Trading exchanges, like any joint-venture activity, have the potential to raise antitrust issues.

After more than 50 years of mostly government-backed research, pioneering companies will bring fuel cells to the masses -- once they hurdle a few obstacles.

Early adopters in automaking and aerospace consider product lifecycle management (PLM) a key competitive strategy. Now IBM also tailors the tool for smaller firms.

Despite new Web-based systems, manufacturers want even better connections with suppliers and customers.

Big retailers whip manufacturers into (off)line.

It takes more than software to build true partnerships.

Winners in the race to generate new sales over the Internet will have dynamic, interactive sites with content tailored to individual users delivered on proprietary networks.