An apparatus and method for providing a locate, collaborate, and transact
(LCT) communications platform for a business-to-business exchange service
center. The LCT communications platform enables the needed human
communications between buyers and sellers to take place within a virtual
marketplace as a fully integrated software communication platform within
a B2B exchange environment. The LCT communications platform comprises
call center technology, web collaboration technology, and unified
communication technology. The integration of these three technologies
integrates human communications into high value business transactions
that require quick resolution of opportunity or exception handling (e.g.,
links workflow with the exchange service center); develops an proactive
role for service centers that can put the right people together at the
right time to do real-time secure business; cuts the cycle time to
complete business by engaging customer collaboration; and enhances the
B2B exchanges role to provide either human collaboration service or
provide the platform for business ready business to supplier direct
communication.