JDA Software's VistaRail, UCCnet's Globalregistry, and the Dell PowerEdge D50 are highlighted in a discussion of the data synchronization efforts of suppliers, who are starting a strategic migration that requires an eye to future needs and advantages. Retailers have set deadlines throughout 2004 by which time suppliers have to submit item, location, and trading partner information to UCCnet's GLOBALregistry, which is a global repository for companies' synchronized and standardized product data. There have not been any penalties threatened for noncompliance, but suppliers are likely to pay dearly if they ignore customers UCCnet deadlines. For instance, Ace Hardware, a $3-billion retail hardware cooperative, will use persuasive influence to make sure all suppliers are UCCnet compliant by 2005, says a spokesperson. The worthy goal is to ensure clean data, since directory data results in the loss by consumer packaged-goods companies of sales that amount to 3.5 percent ($40 billion) each year from incorrect supply chain data. Application of standard data formats through UCCnet can result in large benefits, says UCCnet, since companies can reduce losses related to invoice and product delivery errors by as much as 60 percent. Various data synchronization approaches can be obtained from many vendors, but an expert advises suppliers that either outsource or build their own solutions to purchase scalable systems that can meet expected price and promotion synchronize, radio frequency identification (RFID), and supply chain collaboration requirements.