An Idea Whose Time Has Arrived...

What is The EC Institute? National effort to develop and maintain: Professional certification program in electronic commerce –Consensus body of knowledge –Skills necessary for success –High standards of academic excellence Additional education resources in EC

The State of the EC Industry Lack of professional certification in EC No coordination between related fields No definitive sources Inconsistency among educators Need for continuing education

Why the EC Institute? EC practitioners have long talked about professional certification –Past efforts have met with little success –Desire for objective EC educational resources Other industries formalize independent professional certifications as they evolve

Inclusive effort to involve EC constituencies: EC Institute Goal -- Inclusivity Practitioners Traditional corporations Virtual organizations Vendors Government User groups Academia/educators Trade associations Consultants Other stake-holders

EC Institute Goal -- Communication Provide umbrella organization for distributing information Facilitate development of new educational programs Foster exchange between academicians and practitioners Reduce duplication among user groups, trade associations, academia Encourage interaction among diverse constituencies:

Organizational Structure Umbrella structure intended to maximize feedback Three major components: –Board of Directors –Advisory Board –Sponsor Board

EC Institute Structure Board of Directors Advisory BoardSponsor Board EC Stakeholders Professional Certification Other Institute Activities

The Organizations Behind the EC Institute Founding Partners: –Data Interchange Standards Association (DISA) –Colorado EC Roundtable –University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business Board of Directors: –University of Maryland –US Department of Treasury –Research Triangle Commerce, Inc. –Electronic Commerce Resource Center (San Antonio) –ATT, IBM

Developmental Efforts Establish organization and charter Physical office at University of Denver Web presence hosted by DISA Regular Board of Directors meetings Advisory Board meetings

Body of Knowledge Development Schematic of major areas –Foundation topics –EC Principles / Dynamics and Strategy –Tools, Technologies and Techniques –Glossary of Terms Topic definitions RFP to academia for development

Body of Knowledge

How You Benefit Expand understanding of EC practices and technologies Increase opportunities for professional advancement, continuing education Enhance employability Obtain credit for knowledge you already have

How Your Company Benefits Enhance employee credibility Expand competitive advantage Means for evaluating resources –Human assets –Benchmarking Ensure currency of employee knowledge Extend knowledge of EC uses, benefits, and tools

How the Industry Benefits Expanded pool of certified practitioners Certification demonstrates leadership Professional growth though mastery of body of knowledge Multi-faceted programs and opportunities

How Your User Group Benefits Enhance attractiveness of User Group Revenue sources from continuing education Expand into other segments of the EC market Entrée to other user groups

How Your Company Can Participate Become a Sponsor (tax advantages) Actively participate in defining the body of knowledge Certify your employees Use certification as a hiring criteria Participate in proactive research

Sponsor Levels Major Sponsor -- $50,000 –Boards of Sponsors and Advisors –Website logo, link and profile Sustaining Sponsor -- $25,000 –Board of Sponsors –Website logo and link Contributing Sponsor -- $10,000 –Board of Sponsors –Website link

How You Can Participate Contribute practical experience to the body of knowledge Involve your organization Involve local User Group Take professional certification exam

For More Information Visit the EC Institute Web site: – inquiries to any of the contacts below: –Lisa Clowers: –John Lathrop: –Joe Tinucci: –Lissa Henderson: