e-business standards groups to work together

Two e-business standards groups have announced a joint effort intended to drive XML standard convergence in the industry.

The Business Internet Consortium, formed by vendors such as Computer Associates International, Intel, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and SAP AG will join forces with RosettaNet, which has featured companies such as BEA Systems, i2 Technologies, Tibco Software and also SAP as partners. RosettaNet will become a member of the Business Internet Consortium.

Both groups have been focusing on the development of e-business standards and look to promote supply-chain interoperability via the alliance, according to the two organisations. The two groups will come together to participate on the Business Internet Consortium XML-based eBusiness Standard Convergence Workgroup.

Initially the group's efforts would mainly benefit business-to-business commerce, but eventually these XML efforts will filter down to business-to-consumer commerce as well, Spires said.

The workgroup, plans to have definitions proposed this year and finalised in mid-2002 Spires said.