The MIT Computer Connection (MCC) next week will introduce MCC-Direct, a Web service for purchasing computer equipment and software. The service is the result of a partnership between MIT and NECX, a Peabody, MA, company that specializes in electronic commerce.
Individuals and departments using the new service, accessible from , will place orders for computer hardware, software and peripherals directly to NECX through a Web-based catalog and ordering system. Delivery will be to the address specified by the customer. The MCC-Direct/NECX catalog will list all products presently carried by the MCC, including those recommended for use at MIT, as well as NECX's full range of software and hardware products.
Under the partnership, the MCC will maintain its on-campus showroom in the Student Center (Rm W20-021), where customers can try out demonstration models of MIT-recommended computing products and get help from MCC consultants. However, it will no longer offer over-the-counter sales or be a delivery point for orders.
Prices in the MCC-Direct/NECX catalog will reflect discounts available only to the Institute and members of the MIT community: entering or enrolled students, faculty, or permanent staff members with a valid MIT ID number and an MITnet (Kerberos) username and password. To ensure that only MIT-eligible purchases are made through MCC-Direct/NECX, access to the Web catalog requires MIT Web certificates.
Initially, Web-based ordering will be available for personal purchases only. Departmental purchasers will be able to access the catalog for browsing, but orders must be placed via EREQ or paper requisitions sent to the MCC or the Purchasing Office. They will then be processed through NECX for direct shipment to the department. Departments will eventually be able to place orders via the Web, with all financial processing channeled through SAP. Departments requiring equipment setup or upgrade services can contact MIT's PC Service at x3-0815 for information on fees and to arrange an appointment.
Anyone with questions about MCC-Direct may call x3-7686 or send e-mail to .
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on August 27, 1997.
