CAPSTAN SIGNS MSAS, LAUNCHES B2B STRATEGY

CAPSTAN SIGNS MSAS, LAUNCHES B2B STRATEGY    Capstan Systems, a Silicon Valley-based developer of online supply chain networking software, unveiled its Capstan Connected alliance strategy and launched a suite of services called Capstan Network, targeted at the emerging vertical business-to-business Internet exchanges.
   Capstan added MSAS Global Logistics to a list of logistics partners that includes Fritz Cos. and Circle International, and said it will include a landed cost calculator in its system.
   “The combination of the new Capstan Network services and Capstan Connected alliances offers B2B marketplaces a complete technology and logistics services infrastructure,” the company said.
   Analysts have said that a key differentiator for B2B sites will be their ability to provide buyers and sellers access to logistics, planning and design services. Capstan hopes to position itself to provide B2B sites and individual shippers with a network of services covering all task involved in global transportation.
   Capstan has teamed with @TheMoment Inc., BusinessBots Inc., ecMarket.com, Perfect.com Inc. and iPlanet to deliver B2B marketplace integration services, including XML interfacing and landed cost capabilities.
   Capstan has teamed up with MSAS, Fritz, Circle and freightquote.com to deliver third-party logistics and transportation execution.
   The company said it is also talking to financial institutions about adding supply chain financing services and insurance to its network.
   Capstan’s new B2B offering builds on a partnership the company formed this year with i2 Technologies, a leading supply chain software maker and developer of marketplace software, and with Optimum Logistics, a provider of Internet business software to bulk commodities shippers.