New online platform to aid the resolution of business disputes
A European Union funded project on electronic mediation tools will soon be brought to fruition with the launch of E-Arbitration-T, a new online platform for business dispute resolution. The pan-European consortium behind the project, funded under the IST (Information society technologies) section of the Fifth Framework programme, say that E-Arbitration-T will enable dispute resolution centres to offer online services with the speed and high quality required for current world business. It offers a range of multimedia tools, including interactive text, video conferencing and sound, which enable all parties to the dispute (claimants, respondents, arbitrators, translators and experts) to have direct contact. The consortium say that security and confidentiality are guaranteed in their system of electronic signatures and online payment. E-Arbitration-T also offers electronic support for 'intelligent case management and 'what's next' guidance' as well as a 'visible case map adapted to the needs of the current dispute.' E-Arbitration-T is a specific software system for both large and small Arbitration and Mediation Centres. It is designed specifically to be cost effective for centres with low caseloads and where the parties are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).