How does ebXML address the needs of the small-medium size enterprises?
ebXML’s requirements begin with the objective to promote the use of shrink-wrapped, plug-and-play software to support its messages. By keeping that focus paramount, as well as taking advantage of the economies of scale presented by the Internet, ebXML’s design and technical architecture remain within the reach of smaller businesses.
Few if any other XML-based initiatives have tried to accomplish what ebXML does. Other e-business specifications address single industries or a specific set of business functions. Many of these initiatives now support ebXML and integrate the specifications into their own work. RosettaNet, a consortium of more than 400 companies in information technology, electronic components and semiconductor manufacturing, plans to integrate support for the ebXML Messaging Services Specification in future releases of RosettaNet’s Implementation Framework (RNIF). The Global Commerce Initiative, which represents manufacturers and retailers of consumer goods, chose to base their new Internet protocol standard for trading exchanges and B2B communications on ebXML. Other industry organizations, such as the Automotive Industry Action Group, Health Level Seven, Open Applications Group, Open Travel Alliance, SWIFT and formal international and North American EDI standards bodies, have also been active partici