AT&T tests new enterprise services

If employees can order paper clips and stationery via a corporate extranet, why not enable them to order wireless services as well as customize the displayed product and service information to fit its preferences? AT&T Wireless (www.attws.com) is testing a service designed to let companies do just that.

Slated for commercial release in September, the AT&T Wireless Extranet Advantage is designed to enable companies to update account information online, check current and past invoices by account and customize the program for online provisioning.

AT&T Wireless developed Extranet Advantage after getting feedback from some of its largest enterprise customers and studying e-business applications offered by companies such as Dell, Cisco and Ford, said Terry Madonia, AT&T Wireless vice president of enterprise marketing and e-business marketing.

“We learned that the number one thing our customers want to be able to do is learn about and buy our services,” Madonia said. “But they want the solution to be customized to them.”

Corporate customers also wanted to integrate the application with existing intranet or e-procurement services. So AT&T Wireless developed another e-business application that links to e-procurement software offered by companies such as Ariba and Commerce One. The carrier plans to release this application in early September.

The next step in the evolution of AT&T’s enterprise e-business services will be Web-based electronic bill presentment and payment. Right now, the carrier uses a CD-ROM product for electronic billing services, but expects to roll out Web reporting and payment capabilities some time next year.

AT&T Wireless recently announced it would use edocs’ (www.edocs.com) online account management and e-billing software to provide enhanced self-care options to customers. However, the carrier plans to launch these solutions in the consumer market first.