Sun-Netscape Alliance operation iPlanet E-Commerce Solutions yesterday announced iPlanet Portal Server, describing it as a "full-service platform for deploying robust e-commerce portals."

The new product provides all of the membership management, personalization, aggregation, security, and integration services needed to deploy today's demanding e-commerce portals, the company said.

While many portal products offer specialized functionality, such as knowledge or content management, iPlanet Portal Server is the first platform to enable the dynamic creation of a portal that aggregates those functions and presents them in a consolidated format based on the user's preference, a statement issued by the company said.

The framework makes it easy for companies to plug in value-added applications and services from other leading portal and e-commerce vendors such as Actuate, E.piphany, grapeVINE, Hyperion Solutions, Macromedia, Net.Genesis, and Net Perceptions. It also enables companies to focus on their core competencies, rather than developing all of the necessary components of a portal, Wes Wasson, a spokesperson for iPlanet said.

Additional services offered by iPlanet partners could include business intelligence, e-reporting, marketing analytics and customer relationship management.

The iPlanet Portal Server will be available in two formats: iPlanet Portal Server, designed for local hosting and administration by the enterprise; and iPlanet Portal Server: Service Provider Edition, which will offer enhanced service provider hosting capabilities.

iPlanet Portal Server and iPlanet Portal Server: Service Provider Edition will be available in the second quarter, with both per user and per CPU pricing available.

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