B2B Data Integration and Transformation Blog

In the ever changing world of social media, it’s becoming a full time job to keep up with the trends, changes, rules, and content.  LinkedIn and Facebook have made significant changes to their business pages.  Between key words, product pages, and the ability to add interactive graphics to your pages, design and prioritizing key words has become imperative.  Whether you’re responsible for your company’s page or just your own professional profiles I am sure you have your hands full. 

The importance of professional social media for branding continues to grow.  I don’t know about you, but when I am researching anything, whether it’s a new software program, a camp for my daughter, or I am looking for background on an individual before a business meeting, the first place I go is Google!  If it’s a product, usually a review or website will appear first on the list.  If it’s an individual, more than likely, the first thing that will pop up is their LinkedIn profile.

In an effort to provide you with the most current product information, we wanted to pass a long a brief update for those who have GENTRAN, Sterling B2B Integrator or File Gateway installations.

The last versions of these products released by Sterling Commerce before being acquired by IBM are quickly approaching their End of Support Dates (see below).  Current versions of these products are available for download in your IBM Passport Advantage or Passport Express account if you are current on Software Subscription & Support (SS&S).

The benefits associated with the use of EDI, such as cost reductions and reduced time of transactions, have improved the healthcare market.  In a recent report on Healthcare Informatics, the EDI healthcare market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.7 percent from 2013 to 2018.  And the total value of the EDI market, inclusive of healthcare, is expected to be $1.68 billion by 2018.  

So why are there still companies "holding" out on investing in their EDI and integration technology?

As integration continues to evolve, it is imperative to keep the department working at peak efficiency.

If you are trying to save money by prolonging the life of an outdated system, you’re not only investing in false economies, but you’re missing out on technological advances.  Technology advancement can pay a sizable ROI derived from savings on downtime, improved system efficiencies, remote system capabilities, energy savings, increased safety or a combination of those benefits.