Implementing Internet-based e-Business Applications through the Coupling of Object Models and XML/EDI

Abstract

Traditional EDI technology is mainly used among large businesses because the effort to implement an EDI solution is considerable. Internet technology is recently becoming as one of the cornerstones of business and provides a lightweight platform for small and medium enterprises to implement EDI applications for electronic business. This paper proposes a six-phase process for implementing the Internet-based electronic business applications. We provide a link between OOedi business models and XML/EDI deployment to form a systematic implementation process. Moreover, for dealing with the semantic heterogeneity, we employ an ontology-based mechanism to improve the degree of interoperation between electronic business systems. We also present an example in book trade domain to illustrate the overall framework of XML/EDI that covers both B2B and B2C services. Therefore, the EDI applications based upon the Internet platform can be more flexible and agility.