Ariba Supplier Rip-off Program

Got an email from uber-EDI Ariba (EDI=Electronic Data Exchange=online purchasing system):

"We are pleased that the Network is helping your company facilitate business with customers, including XXX International.

Due to the volume of business your company transacts through the Network your account has been upgraded to Premier level status ... As a new Premier Member, you are required to pay associated annual fees. "

Ahem ... $207?

So that we can be on the receiving end of a paperless purchasing system??? Is this Ticketmaster I'm dealing with?

Of course some poor marketer had to come up with a list of Premier Supplier Benefits ... "The Premier membership level is for mid-sized suppliers seeking advantage through value-added features." Features include gems like "premium content" and "Premier membership attribution on Ariba Supplier Directory."

Still sounds like a arm-twisting rip-off to me, just like Ticketmaster's "$2.50 Print At Home Delivery Fee per order per ticket."