openXchange: Framework for integrated business processes and methods for electronic procurement and marketplaces

In current electronic business environments, the exchange of business data does not only mean to create formats for business documents but requires a broader approach. The openXchange project combines the advantages of both transaction standards and overlying business process frameworks in order to enable efficient business process integration. The paper discusses the technological state-of-the-art in terms of transaction standards and framework initiatives and gives a critical evaluation of these. A presentation of the evaluation results and a short overview of essential business requirements introduce the openXchange approach and its objectives. The openXchange project is based on two major aspects, namely the framework itself and the development of a tool set for its practical applicability.