P1243

Perspectives and potential of the ebXML-standard for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
closed

ebXML has the potential to become the standard in the domain of B2B. This is underlined by the number and importance of the involved companies having established the standard - many of them are global players. This study will investigate the e-business development of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with their customers, suppliers and telcos. The focus is on the relevance of the industrial standard ebXML to develop this market.

The goal of this study is to assess the potential of ebXML for SMEs. Especially the following question is in focus: "How far does the ebXML-approach meet the real requirements and needs of SMEs in the context of virtual (electronic) marketplaces and unification of business processes?" Relevant results of previous (reference-) projects will be used and regarded. Furthermore, comparisons to already established standards (general standards like EDI or standards like RosettaNet) will be done.

What are the main objectives of this Project?

• Compare the SME-needs with the possibilities and limitations of ebXML.
• Identify and estimate the main cost drivers and benefits of implementing ebXML for an SME.
• Describe and model the real needs and requirements of SMEs concerning business process -communication, -integration and -unification as well as concerning electronic market places.
• Evaluate and describe the core B2B-use cases for SMEs that should be handled with ebXML.
• Define and complete a criteria-matrix to compare ebXML with other standards and technologies or B2B-solutions respectively.