Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           www.selu.edu/NewsEvents
    Date: 02/27/98
      Contact:                           Sherri Encar 119

SLU SBDC HOSTS SEMINARS ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
     HAMMOND -- Business people across America are feeling the pressure from
competitiors, customers and the government to move into Electronic Commerce, also known as
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) -- doing more with computers and less with papers.
Businesses that are not electronically capable will miss valuable business opportunities. 
      The government is now pushing Electronic Funds Transfer as the method of payment for
contracts. The Department of Defense plans to move to a paper-free contracting process by 
2000, while NASA and other agencies are utilizing the Internet exclusively for publicizing bids.  
      Southeastern Louisiana University's Small Business Development Center can help those
who need relief from the pressure. The SBDC is offering a full day of seminars on Electronic
Commerce on March 12 in Room 122 of the SLU University Center.
     A $15 per seminar registration fee covers handouts and refreshments.  Registration is
limited, and pre-registration is required. 
      Business Opportunities with DoD thru EDI  is scheduled for 9 a.m.-noon.  EDI is the
computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standard format between business
partners.  The course will provide information on the DoD Electronic Commerce  ED/EDI
Program; an explanation of 1994 mandate for government s move to EC. It will examine issues
involved in selecting EDI hardware, software and services necessary to conduct business with
DoD and identifiy  how to receive solicitations and bids via EDI. Participants will receive a
workbook that expands on EDI and serves as a reference guide.
      Getting started with Electronic Commerce,  which will be offered from 1-4 p.m., 
                                 (MORE) 
SBDC SEMINARS ON ELECTRONIC COMMERCE -- Add One

explores Electronic Commerce (EC) technologies and how they can benefit to businesses.  One
of the most powerful technologies is the Internet, which is becoming a significant resource for
business and industry throughout the world.
     The course provides an introduction to the history and evolution of the Internet and on-
line services, and teaches how to implement these resources to communicate with business
partners.  Various resources available on the Internet are discussed as well as the hardware and
software needed to get connected to the Internet.
     A $15 per seminar registration fee covers handouts and refreshments.  Registration is
limited, and pre-registration is required.  For more information, call the SBDC at 504-549-3831.
     To register and for more information, call the SBDC at 504-549-3831.
                                 - SLU -
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