Lawson Taps webMethods For Software Solution

An international software solutions provider has tapped webMethods Inc.
to provide the actual software for Web services
applications going forward, officials announced Thursday.

Lawson Software will use webMethods applications for
its own e-Procurement solutions down the road. With the Web services
application, Lawson clients can connect their system to other companies
over the Internet, regardless of operating system or application used.

The company has a disparate clientele, ranging from the State of Michigan
to Wilson’s Leather retail chains to African countries who depend on
Lawson’s for software solutions to drive their human resources, procurement
and automation needs.

The webMethods deal is further proof of Lawson’s strategy to avoid hosting
applications itself, like those found in the applications service
provider (ASP) industry. Last year, when the company announced
its initial public offering (IPO), executives declared their faith in
the direct sale of software solutions, not hosting Internet-based applications.

Instead, Lawson executives are more likely to sign deals with hosting
companies like netASPx or health care
e-commerce site medibuy to offer their software solution.

According to Gary Peterson, Lawson product manager, the need for a software
vendor with an eye towards the future application needs of online
businesses was necessary.

“As we evaluated integration software offerings, we carefully assessed the
needs of our customers,” he said. “After evaluating their integration
platform, it was clear this was the right solution for us, and our customers.”

Debbie Rosen, webMethods senior vice president of industries and alliances,
said Lawson is one of those firms that knows the direction the Internet is
going into Web services.

“Lawson is known for their high level of customer satisfaction and
commitment to its customers, that’s the type of company with which we enjoy
doing business,” she said. “They understand the value integration plays
in their customer’s overall success in getting up and running quickly, and
making the solutions as effective as possible on an ongoing basis.”