Pandesic gets ready for Euro expansion

Pandesic, the e-commerce joint venture between Intel and SAP, will launch subsidiaries in Europe this summer, as its parents pour more money into their online venture.

James Moriarty, Pandesic marketing director, said European marketing will begin at the Cebit trade show in Hanover next month, followed by Internet World in London.

'There are no details on our launch, but in the second half of 1998 we will form separate companies with our own presence, not in Intel or SAP buildings,' Moriarty said.

He revealed that Pandesic was working on branding, similar to the Intel Inside campaign, but refused to give any details. Sources suggested it will refund money to merchants if they use a Pandesic logo on their sites.

Last month, fulfilment specialist McQueen signed to deliver products for Pandesic system merchants that cannot deliver goods themselves. Moriarty said: 'The McQueen deal is worldwide and positions Pandesic as an international company.'

Pandesic, which provides an internet-based system to automate the business cycle online, launched in the US in August 1997. Pandesic will launch in Europe within a year, starting with Germany. The UK, France and Scandinavia are likely to follow soon after.

Moriarty refused to comment on the amount Intel and SAP have invested in privately held Pandesic, but sources said the parent companies are losing vast sums and are 'prepared to risk billions' on ensuring the online venture capitalises on the perceived boom in internet-based commerce.

Analysts predict the boom will be worth $6.6 billion in 2000.

As yet, Pandesic has just 15 merchants signed to use the Pandesic system and three are using it.