Powerful web-enabled technologies will provide significant cost savings for UK companies through improved purchasing practices, according to KPMG Consulting, Microsoft & Compaq. The three firms have joined forces to provide an integrated e-purchasing solution that can reduce a company's purchasing costs by up to 15 per cent.

Louis Jordan, Head of Supply Chain at KPMG Consulting, commented: "This enterprise to enterprise (e2e) e-purchasing solution is the first of its kind in the UK. It brings together the e-business implementation expertise of KPMG Consulting, Compaq's capabilities in infrastructure, technology and systems solutions and Microsoft's proven e-commerce platform in a 1,000 strong team of professionals. Together, these leading players can provide all the necessary components for a flexible and complete e-purchasing solution."

An integral part of this solution is to make the Internet indispensable and relevant to every employee in a company, at anytime. Electronic catalogues, purchasing card networks, intranets, e-bills and online tendering - all presented on a 'digital dashboard' - are some of the key functions which will be made available to end-users.