The SmartSource Portal Site is designed to simplify SmartSource work flow for users who are participating in eSourcing projects by but don't need to create projects, author or distribute surveys, run auctions. With the SmartSource Portal, users can participate via a streamlined web application on an internet browser. Bidders use the portal to perform tasks such as:

• submitting company profiles to sponsor companies
• accessing projects
• placing bids
• viewing and/or submitting forum questions
• responding to surveys (RFx)
• participating in Live Events (auctions)

Survey evaluators can also use the portal to score survey responses without downloading the SmartSource Desktop software.

Typically you will log on to the SmartSource Portal Site (refer to Accessing the SmartSource Portal Site) to work with sourcing projects; however, with a valid user name and password, you  can download a limited version of the SmartSource Desktop (PC users only). Be sure to review all information about a project because the Project Administrator may have requested time-sensitive responses.

By logging on to the portal, you agree that you have read and accepted Iasta's Terms and Conditions.

NOTE: If a company profile has been assigned to your company, you or someone at your company must submit the profile before any user at your company can access projects, auctions or surveys. If you have an incomplete profile, Profiles are the only option visible in the left pane when you log on to the SmartSource Portal.

The SmartSource Portfolio

A SmartSource software license usually includes one or more "co-branded" software versions and security subdomains created for your company. The subdomain name is usually set to a shortened version of your company name and should have been provided to you in conjunction with your user name and password. You can use this subdomain name to download the SmartSource Desktop application or access the your SmartSource Portal Site.

• SmartSource: The integrated software solution provided by Iasta which enables the distributed execution of e-sourcing:
• SmartSource Desktop: A downloadable Windows-based software application that Project Administrators use to create and manage  e-sourcing projects. Bidders, evaluators, and spectators can also use this application to participate in e-sourcing projects instead of the SmartSource Portal Site, if desired.
• SmartSource Portal Site: A password-protected website that provides bidders, evaluators, and spectators with easy, secure access to  eSourcing projects through a web browser. The following browsers are supported: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or higher on Windows and Mozilla Firefox 1.4 or higher on all platforms
• SmartSource Server: This component of the SmartSource portfolio deals with the SmartSource Servers that facilitate the execution of e-sourcing projects by either the SmartSource Desktop or the SmartSource Portal Site and provides security, encryption, and high availability.
• SmartSource System: All components of SmartSource as they work in concert.

IMPORTANT NOTE Regarding Navigation

When working in the SmartSource Portal Site, avoid using the browser Back button. Because of the nature of the connection that it uses, the browser toolbar (i.e. Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox) will be visible but not usable. To navigate through the pages, use SmartSource Portal Site navigation buttons and links at all times.