing preferences indicating categories for which the subscriber does and does not want to view information items. The user can select advertising information at will and the system will detect idleness criteria wherein the user fails to input for a predetermined amount of time. The object of the invention in that patent is to disseminate information and advertisements to subscribers' computers where the advertising and information is automatically displayed when the user's computer is on but meets predetermined idleness criteria. The invention described in United States patent 5,740,549 was an attempt to mix advertising and information supply over the Internet in a manner which is acceptable to users and advertisers. The system is specifically intended to disseminate information during time periods when the users computer is inactive. United States Patent No. 5,933,811 discloses a system and method for delivering customised advertising within the framework of an interactive communication system wherein an Internet consumer may have an Internet account credited each time the consumer views a custom advertisement. The system described in these patents relies on direct interaction between the service provider, the consumer and the advertising provider via the consumer's computer.

The system operation is partially controlled at the consumer end which relies on the control module to determine interaction with the advertisement provider. Embedded advertisement requests in the consumer's computer directs the consumer computer to invoke the referenced content provider script and obtains the content provider member code.

Each content provider creates a program called a content provider script and transfers an .advertising request to the content provider which identifies the content provider script. The advertising request contains commands which invoke the content provider script. This system is relatively complex and is totally reliant on the efficacy of the enabling software.

Another known interactive Internet advertising system uses an advertisement serving engine which facilitates consumer access to advertisements in return for payment of a percentage of Internet on line costs. That system allows the consumer to view advertising whilst browsing the world wide web, working on a document or sending Email.

Although the above described Internet based systems are interactive, allow for the participation of an unlimited number of remote participants, allow an exchange of information and data for achieving the principal objectives of the systems, they do not provide or teach an international and local business information exchange and transaction network to enable an unlimited number of remote participants to engage in a common field of activity allowing access to a central provider or facilitator of information and /or to interact with a potentially unlimited number of satellite websites to allow all said first participants in a field of endeavor to correspond direct with trade branches within the field and /or with a central host server. INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an interactive network for conducting business transactions on line between an unlimited number of remote participants in a selected field of activity or endeavor, wherein each participant may gain access to a central web site or to a number of associated websites wherein each remote participant may operate within the network or outside the network. More particularly, the invention provides an information and/or trade network for a potentially unlimited number of remote participants in a predetermined field of activity wherein the remote participants communicate with other remote participants in the same field and wherein the other remote participants include producers, distributors, wholesalers retailers and the like; and wherein there is provided a host provider through which said remote participants communicate to access a central network provider; said central provider enabling communication between said remote participants and other remote participants.

In its broadest form, the present invention comprises: an interactive on line information exchange and/or trading network for a potentially unlimited number of remote participants in a predetermined field of activity ; the network being arranged so as to allow the remote participants to communicate with one or more other remote participants in the same field of activity and wherein the other remote participants may be selected from one or more of storage and or transport providers, producers, distributors, wholesalers, consumers, importers, retailers and the like; and wherein there is provided a first web site through which said remote participants communicate to access a central network provider and at least a second web site accessible from said first web site; said central provider enabling communication between at least one said remote participants and at least one other said remote participants.

Preferably, the network includes: at least a first producer and a second producer; first and second storage providers / transporters of goods; an importer at a first location in communication with said first producer and said first transporter / storage provider; said second producer in communication with said second storage provider / transporter; the network further including a distributor in communication with said importer, producers, storage providers / transporters.

According to one embodiment, the first producer is located in a foreign country and said second producer is located in a home country. At least one consumer obtains in line access to information on products provided by said producers. At least one consumer accesses information at said storage providers / transport providers prior to receipt by said importer of said producers products. The producers promote their products through an e commerce enabled web site including links to related sites. Information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by consumer participants

Also, information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by said producers, importers, distributors, transporters. The second website is accessible from the first web site and includes links to at least a third website; wherein the first website provides a gate to said second and /or at least a third website.

According to one embodiment, the network includes: a plurality of producers at a plurality of locations, at least one storage provider / transporter of goods; an importer at a first location; the network further including a distributor in communication with one or more of said plurality of producers. The plurality of producers are according to this embodiment, located in a first country and the distributor is located in the first country. Preferably, the distributor represents a plurality of suppliers from said first country.

At least one consumer may obtain in line access to information on products provided by said producers wherein at least one consumer accesses information at said storage providers / transport providers prior to receipt by said importer of said producers products. The producers promote their products through an e commerce enabled web site including links to related sites.

Information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by consumer participants or may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by said producers, importer, distributors, transporters. Preferably, the second website is accessible from the first web site and includes links to at least a third website; wherein the first website provides a gate to the second and /or at least a third website.

According to another embodiment, the network includes: at least a first retailer and a second retailer; first and second storage providers / transporters of goods; an importer at a first location in communication with said first transporter / storage provider; the network further including a distributor in communication with said importer and said first, producers, storage providers / transporters.

The first retailer is located in a first state or country and said second retailer is located in a second state or country. There may be a third retailer in a third state or country in communication with said first transporter / storage provider.

The interactive on line network according to this embodiment further comprises a wholesaler in communication with a distributor, said second retailer and said second storage/ transport provider. At least one consumer obtains on line access to information on products provided by said retailers. At least one consumer accesses information at said storage providers / transport providers prior to receipt by said importer of said retailers products.

The retailers promote their products through an e commerce enabled web site including links to related sites. Information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by consumer participants. Information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by said retailers, importer, distributors, transporters.

According to an alternative embodiment, the network includes: a plurality of retailers at a plurality of locations; at least one storage provider / transporter of goods; an importer at a first location; the network further including a distributor in communication with one or more of said plurality of retailers.The plurality of retailers may according to this embodiment be located in a first country and the distributor is located in said first country.

At least one consumer obtains in line access to information on products provided by said retailers. At least one consumer accesses information at said storage providers / transport providers prior to receipt by said importer of said retailers products. The retailers may promote their products through an e commerce enabled web site including links to related sites. Also, information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by consumer participants

In another broad form if the method aspect the present invention comprises: a method of interaction between an unlimited number of remote participants in an information exchange and/or trading network including a plurality of linked web sites, wherein the method comprises the steps of; a) creating a first entry web site accessible to one or more remote participants through which said remote participants communicate to access a central network provider; b) providing on said first website means to engage remote participants; c) providing a second website accessible from said first web site including links to at least a third website; wherein said first website provides a gate to said second and /or at least a third website. d) allowing at least one remote participant to communicate with one or more other remote participants in the same field of activity and wherein the other remote participants selected from one or more of producers, distributors, wholesalers, consumers, importers, retailers and the like.

Preferably, the first web site is a host or enabling web site. In another broad form of the method aspect the present invention comprises; a method of interaction between an unlimited number of remote participants in an information exchange and/or trading network including a plurality of linked web sites, wherein the method comprises the steps of; a) creating a first entry web site accessible to one or more remote participants; b) providing on said first website means to engage remote participants; c) providing a second website accessible from said first web site including links to at least a third website; wherein said first website provides a gate to said second and /or third websites.; wherein said websites include data relating to the wine industry and said remote participants are participants in the wine industry. In another broad form the present invention comprises: a system for providing an interactive data base for exchange of information between and unlimited number of remote participants, the system including; a plurality of remote data entry terminals accessible to remote participants; a host or facilitating website; a communication link between a host web site and said plurality of remote data entry terminals wherein said host website includes a data base having data stored therein which is compiled from an unlimited number of data sets created by and transmitted to said host web site by each remote participant; wherein a participant is classified according to the nature of the data received from said remote participant in order to assign a membership status; the system further comprising a second website providing links for each remote participant to at least one other web site; wherein said at least one other web site is associated with a participant from a predetermined field of activity; wherein the system is arranged so that each said remote participants are able to communicate over the internet via said web sites and said participants from a predetermined field of activity to enable trade and exchange of information relating to said particular field of activity.

In another broad form, the present invention comprises: a system for providing an interactive data base for exchange of information between and unlimited number of remote participants, the system including; a plurality of remote data entry terminals accessible to remote participants; a host website; a communication link between a host web site and said plurality of remote data entry terminals wherein said host website includes a data base having data stored therein which is compiled from an unlimited number of data sets created by and transmitted to said host web site by each remote participant; wherein a participant is classified according to the nature of the data received from said remote participant in order to assign a membership status; the system further comprising a second website providing links for each remote participant to at least one other web site; wherein said at least one other web site is associated with a participant from a predetermined field of activity; wherein the system is arranged so that each said remote participants are able to communicate over the internet via said web sites and said participants from a predetermined field of activity to enable trade and exchange of information relating to said particular field of activity. According to a preferred embodiment the field of activity is a beverage industry and the network is enabled by Beverage Operational Support Software platform ( BOSS) which enables management of information relating to supplier products and is selectively integrated with software systems of a remote participant. Preferably, said BOSS platform includes a number of ancillary support platforms from which a remote participant may select to enhance the systems of the remote participant. Preferably, said ancillary support platforms include one or more of the following software platforms:

1 Web BOSS (B2C Module),

2 arcomBOSS Communications Module),

3 MeL (Online Media Asset register/library, Media Library),

4 Trade boss (B2B Module),

5 PromoBOSS (Discounting Module),

6 buyerBOSS

7 e-Payment: (Payment Gateway),

8 intraBOSS (Company Intranet Module),

9 dataBOSS (Data Integration Module),

10 moveBOSS (Freight Module),

11 creditWBOSS (Accounts Module),

12 repBOSS (Sales Representative Module),

13 taskBOSS (Project Management and Collaboration Module)

14 pacBOSS (Bottling Module),

15 bigBOSS (Reporting/Analysis Module), and

16 mBOSS (WAP, mobile/PDA browser enabled BOSS)

wherein said platforms may be selected by said remote participant to enhance access to commercial information by a remote participant about products and /or services provided by other remote participants. Said BOSS platform may function as a springboard to or 'gatekeeper' of information to the rest of the world, including a business proprietor's trade partners, a proprietor's own web site and other e-commerce sites and portals. A remote participant proprietor controls the information that is displayed about the proprietor's business and products. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a referred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations; wherein;

Figure 1 shows a schematic layout of a network according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a network according to an alternative embodiment;

Figure 3 shows a network according to an alternative embodiment including a plurality of producers;

Figure 4 shows a network according to an alternative embodiment including a plurality of retailers

Figure 5 shows a network according to an alternative embodiment including a plurality of distributors and an EDI system

Figure 6 shows a network according to an alternative embodiment including a retailers procurement module.

Although the present invention is applicable to a variety of fields of activity, it will predominately be described with reference to its application to the wine industry.

The network according to the invention was developed in response to a need in the wine industry and more particularly to increasing markets in Australia and New Zealand and in response to a recognition that modern communications have globalised trade to the extent that trade and information exchange within the network could be achieved across the street or across the world.

The system provides an interactive network of industry participants and includes a first internet site providing a communication between at least one remote participant and said first internet site, wherein the first internet site provides a collective web site for one or more said participants; the network further comprising a second website in communication with said first web site; wherein said second web site is a platform for and is in communication with at least one other website wherein said first web site facilitates communication between said at least one remote participant and said first and/or second website; wherein the second and said at least one other websites are linked to each other and with one or more said remote participants; the network allowing interactive communication between said web sites and said at least one remote participant thereby facilitating, monitoring of commercial transactions and exchange of information and data relating to a predetermined field of activity.

According to a preferred embodiment, the network is established for interaction between consumers, retailers, manufacturers producers, distributors and suppliers in the wine industry. Preferably the network allows wineries to gain an independent and co operative on line trading presence through a centralised website and further provides a data base of industry specific information to meet the specific requirements of each said one or more participants.

The first web site of said network provides a network platform or consumer link site as an interface for access to the remainder of the network. Preferably, the first web site is or is provided by a host which is a liaison between remote participants and said second and at least one other web site. The second website comprises an industry platform and comprises an industry specific data base which containing extensive information on the industry to facilitate trade and information exchange. Preferably the at least one other website will include producers/ growers, retailers, wholesalers, consumers, distributors, clubs and the like. Preferably, the network may be integrated into computer systems of each individual remote participant.

According to one embodiment, each said participant has an input terminal which may be a personal computer which is interfaced into said first web site via the internet. Preferably, the system includes a plurality of remote data entry terminals accessible to remote participants; a central host website; a communication link between said host website and said plurality of remote data entry terminals wherein said first web site includes a data base having data stored therein which is compiled from an unlimited number of data sets created by and transmitted to said central web site by each remote participant; the system further comprises means for evaluating data transmitted from each remote participant.

According to a preferred embodiment, the central controller is accessible by each remote participant via the Internet and the remote data entry terminal may be a computer, telephone handset, wireless application protocol (WAP) telephone, cellular phone or facsimile.

Referring to figure 1 there is shown a schematic layout of an interactive information and trade exchange according to one embodiment of the invention. The system depicted typically comprises a remote participant station 1 which may comprise a telephone or computer terminal which enables the participant to communicate with host web site 3. According to the preferred embodiment, a remote participant elects to connect to the system via the internet by opening communication between the remote participant station 1 and host web site 3. Each participant will have an individual identity which will be communicated to the host web site. Identity data from each participant may be communicated from participant personal computer via the internet to host 3.

In a further embodiment, the participant will gain access to host 3 via a Wireless Application Protocol ( WAP) enabled cellular phone. Once the remote participant has established links with host web site 3 the participant may then establish communication with other remote participants and with at least one other web site containing data and information relating to a particular field of activity. According to one embodiment, the host site may function as a web site for the remote participant and enables the participant to communicate with industry participants. For example in the wine industry the remote participant may communicate with a producer, distributor or retailer. The producer, distributor or retailer will be required to input a password to gain access to the site. This ensures that the system remains secure. The host site facilitates liaison between the remote participants and wine industry participants via their web sites. Remote websites are linked to the host site and this enables the remote participants to communicate, exchange information and trade. According to a preferred embodiment, the host site will control engagement between network members. Members may trade .within the network or may elect to trade in a conventional manner direct with customers. Upon log in to the host site the host will allow the remote participant to connect to the other web sites in the network.

The network may allow participants such as consumers to conduct trade via the network web sites including ordering invoicing, and for each participant will provide customer order profiles and histories, stock control, tagging, description control, interrelationships and transport schedules. Participants may dictate their own images on the host web site and may include their own text concerning their activities.

The consumer can track orders via the host site through web sites of other remote participants. The facilitating host site allows producers and agents to generate data and effect sales directly with consumers. Preferably, there is provided in conjunction with the host site, a world wide web site which provides options and benefits from free E commerce.

The site also allows producers the ability to update their information and to conduct sales. This allows the ability to link trading on the internet directly with stock inventory, storage and transport. Sales may be handled from remote locations. There are a number of advantages in providing the second ( world wide ) website. The producer may access multiple products at the one site thereby avoiding the need to visit numerous web sites. There is also the ability to access multiple products using the platform and to defray the high costs of maintaining an individual traders web site. Also the website provides cheaper access to new markets, reduced administration costs and reduced transport costs.

The network according to one embodiment with reference to the beverage industry is enabled by Beverage Operational Support Software ( BOSS) which enables management of information relating to supplier products and is optionally integrated with the software systems of a remote participant . The BOSS includes a number of elements from which a participant may select to enhance the systems of the remote participant. For example selections may be made from one or more of the following BOSS products:

1 Web BOSS (B2C Module),

2 MarcomBOSS Communications Module),

3 MeL (Online Media Asset register/library, Media Library),

4 Trade boss (B2B Module),

5 PromoBOSS (Discounting Module),

6 buyerBOSS

7 e-Payment: (Payment Gateway),

8 intraBOSS (Company Intranet Module),

9 dataBOSS (Data Integration Module),

10 moveBOSS (Freight Module),

12 creditWBOSS (Accounts Module),

13 repBOSS (Sales Rep Module),

14 taskBOSS (Project Management and Collaboration Module)

15 pacBOSS (Bottling Module),

16 bigBOSS (Reporting/Analysis Module), and

17 mBOSS (WAP, mobile/PDA browser enabled BOSS)

The BOSS platform may include the above elements ( described below) which may be selected by a participant to enhance access to commercial information by a remote participant about products provided by other remote participants. Selected ancillary software packages for the BOSS platform may be integrated into a remote participant's software to enhance the interaction with the interactive network and more particularly with selected participants in the network such as importers, retailers producers, transporters etc.

For example, rather than remote participant resellers constantly calling for product updates, new images, tasting notes or information on a business category such as a winery, that information is centrally stored in BOSS ready to be accessed by the resellers. The BOSS platform may function as a springboard to or 'gatekeeper' of information to the rest of the world, including a business proprietor's trade partners, a proprietors own web site and other e-commerce sites and portals. A remote participant proprietor controls the information that is displayed about the proprietor's business and products.

BOSS Products will now be described below in non limiting detail:

By way of non limiting examples, seventeen different ancillary software products have been identified herein under the BOSS platform range. All are designed to work together to enable a business to fully automate its processes and take advantage of key business benefits.

The BOSS system has inbuilt flexibility wherein a user may decide which components -Public Web Site, B2iB Trade Site, Sales Rep Automation,

Marcoms, or collaboration -best suit business requirements, and then rent only those relevant components.

BOSS is able to 'power' a complete e-commerce solution for a participants web site. Through MelBOSS you are able to manage all of the content that is shown on your site, including for example; text, images, tasting notes, prices, and press releases.

A whole web site can be updated from a participant desktop in 'real-time' providing the participant with a competitive advantage of speed to market and saving thousands on web development costs, there are no programs to buy and install, and the participant controls the updating of your its own web site. The BOSS platform may also e-commerce enable the participant's public web site, allowing consumers to place orders directly with a preferred retailer.

1 webBOSS also includes shopping cart technology directly linked into 'e- payment' processing payments directly into a bank account and sending an order direct to despatch for fulfillment. The product content is centrally stored in a participant's BOSS and can be used to publish product information on its own public web site, through consumer wine portals and also in the participants e- business trade sites. This provides a marketing department with a single 'easy- to-use' depository to store, manage and update critical product information that can be published in many forums. BOSS also powers many consumer wine portals, provides branding with additional marketing and consumer services that can only be provided by a 'Hub' that incorporates both producer and retailers alike. As a reference hub, an entity currently known as Wine2go ™ promotes itself as a centralised information source for consumers to research, review and access products. Wine2go also actively promotes and markets wineries and wines to its consumer base. This provides a participant with the opportunity to specifically market to genuine buyers and Internet familiar consumers. The B2C webBOSS content on Wine2go TM is also syndicated to third party sites to promote Australian wines to their customer bases, i.e., LawPortal, AusDoctors, and WinePros providing a number of extra channels to market for participant products with little to no marketing expense, This is yet another example of how BOSS enables more efficient communication between trade partners in the Wine and Beverage Industry.

Use of the BOSS platform, enables implementation and execution of public domain web sites for its clients, whether they be wineries, retailers or distributors at a fraction of the cost of traditional web development companies. This provides the participant with a robust and effective web presence that has been designed with their business/industry in mind with all the applicable control and administrative functions built in. webBOSS is the basis on which participants execute their 'e' strategy and is the first stage in implementing tradteBOSS and the other Value Added Services that BOSS offers.

2 marcomBOSS is a communications module that enables a user to build specific databases for its consumers (cellar door), wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and press. The user enters information and images into the newsletter 'form' and the package will generate a 'html' email ( which has the appearance of a web page) that sends the specific message or information required to a customer to view, with direct links to the specific pages on the participant web site for a customer to view. The newsletter can also be generated 'live' onto a participant's trade site as well as generated as a 'PDF' file ready to be sent to a mail house for printing and posting through the mail. marcomBOSS can save many thousands of dollars on direct mail, fax and phone calls. marcomBOSS can also become a valuable addition to webBOSS or tradeBOSS enabling a participant's clients to actively keep their information current providing a far more efficient method of keeping a current database of clients, both trade and consumer. marcomBOSS further includes a messaging module. This module enables the participant to build multiple databases with multiple contact types, i.e., email, Internal Messaging, SMS and Fax. marcomBOSS now enables sending a message to clients or staffs mobile phones (2^nd generation Digital Mobiles) as a short text message (known as Short Message Service or SMS).

By using the BOSS platform, the content required for distribution to clients, press, etc is more often than not, already contained in BOSS, i.e. new product release, new product range promotion, press release, etc. This saves a lot of time and resources in building communications to trade partners. All newsletters are stored and can be accessed at any time, and resent if required. By linking in with webBOSS or tradeBOSS, a participant's clients can add and maintain their own information in the participant's database to ensure a decreased cost in maintaining mailing lists as well as the efficiency gained in distributing electronically. The Messaging Module also provides the participant with the ability to notify internal or external contacts, by email, SMS or internal messaging and fax, of any urgent update or communication. For example, XYZ distributor needs to notify its sales team of stock shortage, rather than making 50 calls to mobile phones, marcomBOSS can send each rep an SMS with it taking an administrator only minutes to compile and send to all.

Another example is dispatching product updates to retailers or press, or a weekly 'Bulletin'. The information can be automatically uploaded into the Newsletter and then sent to the specific segment of the database in either fax or email, saving hours of work by an administrator. marcomBOSS resolves a critical business issue inside 90% of businesses, being efficient and effective communications to both internal and external clients. 3 MeL (Media Library)

An alliance with a Media Library company has enabled the business to integrate a media asset library, known as MeL, with the BOSS platform. This enables authorised clients of participants in BOSS to gain access to media quality images for republication/distribution. When a client of a participant is in the BOSS system, they simply click on the 'MeL' function and automatically gain access to an image library, without having to re-key another username and password. MeL stores and archives high resolution media quality images for use in posters, newspapers, magazines, direct mail, etc alleviating the cost of producing bromides and disks and the cost of couriering them to clients. MeL Media Library is a cost effective way to store, manage and distribute corporate marketing / promotional assets such as like product photographs, logos, and graphics. There are a number of benefits attaching to Mel including optimum utilisation of costly assets; personnel can view, retrieve and distribute re-useable files (representing costly promotional assets) in a way not possible before and ease of access. MeL can be accessed from the desktop 'start button' or via a standard internet browser ANYWHERE. Access to images is no longer limited to those who are located at the same physical location as the assets.

Photographic images, graphics and other assets are accessed by keyword or catalogue search. "Importing' the files is then a simple task. Access to the assets is secure. It is limited to those individuals who have been explicitly nominated as internal 'office users' or external supplier "professional user's. Electronic presentation and document templates are available to the user to enhance corporate image. As the images and logos are at a single source for all users, a consistent "corporate style" throughout the organisation is maintained. This complete management approach has been shown to reduce promotional processing budgets by up to 40%. Annual recurrent labor costs consumed by "manually managing" the hard copy assets, are all but eliminated. Cost benefit analysis has indicated that for medium to large organisations with offices in several locations who have greater than 100 corporate images, the pay back period for the MeL-lntemet can be as little as 6 - 9 months. 4 tradeBOSS has two levels of execution.

Firstly as a secured 'trade-only' marketing site for trade partners where distribution and retail partners can access company and product information, content, images, etc. Secondly as a secured transactional 'trade site', managing one-to-one relationships with participant clients. tradeBOSS provides clients with access to business critical information such as order status, online ordering, product catalogues, product allocation, pricing and discount/rebate structures, etc. The transactional tradeBOSS includes promo BOSS.

BOSS has been developed to enable execution of a participant's own e- business strategy. Through BOSS, the participant will be able to securely manage products, allocations, pricing and discounts with each of the participant's trade partners. Each client will log into the participant site, powered by BOSS and only be able to view, order and access the specific products and information that has been allocated to the client by the participant. For those clients that are able to order online, internal sales and data entry resources will be streamlined, no double data entry, no data entry errors and more efficient inventory control and logistics management.

This application is designed to automate the management of customer relationships, both domestically and internationally. tradeBOSS replicates a participant's promotional communications and enhances one-to-one trade relationships through your online e-business strategy. tradeBOSS is further enhanced with the addition of dataBOSS ( see below), which enables e- business solutions to integrate with a participant's back office systems, as well as clients and other webBOSS (B2B module) exchanges. tradeBOSS should be seen as another channel of communication for participant clients, enabling clients to deal with the participant through their medium of choice ,eg, phone, fax, email, mail and though the participant's own secured trade site.

5 promoBOSS is an extension to tradeBOSS enabling the participant's e- business strategy to be fully transactional and mirror the complexities of the trade relationships the participant may have off line. Some of the key features of promoBOSS are: a) a Unique product allocation per product: and per client b) a Unique price allocation per product and per client c) a Unique Stock allocation, linked to total market/segment allocation d) a Unique Discount as $ or % on total order, single product &/or product range e) a Unique Rebate as product or $ or % on single product or product range f) a Promotional Discounts/offers with a start and end date g) a Bonus Stock as a single unit or from a product range

This module is developed specifically for a participant's business and pricing rules. promoBOSS provides the platform to execute complex pricing, rebate, discount and product allocations.

By using the BOSS platform, the host facilitator is able to implement and execute e-business trade sites for its clients, whether they be wineries/producers or distributors at a fraction of the cost of traditional web development companies. With the addition of dataBOSS the participant's tradeBOSS can be connected to its existing office systems and trade partners to further enhance the efficiencies derived from e-business strategy.

A number of potential problems are resolved with the execution of tradeBOSS. One of the most prominent is the management and distribution of product allocations for both wineries/producers as well as wholesalers. By using BOSS, the supplier can manage their total allocation, to region, state, sales rep, customer with each of the parties having visibility of what is left in their allocation. It also provides management with the ability to 'adjust' allocations to suit changing market conditions and supply agreements. The distribution of pricing information, promotions and new products has traditionally been a costly exercise. tradeBOSS enables the supplier to notify their trade partners of this information with no wastage due to specific marketing information being distributed to clients, based on the business rules implemented in their one-on- one relationship set by the participant. tradeBOSS provides the buyer with online visibility 24 x 7 of business critical information, being allocations, order status, product catalogues, marketing information, pricing, promotions, discount/rebate structure and the ability to place an order online. This enables the buyer to manage their relationship with the client through the channel they choose, at the time they choose. The supplier will always accept phone and fax orders, but the online presence enables the buyer to simplify their own procurement method and not waste time on the phone, etc. Over 55% of e-business transactions from buyers happen after 5pm, especially from restaurants. 20% of customers represent over 80% of revenue, while 80% of customers represent 80% of cost to manage. tradeBOSS provides a channel to decrease the cost of managing the 80%, while dataBOSS and tradeBOSS combined also decrease the cost: to manage the 20%. With international distributors, the time difference and speed to resolve issues or gather information is an issue, through tradeBOSS the trade partners can access business critical information when they require it. The online tradeBOSS provides business critical information and a forum for those buyers who cannot, or do not wish to have a 'data' relationship to view and manage their relationship with the buyer. For those buyers who do have a 'data' relationship, they can access the suppliers tradeBOSS to view other non- transactional information such as pricing, discounts and product information, saving both the buyer and suppliers thousands of dollars in time, postage, disks, etc. The key problems serviced by tradeBOSS are; managing product allocations, distribution and management of information, decreased costs to publish and manage price lists, discount structures and rebates and decreasing the cost to process orders. 6 buyerBOSS

There are a number of levels of execution of buyerBOSS. This module has been developed to provide retailers/buyers with the ability to streamline and automate their procurement of product from their suppliers. This provides them with a single interface to order from multiple suppliers decreasing on administrative time and costs, a) Online buverBOSS:

The retailer will be able to log into their procurement application online 24 x 7 where their commonly ordered products are already pre-prepared in their standing order catalogue, whilst the rest of the Distributors catalogues are in their 'personal catalogue' for each Distributor. For those Distributors who have not allocated a one-on-one relationship with the buyer, but have published their standard catalogue pricing, the buyer can access these Distributor catalogues through the 'general catalogue'. The retailer is able to nominate additional users with specific security roles for each one, i.e. the marketing manager may have access to the product catalogues to download marketing information while each store manager will have access to build their standing orders. The owner, or whomever is authorised, is the only person who can enter a PO number and send the orders to all suppliers through the one interface. b) Integrated buverBOSS:

The second version of buyerBOSS is where a retailer's back office system is integrated with dataBOSS, This could also incorporate their Point of Sale system pushing orders into their buyerBOSS through dataBOSS. BOSS then pushes the orders back to the appropriate suppliers for fulfillment. Where the supplier is also a BOSS client, the information flow is two way. Where the Distributor is not a BOSS subscriber, the order will be faxed or emailed to them. buyerBOSS can also be enhanced by uploading each stores stock levels when the PO's are pushed into dataBOSS, therefore providing a stock management system/view for the owner.

A retailer can also execute MelBOSS, with the benefit of all the product content entered by suppliers/producers and brand owners. With buyerBOSS and webBOSS, the site can push the order to the closest store to the consumer, which has the product in stock, providing a far more efficient process in the execution of online orders. c) EDI buyerBOSS: buyerBOSS can connect into major retailers EDI systems to pull down PO's and upload amendments, invoices, etc. Not all distributors have executed EDI strategies due to its high cost of implementation and ongoing management/programming. buyerBOSS enables the retailer to provide the Distributors with a vehicle to receive the communication from the retailer in the format most applicable. They could receive the communication in a flat file, idoc, email, fax, etc. The benefit this provides the retailer is a far more efficient method of communicating with all of its suppliers, from the smallest to the largest. 7) e- Payment

To process transactions in a secure environment online, 'payment gateways' are required. These gateways are linked directly to the banks for verification before the funds are deposited into a participant account. Banks use 'gateway' providers to act as the 'gatekeeper' and there are only a couple of companies authorised to take this role. That authorization allows provision of an E-Payment gateway to enable real-time credit card processing. In time, this payment gateway will open up to provide for real-time direct debits and funds transfers. There would be a set up charge for this service and possibly a merchant fee. As the business moves into new markets, it will need to provide the same service using different providers. BOSS has been developed to act as the integrator or gatekeeper from many merchants to a payment gateway, providing a more cost efficient solution to participants. Providing a settlement facility is paramount in being able to service transaction-based web sites. Workflow methodology is used to effectively manage the flow of information within a participant's BOSS applications and existing back office applications. 8. intraBOSS can also be used as a VPIM or Wide Area Network (WAN) for state or subsidiary offices, eliminating the requirement for expensive frame relay networks between state offices. intraBOSS can include: customer and supplier databases, company directory repositories for company policy manuals and announcements, Product Catalogue and marketing information, Stock levels, product allocation per client, order entry, order status, client Account view, e- Forms - a collection of frequently-used electronic business forms. When used in concert: with dataBOSS, creditBOSS ( see below) , and tradeBOSS, intraBOSS will provide a participant's state offices with the ability to directly enter orders into its back office system through a browser interface, while generating invoices locally. The State Office can also review client status, credit/payment history, product and price allocations and order status. intraBOSS provides the user with the benefits of a WAN, without the prohibitive costs.

As an example, Wine and Beverage participants at the mid-tier level, are finding it increasingly difficult to allocate monies out of their budget for internal IT infrastructure. By using the BOSS platform, a host provider is able to provide a cost effective solution that enables the headquarters to communicate with state or regional offices without the requirement of setting up expensive permanent or semi-permanent frame relay networks or upgrade their existing software to cope with a WAN, not to mention the extra software licenses involved. intraBOSS is a true intranet for clients, enabling the remote workers/offices to view specific information, enter orders, view client history, stock movements etc without calling into head office constantly, sending faxes, then having a headquarter operator re-entering the order in their back office system or utilising headquarters resources to gather and disseminate this information. Internal communication to remote offices is a problem for medium sized organisations in the Wine and Beverage industry. intraBOSS provides a real solution where the impact can be measured from day one. intraBOSS, although a similar application to repBOSS, is provided as a separate module as there are a number of differences in the execution.

9. To enhance e-business strategy, data integration is imperative to executing an effective electronic strategy. dataBOSS has been developed to directly link with existing back office systems (legacy systems), and securely replicate those internal processes for a participant's e-business strategy. dataBOSS is a collection of Microsoft SQL databases that allow for the migration of data and information from legacy systems to the BOSS system. dataBOSS then manages direct data relationships with trade partners, both buyers and vendors, enabling your back office system to only manage one data relationship, with BOSS. BOSS has been developed to enhance a participant's existing client relationships by allowing participant trade partners to manage their relationship with the participant online or electronically. This does not impact on the human involvement of your relationship, but more the transactional and data information flow, providing a more efficient channel of communication between you and your clients. Some clients will develop their own procurement and e-business software packages or use online B2B exchanges. BOSS has been developed to link in with any other B2B system or exchange to ensure that all clients can deal with the participant through whichever software vendor they choose. BOSS can be the only point of management and in the background BOSS links directly with the B2B Exchanges and client systems where otherwise software applications would need to be purchased to communicate with clients/vendors systems. dataBOSS alleviates the day-to-day pressure of managing each of these data relationships and the costly hardware and software required to run these applications.

By using the BOSS platform, the host provider is able to implement and execute many of these data relationships in a simple streamlined form. Once one data relationship has been implemented with a third party, the second is easy as the host only needs to include the unique supplier/customer reference as the mapping and configuration has already been established. As an example, supplier 1 , 2 and 3 all sell to retailer A, when a data relationship is implemented for supplier 1. The information for suppliers 2 and 3 can be added to that data pipe, which also provides for a more efficient data relationship for retailer A. dataBOSS eliminates managing multiple forms of integration with third parties, as dataBOSS takes on a 'gateway' role, therefore decreasing the time and resources (human and hardware) in managing multiple forms of data relationships whether they be direct clients or B2B exchanges.

10) The freighting module enables a participant to incorporate the specific requirements of each logistics suppliers and pricing, etc for each buyer. The participant can automate dealings with multiple logistics providers, with business rules determining which supplier is used. It can determine the best supplier, based on specific destination rates and provide functionality to automatically generate consignment notes, EDI, fax or email for third party warehousing or transport providers, enhancing business relationships and providing for a more efficient administrative process. moveBOSS provides the ability to specify or schedule specific participant requirements based on the transaction being undertaken (trade or consumer) and produce a consignment note as well as communicate that consignment note to the fulfillment partner, whether that be a third party warehouse, logistics provider or the participant's own dispatch office.

Logistics and the management of freight is an expense line that cannot be controlled as easily by the mid sized players in comparison to the larger corporates. The small to mid-sized organisations do not have the same economies of scale to offer their logistics partners. There is a lot of inefficiency in the movement, storage and control of stock in the Wine and Beverage industry. moveBOSS enables the suppliers to easily control their cost-base, and charge out as well as decreasing the cost of communicating pick-ups to their logistic partners and the ongoing status of its consignments.

This efficiency can also be pushed through into tradeBOSS and dataBOSS enabling the suppliers client to have visibility of their consignment. moveBOSS can also be integrated with webBOSS enabling the complete automation of a client order, with the client only having to manage transactions through exception reporting. moveBOSS can also resolve the issue of inventory control from multiple warehouses or third party storage providers, enabling management visibility which is then translated into the business rules implemented in tradeBOSS determining where the product is to be sourced from and dispatch by which logistics partner. moveBOSS also allows for collaboration, with more streamlined pick-ups, storage and movements between friendly suppliers, logistics partners and third party storage partners.

11) CreditBOSS

This product automates the trading financial requirements of a business. The system includes:

• accounts receivable

• payments history ^• accounts status

^• management reporting

The system is fully integrated with all BOSS modules and can be integrated with most LAN, WAN and legacy systems through dataBOSS. creditBOSS can truly enhance intraBOSS, repBOSS ( see below) and tradeBOSS, by providing staff and clients with access to their account information. When used with intraBOSS and repBOSS, participnt staff will have full visibility of each of their clients accounts, in 'real-time', further decreasing the pressure on headquaters resources. When used with tradeBOSS and webBOSS, creditBOSS can also publish a credit application form, enables clients who do not have an account, to fill out the account application form online for management approval and provides a streamlined approach to setting up new accounts saving valuable staff hours per application. cred/tBOSS enables you to de-activate a client when his credit limit has been reached, therefore decreasing the time wasted on orders that are not to be fulfilled and providing you with further controls in managing your debt levels.

When used with tradeBOSS, creditBOSS enables your clients to have access to information pertaining to them 24 x 7 saving them time and money as well as decreasing the resources required in the call centre. Through the online User Interface, the client has visibility of account history, old PO's, account limit, account status, credit limit, etc.

When used in concert with intraBOSS and repBOSS, credftBOSS provides the internal user with not only the required sales and marketing information, but also the financial information needed to manage and advise local clients. Managing credit limits has always been very difficult for suppliers, with buyers constantly pushing payment terms. creditBOSS provides both businesses with complete visibility of the relationship and puts the necessary controls in place to ensure a streamlined automation of information and order rejection/acceptance.

12) repBOSS enables field representatives or remote sales people to access the information in the participant's systems at the push of a button. repBOSS allows the representative, using a laptop or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) to access client information including account status, client order status, catalogue, pricing, discount rebate structure, promotions, offers and marketing content, etc. By using a PDA and a mini-web browser, there is no costly and timely uploading or downloading of information, information is received and sent during the time that the representative is online. The representatives will be able to place an order from the retailers premises, with the full knowledge that there is stock available to be shipped the next day or same day and the account is in order, the order will then automatically be uploaded into a back office and sent to dispatch for fulfillment, with no phone calls to accounts or customer service, When used in concert with creditBOSS, the sales rep has access to all the business critical information in relation to their specific clients. When the sales rep next visits his client, he will have up to date information in relation to; back order status, account status, ageing and available credit providing information to assist the sales representative in the execution of his responsibilities without the burden of constantly using headquarter resources for the acquisition and dissemination of basic trading information. There is a major investment by suppliers in their sales force, both in the sales force itself as well as the resources that support the sales force. There is a substantial investment in the systems used to support these sales and representatives and the human resources allocated to maintaining the systems, maintaining the information, and entering the information. Some of the major suppliers use remote versions of their internal systems to store and update the sales representative on certain elements of their relationship with the representative's clients. The representatives do not use this data during the day, but enter new orders at home, down load the data at night, and upload new data in the morning. With repBOSS, the representative can use the data and enter the information at anytime, without downloading or uploading data from head office for hours during the day. repBOSS decreases the representative's potential downtime during these processes when the internal systems are down or not contactable. 13) taskBOSS

Combines secure e-mail, calendaring and scheduling with the unique taskBOSS collaborative tools: group calendars; discussion threads; issue management; project management; progress reporting.

These provide a business with a fully-integrated Internet-compliant collaboration and messaging infrastructure. taskBOSS enables clients to easily 'manage and report' on the progress of each of the tasks/issues/projects that involve their internal, external and supplier partners. The project/task owner can allocate tasks to specific parties, and only those parties have visibility of the task with the task owner having a global view of all issues and comments on each task under the project. taskBOSS works within a participant's other BOSS modules and provides a vehicle to manage many parties in the value or supply chain in one collaborative approach. The only software required is a web browser and access to email and an ISP.

A lot of time and resources are spent on keeping people updated on new movements in the old 'to do list' and working through processes with many people. Some people are communicated with through email; emails may be lost, others are communicated with by fax, faxes get lost and the rest are managed by phone, all because there is not one central point that each stakeholder can go to view the tasks they are responsible for. taskBOSS provides each stakeholder with a simple easy to use project management tool that can be accessed by any computer/PDA with a web browser. All changes are notified via email with taskBOSS being the central depository of all tasks/projects for your internal staff and external partners. Management can maintain control and visibility of all tasks and can be notified the instant a deadline has not been met, or an extension has been requested. 14) pacBOSS

Enables industry service providers to provide online support to their clients (producers/brand owners) and clients' visibility of their relationship with that service provider. pacBOSS enables a contract bottler or contract winemaker for instance, to enhance relationships with clients. Administrative and forecasting costs in the supply, procurement and organising of dry goods and order status, etc can be lowered by providing online access into the bottling module (pacBOSS). The module provides visibility and management control of dry goods inventory, ordering, usage, order run timetabling, status, dispatch, EAIM Verifications and UBF Forms and associated logistics, enables real time upload of information for planning and dissemination of data internally and to external third parties. pacBOSS enables forecasts, plans and schedules (for operations/bottling) to be agreed and implementation to be monitored all though one interface between the participant and clients, enhancing that relationships and decreasing associated administrative costs. pacBOSS provides clients with a more automated approach to the management of their relationship with the participant. They have visibility of production schedules and can Request a Quote for urgent bottling runs, ensure there are enough dry goods and advance schedule the logistics partner. pacBOSS not only empowers administration and operational staff, but also clients and streamlines business processes for both the participant business and clients. At present, contract bottlers for instance face a number of levels of inefficiency in the management and visibility of production schedules and inventory for their clients. There is a lot of over supply of inventory and under realised assets in production with some production runs running at less than desirable levels of optimisation. pacBOSS can provide for a far more efficient forum for the collection and dissemination of information from clients to operations and third party service provider, i.e. Logistics, dry goods suppliers and the collection and response to participant clients RFQ's and RFIP's.

15) bigBOSS enables exploration and mining of a participant's digital warehouses for competitive advantage. This product allows the detailed analysis of company information using sophisticated bigBOSS data mining tools. Any information contained within any of the BOSS products can be retrieved, analysed and manipulated. The data can be exported in formats prepared for analysis by third-party tools. bigBOSS, as a reporting module, is developed for unique requirements of a particular business. The reports that can be generated are based on the information held in the BOSS modules which have been implemented.

16) mBOSS WAP and mobile browser BOSS, enabling representatives and buyers to run queries or place orders into an e-business solution from a WAP enabled mobile phone. As an extension to the traditional web form, BOSS is currently being redesigned for use on WAP enabled digital mobile phone and Personal Digital Assistants. The user will be able to run queries approve orders, view product catalogues, etc from a mobile phone, all through a secure WAP server.

Examples of potential BOSS usage throughout various trade and supply networks are described below:

Referring to figure 2 there is shown an interactive network according to one embodiment of the invention. According to this embodiment the network includes a Producer A which may for example be an exporting Producer from Australia, NZ or Chile for example and Producer B which may be a domestic producer from the Napa Valley (USA). The network further includes a Logistics Co for transport, freight forwarded, third part storage facility, etc Importer/Warehouse: Importing Agent of Producer A, manages relationships with State Distributors and bonded storage provider.

Examples of interactive relationships under the network of figure 2 are as follows: Relationship 1 ;

Producer A, say based in Chile, must manage a relationship with their 'agent/importer' in the USA, whom acts on their behalf in building and managing day-to-day relationships with distributors in each US State. Problems which might normally be encountered include distribution of marketing information for redistribution to distributors, visibility of product allocations, inventory and order status. Visibility of product movements out of Importer to distributors.

A solution may be found using initially tradeBOSS, providing online access to marketing information, product allocations and pricing as well as order status 24 x 7 followed by linking in with logistics provider (moveBOSS) to streamline order process and visibility of order status (in transit), then dataBOSS enabling complete automation of orders and information out of Importers back office and receipt of orders directly into Producer A's back office passing directly to logistics provider for distribution and management until it reaches the Importer. Sales data out of Importers back office can then be passed to Producer for reporting on sales and stock movements through US distribution channels, Producer A may also wish to execute webBOSS to promote their brand online to consumers. This site can be e-commerce enabled, or just a brand site, e.g. www.taylorswines.com.au. On the Producers label will be their domain name providing the consumer the vehicle to learn more about the wine, the winery and where it can be accessed in each market. Relationship 2:

Producer A uses a logistics company to store and transport product to its distributors, in Chile and Internationally. Problems might include the high cost of managing freighting and warehousing, little visibility or control on freight movements or inventory levels in warehouses, little control over input cost of freight, no real time visibility of consignment status. A solution is achieved with tradeBOSS, dataBOSS and: moveBOSS wherein Producer A has visibility of inventory in all warehouses, including third parties with automatic passing of consignment notes to third party warehouses for picking and logistics companies for pick up and delivery of consignment. Status' can be sent back to Producers A BOSS to update order status field in tradeBOSS. Business rules are predetermined to enable the most efficient movement of stock by the most efficient carrier out of the most appropriate warehouse/storage facility. All information can be gathered 24 x 7 without the requirement to make phone calls or send faxes determining the status or sending the consignment order to freight companies. Relationship 3:

The US Distributor must purchase Producer A's products from the Importer. Depending on the relationship, the Distributor may communicate directly with Producer A and use the importer as the bonded warehouse and freight forwarder. Problems may include distribution of marketing information for redistribution to Distributors retailers, visibility of product allocations, inventory and order status. Visibility of product movements out of Distributor to retailers.

For a solution initially the Importer, or Producer A, will need to execute tradeBOSS, providing online access to marketing info, product allocations and pricing as well as order status 24 x 7; then linking in with logistics provider (moveBOSS) to streamline an order process and visibility of order status (in transit), then dataBOSS enabling complete automation of orders and information out of Distributors back office and receipt of orders directly into Importers back office passing directly to logistics provider for distribution and management until it reaches the distributors drop off point. Sales data out of Distributors back office can then be passed to the Importer for reporting on sales and stock movements through Distributors sales channels. Just as easily as the relationship can be managed by the Importer to the Distributor, the information can also pass by the Producer, but through the Importer/Agent. This is dependant on the rules of the relationship. In any of these implementations, taskBOSS or intraBOSS can be set-up depending on the clients specific requirements. Relationship 4:

The Importer and Distributors use logistics companies to store and transport product from point: A to B. Problems and solution may be as for relationship 2. Relationship 5:

The US Distributor purchases product directly from Producer B in the Napa Valley. Problems include distribution of marketing information for re-distribution to Distributors retailers, visibility of product allocations, inventory and order status. Visibility of product movements out of Distributor to retailers. For a solution, initially Producer B will require tradeBOSS, providing online access to marketing info, product allocations and pricing as well as order status 24 x 7; then linking in with logistics provider (moveBOSS) to streamline order process and visibility of order status (in transit), then dataBOSS enabling complete automation of orders and information out of Distributors back office and receipt of orders directly into Producer B's back office passing directly to logistics provider for distribution and management until it reaches the distributors 'drop off point. Sales data out of Distributors back office can then be passed to Producer B for reporting on sales and stock movements through Distributors sales channels. Relationship 6;

Producer B uses a logistics company to store and distribute product to their distribution partners for resale to local retailers. These products can be sent directly to the retailers or into the distributors warehouse. Problems and solution as per Relationship 2.

Referring to figure 3 there is shown an example of a network according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Producers 1-8 are for example domestic producers from NZ. In this example there is included a Contract Bottler which conducts contract bottling for 4 of the producers. The Dist/Exporter is a domestic distributor representing many suppliers from New Zealand. The logistics Co is a transport company, freight forwarded, third part storage facility, and the Importer/Warehouse is an importing agent of Dist/ Exporter which manages relationships with State Distributors and bonded storage provider.

Examples of possible relationships for the embodiment of figure 3 are as follows:

Relationship 1 :

Producers 1-8 use Dist/Exporter as their representative into new markets as they do not have the same marketing brand strength as individuals, as they do through a professional market maker. Problems would include distribution of marketing information of all brands for re-distribution to Importers and their distribution channels, visibility of product allocations from the multiple producers, inventory levels and order status. Visibility of product movements out of Importers to Distributors for reporting to Producers.

The solution is initially tradeBOSS for the Dist/Exporter and basic versions for each of the Producers, providing online access to marketing information, product allocations and pricing as well as order status 24 x 7. This followed by linking in with logistics provider (moveBOSS) to streamline order process and visibility of order status (in transit), then dataBOSS enabling complete automation of orders and information out of Importers back office and receipt of orders directly into Dist/Exporters back office passing directly to logistics provider for distribution and management until it reaches the distributors 'drop off point. Sales data out of Importers back office can then be passed to Dist/Exporter for reporting on sales and stock movements through Importers sales channels for reporting to Producers on their specific products. Relationship 2:

Dist Exporter uses a logistics company to store and transport product to its distributors/Importers internationally. Distributor / Exporter uses multiple storage points, including the Producers own warehouses.

Problems would include the high cost of managing freighting and warehousing. Little visibility or control on freight movements or inventory levels in warehouses. Little control over input cost of freight; no real time visibility of consignment status,

A solution is provided with the use of tradeBOSS, dataBOSS and moveBOSS wherein the Dist/Exporter has visibility of allocations and inventory in all warehouses, including third parties with automatic passing of consignment notes to third party warehouses for picking and logistics companies for pick up and delivery of consignment. Status' can be sent back to Dist/Exporters BOSS to update order status field in tradeBOSS. This information can also be passed back to the producer's BOSS provider for a far more efficient method of managing a supply chain. The moveBOSS module may also take into consideration export documentation to streamline international stock movements into bonded warehouses. Business rules are pre-determined to enable the most efficient movement of stock by the most efficient carrier out of the most appropriate warehouse/storage facility, with the ability for management to override where necessary. All information can be gathered 24 x 7 without the requirement to make phone calls or send faxes determining the status or sending the consignment order to freight companies. Relationship 3:

Importer, say based in the USA, must manage a relationship with their supplier in New Zealand, who represents many individual suppliers of product from NZ. Problems may arise in distribution of marketing information for re-distribution to distributors, visibility of product allocations, inventory and order status. Visibility of product movements out of Importer to distributors.

A solution for the Distributor / Exporter is to execute tradeBOSS, dataBOSS and moveBOSS, and the Importer is able to provide electronic order to the distributor/ exporter through their BOSS and review and download all of the marketing material, etc from the Distributors / Exporters tradeBOSS. If the Importer is able to pull sales information out of their back office automatically, this can be uploaded into the Distributors/Exporters BOSS for reporting and re-publication back to the Producers. Relationship 4:

The Contract Bottler provides bottling services for 4 of the producers. They use pacBOSS to provide collaboration and procurement efficiencies to their clients, being the producers, whilst also acting as a storage/distribution point for inventory and integrating with transport facilitators. The contract bottler could also be a producer in their own right and use the other modules off BOSS as Producers 1-8 do.

Referring to figure 4 there is shown a network according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The network comprises an Importer/Warehouse which acts as an importing agent of XYZ Supplier/s. The importer manages relationships with Distributors & a bonded storage provider. The network further comprises a US Distributor who preferably has an exclusive agreement to distribute products such as liquor to licensed merchants, etc in New York State. A large major multi-outlet retailer A of liquor which may have stores throughout New York State is included along with an independent retailer A: which may be a single or multi-outlet independent merchant in Manhattan. The network further includes a logistics Co which will be a transport company or third part storage facility and a wholesaler/agent who might for instance be a licensed 'wholesale' reseller of alcohol to merchants in a location of the state such as the Bronx. In addition the network includes an independent retailer B which is a single or multi-outlet independent merchant in the Bronx

Examples of relationships between the participants of the network of figure 4 are as follows: Relationship 1 :

Importer from California manages their relationship with their suppliers as per previous examples. In this relationship example, the importer manages a relationship with the US distributor only. Problems with known systems include; distribution of marketing information for re-distribution to distributors, visibility of product allocations, inventory and order status. Visibility of product movements out of distributors to merchants. In-ability to efficiently manage the major retailers at a macro level and push orders through state distributors, with overall controls over inventory levels by warehouse, distributor and suppliers.

In the network of figure 4 the Importer will initially need tradeBOSS, providing online access to marketing info, product allocations and pricing as well as order status 24 x 7 for distributors, as well as major retailers, if feasible. Trade BOSS will then link in with logistics provider moveBOSS) to streamline an order process and visibility of order status (in transit). Then dataBOSS will enable complete automation of orders and information out of distributors back office. Sales data out of Distributors back office can then be passed to a Producer for reporting on sales and stock movements throughout US distribution channels. The large retailers may also be able to place orders directly with the Importer, the business rules have been pre-determined to push those orders through to the appropriate distributor and with automatic notification to the logistics provider. Relationship 2:

The large retailer A orders direct from appropriately licensed US state distributor. Normally a retailer has little visibility of stock accessibility/allocations,. The retailer wishes to simplify and automate his procurement process through electronic PO's. The retailers marketing department constantly requires marketing information and content of the products being shipped for use in-store point of sale, in media and in-store training.

According to this relationship the Distributor executes tradeBOSS, dataBOSS and moveBOSS. The large retailer A has knowledge that an order is received and accepted and that there is the required inventory in-store or allocated inventory in other warehouses, to fulfill the order. BOSS will automatically pass the consignment notes to third party warehouses for picking and logistics companies for pick up and delivery of consignment. Status' can be sent back to the Large Retailer to update order status field.

The large retailer may choose to manage the 'National' relationship directly with the Importer or Producer and if this is the case, the Importers BOSS can 'push' the order through to the appropriate distributors' system for processing, whilst the product is shipped from another warehouse, direct to the retailer. Business rules are pre-determined to enable the most efficient movement of stock by the most efficient carrier out of the most appropriate warehouse/storage facility. All information can be gathered 24 x 7 without the requirement to make phone calls or send faxes determining the status or sending the consignment order to freight companies. Although the marketing department of the retailer may log into tradeBOSS online, the majority of the relationship will be data through dataBOSS. This could be data files passing though ERP solutions or flat files coming in CSV, or interconnection with EDI systems to pull the Purchase Orders (PO's) down into dataBOSS. Relationship 3;

The Independent Retailer A in Manhattan runs a small chain of four outlets in

Greenwich Village.

Problems of conventional systems may include, collection of images, tasting notes, etc for in-store marketing, press and posters, Easy access of pricing including discount and rebate structures and promotions. Ability to order online with suppliers at an hour which suits. Finding out what the independent retailers account balance is and the status of his back orders without spending 15 minutes on hold, or running out of time during the day, and the call center is closed after hours. According to this relationship, initially the Distributor will need to execute tradeBOSS, providing online access to marketing information, product allocations and pricing as well as order status, etc 24 x 7. Then linking in with logistics provider (moveBOSS) to streamline an order process and visibility of order status (in transit). creditBOSS will provide this retailer with real-time view of their trading relationship with the Distributor and repBOSS will enable the distributor's representative to have access to the Distributors specific trading relationship with that retailer when in-store without having to call into headquarters call center, or refer to and carry copious amounts of paperwork, that would be required to be reprinted daily. The Independent retailers may take some time to automate the delivery of PO's out of their in-store point of sale systems.

Relationship 4 and Relationship 6:

The Distributor uses moveBOSS to automate the dispatch and delivery process as explained in previous relationships.

Relationship 5:

The US Distributor may have a wholesale reseller in a segment of the market for which they have exclusive access to products. In this example there is a multi, supplier wholesaler that sen/ices merchants in the Bronx. Problems may normally arise with distribution of marketing information for re-distribution to Wholesalers retailers, visibility of product allocations, inventory and order status and visibility of product movements out of the wholesaler to retailers.

According to this relationship solution, initially tradeBOSS, will provide online access to marketing info, product allocations and pricing as well as order status 24 x 7. Then linking in with logistics provider (moveBOSS) to streamline order process and visibility of order status (in transit), then dataBOSS enabling complete automation of orders and information out of Wholesalers back office and receipt of orders directly into Distributors back office passing directly to logistics provider for distribution and management until it reaches the distributors 'drop off point, Relationship 7:

The Wholesaler sells to independent retailers in their local market, in this case the Bronx. The problem and the solution is as per Relationship 3.

Referring to figure 5 there is shown a network according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The network comprises distributors 1 - 8 which may be suppliers of various products to a locality which may for instance be a state of the United States. An independent retailer is located in a region of the state and employs buyerBOSS as the retailers Procurement Module Possible relationships are as follows:

Relationship 1 :

The retailer has four stores in Greenwich Village, Manhattan and does not have time to manage his procurement manually, and does not wish each store manager to undertake ordering as he may have a number of problems with over stocking and purchasing slow moving product.

The problem which emerges with existing systems is that too much time is spent preparing orders, sending orders and chasing orders up on the phone. Local store managers have constantly been processing incorrect orders, too much stock and slow moving product. Viewing total inventory levels in each store becomes cumbersome and can only be done by hand and at the end of each month during stock take. The retailer has a web site, but it does not provide a great service to his clients as product is listed that is not in store or no longer available and new releases are not listed. The web site also does not have any images or product content that fills the site out.

The problem may be solved for the retailer using buyerBOSS. There are a number of levels of execution of buyerBOSS. Firstly, the online version. The retailer will be able to log into their procurement application online 24 x 7 where their commonly ordered products are already pre-prepared in their standing order catalogue, whilst the rest of the Distributors catalogues are in their personal catalogue for each Distributor. The retailer is able to nominate additional users with specific security roles for each one, i.e. one may have access to the product catalogues to download marketing information while each store manager will have access to build their orders, whilst the owner is the only person who can enter a PO number and send the orders to all suppliers through the one interface.

The second version of buyerBOSS is where the retailer's back office system is integrated with dataBOSS, or each stores Point of Sale system has access to push orders through into dataBOSS. BOSS then pushes the orders back to the appropriate suppliers for fulfillment. Where the supplier is also a BOSS client, the information flow is two way. buyerBOSS can also be enhanced by uploading each stores stock levels when the PO's are pushed into dataBOSS, therefore providing a stock management system/view for the owner. A retailer can also execute webBOSS, with the benefit of all the product content entered by suppliers/producers and brand owners. With buyerBOSS and webBOSS, the site can push the order to the closest store to the consumer, which has the product in stock, providing a far more efficient process in the execution of online orders. The preferred strategy to market webBOSS is not in executing a www.wineshopper.com or a www.wineplanet.com.au strategy, but to provide their 'local' clients with the ability to purchase online from them, and for those that purchase over the phone or fax, if they move online to streamline the fulfillment process. webBOSS can also have a 'corporate account' facility for those retailers who provide accounts for business clients.

Relationship 2;

The Distributors are BOSS users and have executed their own e-business strategy. buyerBOSS provides a forum where retailers can aggregate their orders whilst having visibility of their one-on-one relationships with each of the suppliers.

Where a supplier is not a BOSS subscriber, orders will be faxed through to them until they subscribe.

Referring to figure 6 there is shown a schematic layout of a network according to one embodiment of the invention. In the arrangement shown Distributors 1 - 8 would be suppliers of products to a predetermined locality which may be a state of the United States. According to one embodiment a large retailer employs buyerBOSS support as a retailers procurement module, Relationship 1 :

A Major national retailer has executed an EDI platform to communicate with its suppliers. This has been in place for some time and the largest distributors have already invested money in meeting the retailers requirements. The retailer will ONLY use its EDI platform in the short term. Relationship 2:

Some of the Major Distributors have executed and are managing the very expensive EDI systems to communicate with a number of the major retailers. Relationship 3; buyerBOSS can connect into EDI system to pull down PO's and upload amendments, invoices, etc. Not all distributors have executed EDI strategies due to its high cost of implementation and ongoing management/programming. buyerBOSS enables those distributors to receive the communication from the retailer in the format that is most appropriate and dependant on which BOSS modules they have implemented. They could receive the communication in a flat file, idoc, email, fax, etc.

The benefit this provides the retailer is a far more efficient method of communicating with all of its suppliers, from the smallest to the largest. BOSS also then gets some authority within the industry and more distributors will move away from the EDI relationship into BOSS, due to the lower management cost and the many other value benefits gained from the various BOSS modules.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1 An interactive on line information exchange and/or trading network for a potentially unlimited number of remote participants in a predetermined field of activity ; the network being arranged so as to allow the remote participants to communicate with one or more other remote participants in the same field of activity and wherein the other remote participants may be selected from one or more of storage and or transport providers, producers, distributors, wholesalers, consumers, importers, retailers and the like; and wherein there is provided a first web site through which said remote participants communicate to access a central network provider and at least a second web site accessible from said first web site; said central provider enabling communication between at least one said remote participants and at least one other said remote participants.

2 An interactive on line information network according to claim 1 wherein the network includes: at least a first producer and a second producer; first and second storage providers / transporters of goods; an importer at a first location in communication with said first producer and said first transporter / storage provider; said second producer in communication with said second storage provider / transporter; the network further including a distributor in communication with said importer, producers, storage providers / transporters.

3 An interactive on line network according to claim 2 wherein said first producer is located in a foreign country and said second producer is located in a home country.

4 An interactive on line network according to claim 3 wherein at least one consumer obtains in line access to information on products provided by said producers.

5 An interactive on line network according to claim 4 wherein at least one consumer accesses information at said storage providers / transport providers prior to receipt by said importer of said producers products.

6 An interactive on line network according to claim 5 wherein said producers promote their products through an e commerce enabled web site including links to related sites.

7 An interactive on line network according to claim 5 wherein information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by consumer participants

8 An interactive on line network according to claim 5 wherein information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by said producers, importer, distributors, transporters.

9 An interactive network according to claim 8 wherein said second website is accessible from said first web site and includes links to at least a third website; wherein said first website provides a gate to said second and /or at least a third website.

10 An interactive network according to claim 1 wherein the network includes: a plurality of producers at a plurality of locations at least one storage provider / transporter of goods; an importer at a first location; the network further including a distributor in communication with one or more of said plurality of producers.

11 An interactive on line network according to claim 10 wherein said plurality of producers are located in a first country and said distributor is located in said first country.

12 An interactive network according to claim 11 wherein said distributor represents a plurality of suppliers from said first country.

13 An interactive on line network according to claim 12 wherein at least one consumer obtains in line access to information on products provided by said producers.

14 An interactive on line network according to claim 13 wherein at least one consumer accesses information at said storage provider / transport provider, prior to receipt by said importer of said producers products.

15 An interactive on line network according to claim 14 wherein said producers promote their products through an e commerce enabled web site including links to related sites.

16 An interactive on line network according to claim 15 wherein information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by consumer participants

17 An interactive on line network according to claim 16 wherein information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by said producers, importer, distributors, transporters.

18 An interactive network according to claim 17 wherein said second website is accessible from said first web site and includes links to at least a third website; wherein said first website provides a gate to said second and /or at least a third website.

19 An interactive on line information network according to claim 1 wherein the network includes: at least a first retailer and a second retailer; first and second storage providers / transporters of goods; an importer at a first location in communication with said first transporter / storage provider; the network further including a distributor in communication with said importer and said first, producers, storage providers / transporters.

20 An interactive on line network according to claim 19 wherein said first retailer is located in a first state or country and said second retailer is located in a second state or country.

21 An interactive on line network according to claim 20 wherein there is a third retailer in a third state or country in communication with said first transporter / storage provider.

22 An interactive on line network according to claim 21 further comprising a wholesaler in communication with said distributor, said second retailer and said second storage/ transport provider.

21 An interactive on line network according to claim 20 wherein at least one consumer obtains on line access to information on products provided by said retailers.

22 An interactive on line network according to claim 21 wherein at least one consumer accesses information at said storage providers / transport providers prior to receipt by said importer of said retailers products.

23 An interactive on line network according to claim 22 wherein said retailers promote their products through an e commerce enabled web site including links to related sites.

24 An interactive on line network according to claim 23 wherein information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by consumer participants

25 An interactive on line network according to claim 24 wherein information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by said retailers, importer, distributors, transporters.

26 An interactive network according to claim 25 wherein said second website is accessible from said first web site and includes links to at least a third website; wherein said first website provides a gate to said second and /or at least a third website.

27 An interactive network according to claim 1 wherein the network includes: a plurality of retailers at a plurality of locations at least one storage provider / transporter of goods; an importer at a first location; the network further including a distributor in communication with one or more of said plurality of retailers.

28 An interactive on line network according to claim 27 wherein said plurality of retailers are located in a first country and said distributor is located in said first country.

29 An interactive on line network according to claim 28 wherein at least one consumer obtains in line access to information on products provided by said retailers.

30 An interactive on line network according to claim 30 wherein at least one consumer accesses information at said storage providers / transport providers prior to receipt by said importer of said retailers products. 31 An interactive on line network according to claim 30 wherein said retailers promote their products through an e commerce enabled web site including links to related sites.

32 An interactive on line network according to claim 31 wherein information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by consumer participants

33 An interactive on line network according to claim 32 wherein information accessed and transactions conducted in said network may be tracked and accessed throughout said network by said consumers, retailers, importer, distributors, transporters.

34 An interactive network according to claim 33 wherein said second website is accessible from said first web site and includes links to at least a third website; wherein said first website provides a gate to said second and /or at least a third website.

35 An interactive network according to claim 1 wherein, each said participant has an input terminal which may be a personal computer which is interfaced into said first web site via the internet, the network including a plurality of remote data entry terminals accessible to remote participants; a central host website; a communication link between said host website and said plurality of remote data entry terminals wherein said first web site includes a data base having data stored therein which is compiled from an unlimited number of data sets created by and transmitted to said central web site by each remote participant; the system further comprises means for evaluating data transmitted from each remote participant.

36 A method of interaction between an unlimited number of remote participants in an information exchange and/or trading network including a plurality of linked web sites, wherein the method comprises the steps of;

a) creating a first entry web site accessible to one or more remote participants through which said remote participants communicate to access a central network provider; b) providing on said first website means to engage remote participants; c) providing a second website accessible from said first web site including links to at least a third website; wherein said first website provides a gate to said second and /or at least a third website. d) allowing at least one remote participant to communicate with one or more other remote participants in the same field of activity and wherein the other remote participants selected from one or more of producers, distributors, wholesalers, consumers, importers, retailers and the like.

37 A method according to claim 36 wherein said first web site is a host web site.

38 A method of interaction between an unlimited number of remote participants in an information exchange and/or trading network including a plurality of linked web sites, wherein the method comprises the steps of; a) creating a first entry web site accessible to one or more remote participants; b) providing on said first website means to engage remote participants; c) providing a second website accessible from said first web site including links to at least a third website; wherein said first website provides a gate to said second and /or third websites.; wherein said websites include data relating to the wine industry and said remote participants are participants in the wine industry.

39 A method according to claim wherein said at least one other remote participant is/are associated with the wine industry.

40 A system for providing an interactive data base for exchange of information between and unlimited number of remote participants, the system including; a plurality of remote data entry terminals accessible to remote participants; a host website; a communication link between a host web site and said plurality of remote data entry terminals wherein said host website includes a data base having data stored therein which is compiled from an unlimited number of data sets created by and transmitted to said host web site by each remote participant; wherein a participant is classified according to the nature of the data received from said remote participant in order to assign a membership status; the system further comprising a second website providing links for each remote participant to at least one other web site; wherein said at least one other web site is associated with a participant from a predetermined field of activity; wherein the system is arranged so that each said remote participants are able to communicate over the internet via said web sites and said participants from a predetermined field of activity to enable trade and exchange of information relating to said particular field of activity.

41 A network according to claim 1 wherein the field of activity is a beverage industry and the network is enabled by Beverage Operational Support Software platform ( BOSS) which enables management of information relating to supplier products and is selectively integrated with software systems of a remote participant .

42 A network according to claim 41 wherein said BOSS platform includes a number of ancillary support platforms from which a remote participant may select to enhance the systems of the remote participant. 43 A network according to claim 42 wherein said ancillary support platforms include one or more of the following software platforms:

1 Web BOSS (B2C Module),

2 MarcomBOSS Communications Module),

3 MeL (Online Media Asset register/library, Media Library),

4 Trade boss (B2B Module),

5 PromoBOSS (Discounting Module),

6 buyerBOSS

7 e-Payment: (Payment Gateway),

8 intraBOSS (Company Intranet Module),

9 dataBOSS (Data Integration Module),

10 moveBOSS (Freight Module),

12 creditWBOSS (Accounts Module),

13 repBOSS (Sales Representative Module),

14 taskBOSS (Project Management and Collaboration Module)

15 pacBOSS (Bottling Module),

16 bigBOSS (Reporting/Analysis Module), and

17 mBOSS (WAP, mobile/PDA browser enabled BOSS)

wherein said platforms may be selected by said remote participant to enhance access to commercial information by a remote participant about products and /or services provided by other remote participants.

44 A network according to claim 43 wherein said BOSS platform may function as a springboard to or 'gatekeeper' of information to the rest of the world, including a business proprietor's trade partners, a proprietors own web site and other e-commerce sites and portals.

45 A network according to claim 44 wherein a remote participant proprietor controls the information that is displayed about the proprietor's business and products.

46 A network according to claim 45 wherein webBOSS includes shopping cart technology directly linked into 'e-payment' processing payments directly into a bank account and sending an order direct to a despatch for fulfillment of said order.

47 A network according to claim 45 wherein marcomBOSS comprises a communications module that enables a user to build specific databases for its consumers (cellar door), wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and press; and wherein the user enters information and images into newsletter 'form' and the package will generate a 'html' email ( which has the appearance of a web page) that sends a specific message or information required to a customer to view, with direct links to the specific pages on the remote participant web site for a customer to view.

48 A network according to claim 45 wherein a Media Library (Mel) enables integration of a business and media asset library, with the BOSS platform; wherein authorised clients of participants in BOSS gain access to media quality images for republication/distribution and wherein said media library stores and archives high resolution media quality images for use in posters, newspapers, magazines, direct mail, thereby alleviating the cost of producing bromides and disks and a courier.

49 A network according to claim 45 wherein tradeBOSS provides a secured 'trade-only' marketing site for trade partners where distribution and retail partners can access company and product information, content, images and further provides a secured transactional 'trade site', managing one-to-one relationships with participant clients thereby allowing client access to business critical information such as order status, online ordering, product catalogues, product allocation, pricing and discount/rebate structures.

50 A network according to claim 45 wherein promoBOSS is an extension to tradeBOSS and enables a remote participant's e-business to be fully transactional and mirror trade relationships the participant may have off line.

51 A network according to claim 50 wherein promoBOSS comprises one or more of the following features; a) a product allocation per product: and per client b) a price allocation per product and per client c) a Stock allocation, linked to total market/segment allocation d) a Discount as $ or % on total order, single product &/or product range e) a Rebate as product or $ or % on single product or product range f) a Promotional Discounts/offers with a start and end date g) a Bonus Stock as a single unit or from a product range

52 A network according to claim 45, wherein buyerBOSS provide retailers/buyers with the ability to streamline and automate procurement of product from suppliers thereby providing a single interface to order from multiple suppliers.

53 A network according to claim 52 wherein buyerBOSS is accessible on line, or is integrated with a retailers office system and integrated with dataBOSS, or is connected to retailers EDI systems

54 A network according to claim 45 wherein e- Payment processes transactions in a secure environment wherein gateways are linked directly to the banks for verification before the funds are deposited into a participant account. 55 A network according to claim 45 wherein intraBOSS can also be used as a VPIM or Wide Area Network (WAN) for state or subsidiary offices thereby eliminating the requirement for frame relay networks between state offices.

56 A network according to claim 55 wherein intraBOSS includes customer and supplier databases, company directory repositories for company policy manuals and announcements, product catalogue and marketing information, stock levels, product allocation per client, order entry and order status.

57 A network according to claim 45 wherein dataBOSS is capable of directly linking with a participant's existing office systems, and securely replicating internal processes for a participant's e-business strategy.

58 A network according to claim 57 wherein dataBOSS comprises a collection of Microsoft SQL databases that allow for the migration of data and information from legacy systems to said BOSS system.

59 A network according to claim 58 wherein dataBOSS is capable of managing direct data relationships with trade partners, both buyers and vendors, thereby enabling a participant's office system to manage only one data relationship, with BOSS.

.60 A network according to claim 45 wherein moveBOSS enables a participant to incorporate specific requirements of logistics suppliers and pricing for one or more buyers; wherein a participant can automate dealings with multiple logistics providers; and wherein moveBOSS enables specification of schedule specific participant requirements based on transaction (trade or consumer).

61 A network according to claim 45 wherein CreditBOSS automates trading financial requirements of a business and includes:

• accounts receivable

• payments history

• accounts status

• management reporting

62 A network according to claim 61 wherein creditBOSS is fully integrated with all BOSS modules and can be integrated with LAN, WAN and legacy systems via dataBOSS.

63 A network according to claim 62 wherein creditBOSS enhance intraBOSS, repBOSS and tradeBOSS, by providing staff and clients with access to their account information.

64 A network according to claim 45 wherein repBOSS enables field representatives or remote sales people to access the information in a participant's systems thereby allowing the representative, using a laptop or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) to access client information including account status, client order status, catalogue, pricing, discount/rebate structure, promotions, offers and marketing data.

65 A network according to claim 45 wherein taskBOSS combines secure e- mail, calendaring and scheduling with tools including: group calendars; discussion threads; issue management; project management; progress reporting; thereby providing a business with an integrated Internet-compliant collaboration and messaging infrastructure. 66 A network according to claim 45 wherein pacBOSS enables industry service providers to provide online support to their clients (producers/brand owners) and enables client visibility of their relationship with that service provider.