Angela,
In working with your suppliers, it is important to stress the value they will receive in transacting with you over the Ariba Network. With services spend, sellers tell us this value is often increased due to its specialized nature. Sellers go through long and arduous sales processes, and when they win the business, they need to capture the often complex details outlined in the statement of work. Services Procurement and the improved visibility the Network offers can help to facilitate this effort.
Also, it should be noted that services spend continues to be one of the largest drivers of activity on Ariba Discovery. Network sellers get access to these opportunities to win more business meaning the more a seller becomes engaged in the Ariba Network, the more they will benefit.
Hopefully you are planning to attend Ariba LIVE. There will be a number of sessions and networking opportunities to discuss these types of challenges/objectives including a Service Procurement Roundtable in the Customer Breakouts Track. Get all the details at www.aribalive.com.
And finally, we have numerous Ariba Services Procurement references who would be happy to discuss their experiences and approach will you. Your Customer Engagement Executive will reach out to you to set something up.
Regards,
Ken Miklos
Director, Customer Marketing