Auctions to Customization in SiteStuff's IT Future

AUSTIN-SiteStuff.com, an e-procurement solution for the commercial real estate industry, is teaming with Ariba Inc. and Vignette Corp. to make auctions and customization available to its customers.

The partnering will round out SiteStuff’s e-procurement solutions package, which is designed to produce up to 70% savings in procurement costs. “At SiteStuff, we view technology as a tool that helps us improve the purchasing process for real-estate professionals at every level,” says Bob Prochnow, SiteStuff’s chief information officer. The products will facilitate direct integration with customers and heighten purchase customization.

Ariba’s technology enables rapid deployment of B2B marketplaces, utilizing mechanisms such as auctions, reverse auctions and bid/ask exchanges. The new technology will allow customers to implement online routing, approval procedures and review catalogs.

The Vignette platform will enhance content customization. “By creating a more effective environment for suppliers and a more efficient purchasing experience for buyers, e-marketplaces will build sustainable value for themselves and their constituents,” says Erik Josowitz, vice president of product strategy.

In line with the teaming, SiteStuff has hired Inforte Corp., a leading e-business integrator to bridge the trio’s platforms. The employee-owned Inforte has offices in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Since June’s national launch of SiteStore, the Austin-based operation has expanded its customer base to encompass more than 2.2 billion sf of property. SiteStuff’s presence has been bolstered by the Octane Alliance, an e-business strategy of CB Richard Ellis, Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. and Trammell Crow Co.