April 21, 2000

E-Commerce May Help Colleges Cut Costs and Paperwork

By FLORENCE OLSEN

Institutions see potential for huge savings with revamped purchasing systems

"That's the competition," says Stuart Benoff, pointing to a desktop telephone in a featureless cubicle in the University of Pennsylvania's Building 3401.

Mr. Benoff, a senior programmer analyst, has worked for months on an electronic-commerce system that, when completed, will link the university's internal purchasing process directly to suppliers. Penn officials hope that the new system will appeal to

Digital or Print Subscription

Web Pass

Already have an account? Log In Now.