IBM Corp has announced version 3.2 of its Net.Commerce internet commerce package for the AS/400. It is the first version on the AS/400 to support the secure electronic transaction protocol (SET), says the company. Another first for the AS/400 this time is a standalone version of IBM’s payment server. New with version 3.2, which brings the AS/400 into line with the other platforms on which Net.Commerce runs, is a store creation wizard with three pre-defined starter templates; IBM’s CommercePoint e-Till SET- compliant payment software; Lotus Domino and SAP R/3 back-end integration; and enhanced catalog tools. Security features include support for encryption, digital certificates, SSL. IBM claims the AS/400 is yet to be hacked.
IBM’s e-business marketing manager Suzi Shaw-Lyons says the target is small-to-medium businesses but points out that IBM’s definition of that includes some companies with $1bn revenues. She says it is likely to find most homes in the AS/400 traditional based of manufacturing and distribution companies, although some online stores are starting to use the AS/400, she says. Prices start at $7,500, though version 2 customers with the same processor family get it for no extra charge.
