Messaging frameworks for B2B integration

Comparison of messaging frameworks

16.01.2007

AgendaAbout studyB2B and role of messaging frameworksChoice and overview of frameworksComparison objectivesResultsConclusionsSummary

About studyLiterature studyCustomer

TIEKE (Finnish Information Society Development Centre)Over 20 years experience of Finnish information society

GroupEsa MommoMarkus PihlajaPauli Vesterinen

B2B (Business to Business)By definition

B2B (business-to-business). Business that sellsproducts or provides services to otherbusinesses. (marketingterms.com)The transaction of goods or services between businesses

Need for efficient and reliable exchange of B2B messages between enterpriseselectronically

Messaging frameworks

Messaging framework responsibilities”fundamental plumbing required to execute business processes” -RNIFB2B messaging frameworks handle

Sending and receiving of exchanged messagesAcknowledgements and error reporting functionsHeader contentsSecurity features(integrity, non-repudiation, confidentiality)Information exchanged in the envelopeUsed / supported standards

Choice of Compared FrameworksThere are lots of different frameworksavailableOnly http(s) protocol includedChoice was based on TIEKE needs

RNIF (RosettaNet Implementation Framework)ebMS (ebXML Messaging Service)AS2 (Applicability Statement 2)

RNIFRosettaNet Implementation FrameworkPart of the RosettaNet suite

Designed for transporting RosettaNET PIP messagesFocus on supporting the PIP execution

Utilitarian approachStrong backing in Finland by Nokia

ebMSebMS (electronic business XML Messaging Service)Global electronic marketplace

Secure delivery of business information

XML-based messagesPayload of any digital format

Back-end ebXMLModern industry businesses orgovernment organisations

Deutsche Bank, Shell, General Motors

AS2Applicability Statement 2Developed by members of the EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) standard communityIdea to remove Value-Added Network(VAN) costsHeavily based on EDI mechanisms In the USA AS2 is generally used standard for e-commerce, specially among retailers

ObjectivesCompare frameworks using severaldifferent criterias

technical, functional, content, signalling

What should be considered when choosing one of these frameworks?

ResultsCharacter of Framework

RNIF PIP-centeredebMS is focused on XML standardsAS2 heavily based on EDI

Comparison of frameworksB2B messages exchange between business partners, with different methodsSecure, reliable

ResultsDifferent frameworks are more used in different business areasOperator-model

Message exchange through operator servicee.g. AS2 have some relevant data inside EDI-message (UNB-segment)

Software supportMany vendors, also open-sourceInteroperability of products

ConclusionsChoice of framework depends on:

What do business partners use?Does the area of business generally use a certain standardExisting B2B infrastructureExisting backend systemsServices provided by operator

Interoperability between frameworks achieved on application level

SummaryComparison of B2B messaging frameworks

RNIF, ebMS, AS2

Delivered services are basically similarDifferent methods

Choice of framework depends on manyaspects

Important to consider all of them beforechoosing a framework

Questions?