E-procurement system vendors, such as Ariba, allow companies to transact business with suppliers through an Internet commerce network.

Customers using Ariba's buyer applications leverage the Ariba Supplier Network to access thousands of suppliers through a single connection.

Ariba's buyer applications let companies aggregate suppliers' offerings into a single catalog, and manage procurement approval and order processes. The results are lower costs, faster orders and improved control over purchasing options.

Becoming an Ariba supplier increases a company's product exposure and up-sell opportunities. Order processing costs are reduced through streamlined transactions.

Through "Ariba PunchOut," customers using Ariba's buyer applications can access a supplier's Web site to select and configure goods for purchase.

Using TechniCon's E-Procurement Connector, customers can "punch out" from their buyer applications to CustomCommerce catalogs containing customer-specific product lines, options and pricing.