Briefs: Acquisition Mode

IT Factory Inc., a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based maker of Notes and Domino business objects, has acquired Corporate Image Software Inc. (CIS). CIS, also in Cambridge, develops software components and tools for Domino-based e-commerce systems. Acquisition terms weren't disclosed.

Claims Data Access Available via Web

Workers' compensation care-management company ManagedComp will be using Brio.Portal from Brio Technology Inc. in Palo Alto, California, to develop a Web site for its 5,000 customers to access claims data via a Web browser.

Waltham, Massachusetts-based ManagedComp's customers include property and casualty insurance firms, insurance brokers and employers who want to access workers' compensation claims data.

NexStep Management For OnlineToy RetailerLearningExpress.com, an online venture of Learning Express, an Ayer, Massachusetts-based specialty toy retailer, has selected NexStep Inc. in Plano, Texas, to provide fulfillment and transportation management for its online retail business.

New IBM Partnerships

IBM announced two partnerships for building wireless Web applications, including an agreement with British firm Vodafone AirTouch PLC to build, manage and run a global Internet portal for wireless devices scheduled to begin operating in July. IBM is also working with Schaumburg, Illinois-based Motorola Inc. to build technology to bring wireless Web-based services to automobiles for use by drivers and passengers.

Order Fulfillment

Oxmoor House, a Time Warner Inc. subsidiary and publisher of publications such as the Southern Living and Cooking Light cookbooks, has chosen Sapiens Americas in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, working with IBM, to provide an order-fulfillment system. Sapiens will develop the order-processing and inventory application. Tampa, Florida-based IBM Global Services conducted an evaluation process for Oxmoor House to determine that Sapiens' product would be an effective application for this project and is now in the process of implementing the system for Birmingham, Alabama-based Oxmoor House.

Schools to Offer Online Programs

Internet learning company Unext.com in Deerfield, Illinois, has signed the business schools at the University of Chicago, Columbia University, the London School of Economics, Stanford University and Carnegie Mellon University to deliver online programs. Unext will work with the schools' faculties to develop online degree programs and finance course development costs. Chicago, Columbia and Stanford have each received a US$1 million sign-on bonus.

Car Buyers Get Greenlight.com

Newly launched Greenlight.com, based in San Mateo, California, is one of the first sites to let customers purchase a car online. Site features include side-by-side comparisons and the ability to pick features and options. The site is backed by venture firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Asbury Automotive Group, a network of new car dealerships. Greenlight.com is currently available in Greensboro, North Carolina, and Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida.

The site will expand nationally this spring.