Final answer:
Buy-side systems utilize the Internet and EDI technology to manage and automate business purchases and interactions with suppliers, fostering a globally competitive B2B environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The systems that use the Internet to automate and manage purchases, and the vendors from which these purchases are made, where the predominant technology is electronic data interchange (EDI), are known as Buy-side systems. These systems allow businesses to streamline their procurement processes by facilitating effective communication and transactions with suppliers via the Internet. The revolution in communications technologies and the increased globalization have led to a more competitive landscape for local businesses and have also fostered the growth of business-to-business (B2B) marketplaces, allowing for global interactions between buyers and suppliers.