SEATTLE, WA, Sept. 14, 2004 -- eBid Systems, a provider of hosted contract sourcing and management software, announced the release of eBid eXchange Version 1.0, procurement software for the small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The new offering is a suite of web-based procurement tools that allow the buying organization to easily set up a private vendor exchange for managing procurement of goods and services. eBid eXchange empowers SMBs with affordable procurement tools previously available only to large businesses willing to invest in customized software. The product is designed for buyers in the government, construction, manufacturing, and services sectors.

"eBid eXchange is the natural evolution of our experience over the last five years in developing enterprise-level contract sourcing and management solutions for our customers," said Keith Jones, President of eBid Systems. "We have captured essential procurement tools in a pre-packaged application that will appeal to organizations that value simplicity and cost of ownership over the need for extensive customization and integration."

Serving as a paperless vendor communications portal, eBid eXchange provides the buying organization with on-demand tools for self-service vendor qualification, request for quote distribution, responding to vendor questions, and online bidding. The system provides a centralized data warehouse and audit trail of procurement actions, communications, and documents. Inbound and outbound communication tools include electronic documents, web forms, e-mail and fax. Immediate benefits accrue from reducing document distribution costs, awarding contracts faster, and enforcing contract compliance. Instead of processing paperwork for purchasing activities, users can spend time on strategic activity.

Essential to the SMB market, eBid eXchange is "software as a service" without the cost and time required for a typical web-based software implementation. Users can setup, configure, and manage their private vendor portal with simple tools that allow definition of business rules and content management. Users can select a monthly or annual subscription and immediately begin using the application after online credit card payment. Pricing starts at $50 per month per user and a 15-day free trial is available for test and evaluation at http://www.ebidsystems.com.

About eBid Systems -- eBid Systems provides an integrated suite of contract sourcing and management solutions to industry and public agencies. Founded in 1999, eBid Systems delivers hosted or licensed software that streamlines procurement.

SOURCE eBid Systems

Web Site: http://www.ebidsystems.com