MicroD embraces FIDX standards

High Point— In an effort to promote wider adoption of electronic document standards in the industry, MicroD has adopted all of the standards for e-commerce developed and approved by the Furniture Industry Data Exchange Committee (FIDX).

FIDX standards incorporate XML (extensible markup

FIDX standards are posted on the Web at http://www.fidx.org , and all industry participants are invited to make suggestions.

FIDX is jointly sponsored by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, the National Home Furnishings Assn. and the Home Furnishings International Assn.

FIDX members will meet in High Point on March 7 to discuss another raft of electronic data standards, including schemas for Web services, warranty registrations, parts requests and load tender acceptances. The meeting is set for 9 a.m. in the AHFA offices in the Textile Tower at 317 West High Ave.

To speed adoption, MicroD is rolling out a "Fast-FIDX" standards adoption program. The first 10 case goods and/or accessories companies that respond will get a FIDX-compatible product catalog published by MicroD at no charge. The offer does not include custom products or updates to the catalogs.

"We have been publishing electronic product catalogs since 1988, and we are very pleased that an industry standard is finally available," said Ken Curtis, MicroD's vice president of sales and marketing. "We are offering to publish initial catalogs at no cost for companies who provide text and graphical product data, which we will translate and format to conform to the FIDX standard."

MicroD has published instructions for preparing the required text and graphical data for the catalogs online at http://www.microdinc.com .

MicroD, develops and provides integrated Internet and desktop-based software products and service solutions, including room-planning software and Internet-based business-to-business communications software and services.