Optical Cable Corp. Launches E-Commerce, Online Availability of Products

Further evidence that electrical commerce is going electronic: Customers of Optical Cable Corp., Roanoke, Va., can now place orders for standard products via the Internet through OCC's new e-commerce Web site http://purchasing.occfiber.com. The launch of the online purchasing system completes phase one of the company's three-phase Internet strategy. "By making our fiber-optic cables available 24 hours a day, we will simplify the ordering process for our customer base of distributors and system integrators and provide them with a higher level of service," says Robert Kopstein, president and chief executive officer for the company.

The company is already moving to phase two of its Internet strategy. It is scheduled for completion in about three months and will allow customers to place orders for special made-to-order products, according to Kopstein. The third and final phase of the Internet strategy is intended to create an industry destination for engineering and consulting services, system-integration work, installation services, general construction, project management and materials from a vast array of distributors.