webMethods Inc., a provider of XML-based
solutions for business-to-business e-commerce, delivered its B2B Integration
Server, calling it “the first and only XML-based solution that automates the
exchange of data between applications, Web sites, and legacy data sources.”
For companies seeking to implement automated business-to-business
(B2B) linkages, the B2B Integration Server makes it possible to encapsulate
key business services for automated access by their customers, partners, and
suppliers, webMethods said.
“Companies can leverage investments in existing Web sites, local data sources
and applications, making the time and complexity of implementation minimal
compared to technologies such as CORBA and traditional EDI,” said Phillip
Merrick, CEO and president of webMethods.
The B2B Integration Server enables companies to host and publish a set of
business services, such as “PlaceOrder” or “TrackShipment,” that enable the
application-to-application exchange of data and information sources via the
Web.
These services are encapsulated and accessed via an XML-based Remote
Procedure Call (XML-RPC) mechanism that uses XML for both the description of
the business procedure interface and the message format for the transferred
data.
Security features include user authentication coupled with embedded Secure
Socket Layer (SSL) and RSA cryptosystem support.
The core technology behind the B2B Integration Server is the Web Interface
Definition Language (WIDL), an application of XML that provides a means of
describing automated access to Web resources through well-defined interfaces.
Pricing for the Starter Pack Bundle begins at $12,995 for five concurrent
users and five developer licenses. General availability is scheduled for late
in the second quarter.
