Visma, Arena To Offer E-Commerce Software To Shippers

Norwegian software supplier Visma ASA signed an agreement of intent with Hong Kong-based Arena to deliver e-commerce solutions to the shipping industry. Arena, which has Hutchison Whampoa and Electronic Data Systems Corp. as main shareholders, has established an electronic handling system to be used by shipping firms and shipping equipment suppliers. Visma officials said the agreement with Arena included a close integration between Visma's AMOS purchase software and Arena's handling system. More than 500 shipping firms already use AMOS software to manage purchases, officials said.