1. Instrument: Online Platform

Local and regional governments encourage the development of Business to Business (B2B) platforms in order to promote the internet as a export or business tool. The objectives of online platforms can range from the provision of a simple and easy access gateway to e-Business for SMEs to enabling transactional capabilities. The field of application varies depending on the scope of the platform targeting either a specific sector or information exchange along the supply chain. In contrast, some platforms do not have any focus on a specific sector.

Advantages for SMEs are in general

• enhanced efficiency,
• cost savings,
• better management control following automatic and short purchasing process,
• better transparency, better visibility on the Web.

In detail this means for SMEs

• Offering products online, without having to set up a complicated website but simply adding its catalogue to existing marketplaces
• Increasing attractiveness of products, by exploiting the marketplace brand and marketing power
• Saving money in purchasing, by facilitating e-procurement and joint purchase
• Monitoring purchases and sales more efficiently, using standard technology provided by the marketplace.

2. Features

An online platform can contain following features:

• A marketplace is website where transactions and business interactions between firms take place. Here companies find potential partners, customers or suppliers, and inter-firm matching, trade and cooperation is facilitated
• A portal is website where several resources and services for firms exist and where communication and collaboration between firms is encouraged.
• Directories are listings of vendors and companies in the areas of eBusiness
• Qualification: financial or technical information on the listed companies to enhance the degree of trust in potential partners
• Content: content such as newsletters, commercial information, export-related information on specific countries, technological update etc.