This discusses the growth of online-purchasing systems used by states and school districts to buy everything from pencils to cleaning supplies. However, experts point out significant drawbacks in e-procurement. [Free subscriber registration is required.]

Explains the benefits of e-procurement (ordering supplies through computer networks) and discusses what colleges should look for when choosing a service provider.

Discusses schools' use of Web-based procurement for supplies. Describes the cost savings and other benefits of this purchasing method, along with prominent vendors.

Explores how, tempered by the collapse of the dot-com boom, education institutions are taking a more guarded approach to moving their purchasing operations online; however, those who have moved to such systems have found less bureaucracy, more efficiency, and better prices.

Provides four suggestions to follow when purchasing from web-based companies: Put in place a strong RFP process; conduct due diligence of the finalists; use contractual terms to mitigate risk; and clearly set project expectations and timeliness.

Examines the setup of American University's electronic procurement system and explains how it works and the benefits it brings to the school. Cautionary advice on setting up an online purchasing system is also offered.

A sidebar to an article on education portals discusses e-commerce for school purchasing and lists 10 web sites.

Discusses why e-commerce is being used so sparingly by big business and school purchasers alike, the benefits on going on-line for school buyers, and the integration of e-commerce with the districts accounting and management information systems. Available online services are detailed.

Discusses how schools and universities are turning to the Internet to improve business and facilities operations. The use of websites to help institutions manage most or all of the purchasing process and the Internet services targeting education are described.

Online ordering of school furniture and equipment including classroom furniture, school computer furniture, library furniture, audio-visual equipment, science tables, cafeteria furniture, daycare furniture, outdoor furniture and storage solutions.

Gives schools the ability to post requests for proposals, invitations to bid and quotes online. Registered vendors are notified of bid opportunities.

Online web site registry for construction professionals who provide products and services to the educational community for the construction and maintenance of schools, colleges, and universities. One-stop resource for architects who need product information and specifications for their projects.

This is a directory of products and services for school construction, facilities, business, and technology needs. Categories include: ADA; Electrical; Furniture, Equipment, & Supplies; Maintenance & Operation; Mechanical; Physical Education; Residence Hall; Safety & Security; Services; Structural; Technical; Trade Associations; and Transportation & Parking. EducationMarketplace.com is produced by School Planning & Management and College Planning & Management magazines.

E-commerce site for buyers and suppliers in the education and government markets. Provides a catalog of products, supplier and product reviews, online bidding, contract management and order tracking.

An international trade organization serving the school market by promoting and open market for educational products and services.

Online source for school furniture and school equipment.

E-commerce solution for a family of School Specialty companies. Ordering solutions provide the ability to order from all of the School Specialty company catalogs along with additional products not appearing in the catalogs.

This members-only website is the online home for school facility, maintenance, and operations professionals. The site connects school facility professionals to each other to solve problems, share best practices, and improve the nation's learning environments. Includes online tools for work order management, help desk management, trip management, facility scheduling, wireless work orders, preventive maintenance, inventory control, utility management, capital planning, and peer networking.

SchoolFacilities.com is an education facilities infomediary, providing knowledge and focused business development services to industry professionals responsible for school building maintenance, school construction, management, and products for school buildings and facilities of all types.

Online ordering of school supplies, furniture and equipment for children ages infant through high school.