JVC (U.K.) Limited Application Story

NTT Europe offers JVC (U.K.) Limited Electronic Commerce Solution using MODCOMP's ViewMax Legacy-to-Web software.

E-commerce Using the Internet and Intranets
The Internet is open for business. Over the past couple of years, low cost Internet access services, fast modem and network connections and easy-to-use World Wide Web browser software have come together to pave the way for a whole new global market for Internet-based products and services.

For many businesses, the Internet is an opportunity to communicate with their customers and employees using low-cost, standard web-software products. For others, it offers the ability to present multimedia marketing literature anywhere in the world at a fraction of the cost of delivering paper based materials. However, it is the possibility of integrating all of these opportunities into a complete information publishing and electronic business transaction system that is generating the most interest.

The justification for implementing web technology in a private network is usually based on the increased multimedia functionality, lower cost of license fees, and ongoing support, in comparison to traditional proprietary products.

Audio, Video and Television Distribution
JVC (UK) Limited, based in London, is a major importer and distributor of audio, video and television products. As part of their support operation, they distribute thousands of high quality catalogs and technical data sheets to their customers on a regular basis. It sees web technology and the Internet as a way to increase its presence in the market and reduce its cost of sale.

JVC's existing system utilizes Videotext with text-only "green screens". Order entry, and request for technical service information are entered directly into the legacy business system. Although Videotext gave the dealer a standard, accessible way to interface with Videotext based systems, alternative access methods for other on-line systems were still required. Applications on legacy systems are notoriously difficult, requiring navigation through a multitude of screens to access one or two pieces of information, then requiring the user to back out and navigate through another complete module to edit the information or collect related data. The existing system had a cumbersome user interface, ran complex code that is difficult to modify, and the systems architecture was not designed to integrate with Internet technology.

Using screen-mapping, JVC was able to implement a web-based electronic commerce system quickly, without having to implement expensive upgrades or re-engineer its existing order processing system. Screen-mapping also provides protection against unauthorized access to critical business systems by never allowing the user directly interact with the system.

JVC's presence is now structured into three categories:

Public Internet -- the JVC web site is packed with information on Products, Dealers, Contacts, Events, Support and Feedback.

Dealer Extranet -- the JVC (UK) Dealer web site, is a separate web site that can be accessed from the public website. The Dealer web-site is packed with information on What's New, Services, and option to Download as well as Spare Parts ordering and search selection. Before any of the information can be accessed or viewed, the Dealer must provide a dealer name and password. Once authorized, the dealer may select information or search and place orders for parts. Once completed, processing of the order is confirmed with a reference number and telephone number.

Internal Intranet -- JVC can use web browsers and Internet technology internally to implement a modified version of the ViewMax electronic commerce module. Telesales and other staff will be able to access this information from JVC's mainframe over their corporate Intranet.

Electronic commerce using Internet technology offers huge potential for businesses, but to be successful it will have to fit into their existing IT framework. However appealing a "clean-slate" approach might be in theory, in practice most organizations do not want the expense and disruption of developing completely new business applications. They will need to find a way of integrating web technology into their current IT investment.

Security is also a major concern for anyone contemplating doing business electronically. Enabling uncontrolled access to core business systems would be a very dangerous step indeed; businesses need a way of harnessing the power of the Internet without the risks associated with public access. JVC opted for limited, secure, password protected access via the Internet and direct dial into their site using a private telephone number.

By using an intranet -- a web system running over a private network -- companies can avoid most of the security and performance problems associated with doing business over the public Internet. They can use the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of Internet technology, while remaining in complete control of their IT environment.

Within the intranet, organizations can use web servers running screen mapping technology to mediate between the client and the central business applications. This further improves security and enables old and new business systems to coexist harmoniously.

NTT Europe Limited, MODCOMP, and ViewMax were selected because they were able to provide an individually effective solution relating to design, installation, management and training, truly -- a one-stop total solution. NTT Europe and MODCOMP delivered a fully operational system, including hardware, software and the network within six weeks of appointment, and two weeks ahead of schedule.