A Study on Introduction of Intermediary for e-Collaboration between SMEs

Abstract

ABSTRACT Latest e-business trends are collaborations as alternatives to extreme competition and strategies for cost-saving and growth. But e-collaboration among SMEs(Small and Medium Size Enterprises) has too many constraints. Because SMEs are feeble in utilizing IT technology and lack driving force and concentration for informatization. In this context, we propose to introduce e-collaboration intermediary which can promote e-collaboration among SMEs. It is in charge of supporting that SMEs with the different system each other can form the collaborative business relationship while they use their own unique systems. We also show e-collaboration intermediary's system architecture which can be adoptable. Lastly, we think about expected effect in technical and business aspects. In the technical aspect, its application can be justified in its open, horizontal, and result-oriented characteristics. And in the business aspect, its application can be justified in making the business activities efficient or creating the new business. Keywords: E-Collaboration Intermediary, E-Collaboration Platform, Horizontal Collaboration