RosettaNet announced a number of participants in eConcert – the implementation phase of RosettaNet. In an initiative that will define supply chain transactions using between 75 and 100 standard XML-based partner interface processes (PIPs), or computer-to-computer dialogs, 15 companies have committed resources to four-to-six-month pilot programs that will test processes for updating catalogs and purchasing products. The announcement involves implementation of nine PIPs that will eventually comprise e-business production systems. The selected implementers have formed partnerships of two to six companies to begin pilot implementations. These early adopters recognize the value that RosettaNet’s standards bring for themselves, RosettaNet members, and every other company in the IT supply chain. Purchasing processes currently being piloted consist of computer dialogs relating to requests for pricing information, inventory level, and order status and management of purchase orders. Arrow and Intel have formed one partnership to test purchasing processes, while IBM, Inacom, CHS, Ingram Micro and MicroAge comprise a second group to so the same. As part of the eConcert implementation phase, three milestones were established by the RosettaNet board members regarding the pilot implementation of PIPs by the various company partnerships. The first milestone, when three selected partnerships will have successfully completed the pilot phase of one or more PIPs, is scheduled for June 25, 1999. Five more partnerships will follow at the second milestone on August 9, 1999. Finally, eConcert will come to fruition on February 2, 2000, when all the eConcert member companies will use PIPs in their everyday production routines.The complete set of PIPs will address six high-level business activities