Tech Data crea un equipo para el desarrollo acelerado de su sitio web

El laboratorio "RAD" crea herramientas online con mayor eficiencia, funcionalidad y productividad

26 de junio de 2001 - En inglés

CLEARWATER, Fla., (June 26, 2001) - To change its pace of Internet innovation, Tech Data Corp. has formed a focused team to concentrate solely on enhancements to its customer Web site. By bringing together a cross-divisional team and converting a seminar room into the "RAD (rapid application development) Lab", Tech Data has created a collaborative, fast-paced environment that allows RAD specialists to significantly reduce the time required to develop new solutions.

"We can now complete Web development projects in a matter of weeks, instead of months," said John Tonnison, Tech Data's new vice president of electronic commerce, "To be successful in the Internet space a company needs to be able to develop solutions at lightning speed. By bringing the team together in a "lab" environment, we create a workflow process that fosters instant, broad communication with no barriers or distractions. We can exchange ideas and build prototypes as soon as we understand a problem or identify an opportunity," said Tonnison.

In creating the RAD team, Tech Data is applying best practices worldwide by utilizing characteristics of Tech Data's European Web site. "What we are really doing is combining one of the more successful aspects of the new economy - rapid design and application - with excellent techniques developed by subsidiaries in our worldwide organization," said Tonnison.

The first wave of upgrades to Tech Data's customer Web site (www.techdata.com) were developed, tested and launched in just about a month and feature an enhanced look and feel, improved shopping cart, speed, search capabilities, navigation and functionality. With the improved Web site, Tech Data's solution provider customers can view all ordering processes on a single screen resulting in fewer clicks to purchase product.

Tech Data customers can now also take advantage of TD Anywhere, a feature that provides an automatic link to the online product catalog from any Web site. For example, a Tech Data customer viewing product on a vendor Web site can highlight a product and immediately check pricing and availability with Tech Data's online catalog. The TD Anywhere feature works from any industry Web site in conjunction with all Tech Data vendor or product category names.

To ensure functionality and relevance of its RAD Web enhancements, Tech Data is involving select customers in interactive Beta testing. Test sites are shared with customers and revisions are made according to daily updates tracking user feedback. "This is a collaborative process to create a Web site that best fits into the working practices of our customers," said Tonnison.

As a leading global provider of technology products and logistics management services, one of Tech Data's primary goals is to continually increase efficiency and effectiveness of its Internet tools. The company's electronic commerce sales total $5.4 billion on an annualized basis.

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