IBM is trying to make it easier for small and midsizebusinesses to set up electronic storefronts. The companyyesterday released Net.Commerce Version 3 for the AS/400, aversion of its AS/400 commerce server that lets businessesbuild E-commerce sites that are connected to back-endsystems, business data, and legacy systems from a singleAS/400 server.

Net.Commerce Version 3 for the AS/400 includes tools thatsupport a variety of E-business functions, includingdeveloping electronic catalogs. A Store Creation Wizard toolcreates a template for building a storefront, while the IBMPayment Server processes electronic payments using theSecure Electronic Transaction protocol. Lotus DominoIntegration tools let businesses use E-mail for orderfulfillment, and Back-End Integration Tools allowNet.Commerce to be integrated into existing systems,including SAP R/3 and Lotus Domino.

Net.Commerce is also available on Windows NT and IBM AIX.Available now, Net.Commerce Version 3 for the AS/400 startsat $7,500. Customers already running version 2 of the systemmay be able to upgrade at no charge.