ExxonMobil Gets Technical

DALLAS -- Exxon Mobil Corp. yesterday reached a deal with viaLink Co., a provider of e-commerce services, which will allow the convenience store retailer to electronically communicate with suppliers.

As part of the deal, ExxonMobil, operator of more than 4,000 convenience stores, will have instant access to product information, unit prices and promotional materials through an Internet-based portal.

"The convenience store industry has evolved to become an integral part of the daily shopping experience," said Bob Noe, viaLink's president of retail operations. "Industry leaders like ExxonMobil are using new supply chain information systems to significantly improve operating efficiency."