Abstract:
In recent years we have seen a change from function- to process-oriented forms of organisation. The goals of this organisational change are amongst others the optimisation of internal processes (Business Process Reengineering) and increased customer orientation. One aspect of this optimisation is the electronic processing of business processes that leave the border of the organisation.
Prerequisite for the optimal execution of business-to-business (B2B) processes are suitable standards. Enterprises open their borders, reinforce their cooperation, concentrate on their core competence and form virtual enterprises. These new organisational forms require efficient and cost-effective ways to communicate and cooperate and standards are to ensure it.
This paper provides, after giving an introduction to the e-business sector, an overview of available B2B standards. The choice of the described standards was based on the size of the organisations that form the standardisation body. The main focus was given to the ebXML standard. This standard is a modular suite of specifications that enables enterprises of any size and in any geographical location to conduct business over the Internet. The sponsors of this standardisation initiative UN/CEFACT (also sponsor of the international EDI standard UN/EDIFACT) and OASIS are expected to achieve the ambitious objectives.
Finally this paper outlines the components of a layered software architecture for the execution of business-to-business processes. The components of this architecture were, wherever possible, specified on open source components and de-facto standards.
