Web services constitute a platform-independent approach that overcomes the failings of earlier B2B initiatives by separating out applications from infrastructure. Web services enable companies to use the Internet to locate and embed business functionality (available as modular programming routines) such as stock prices, product availability and invoice data into their existing Web applications and their back-office systems. The Web services technology is particularly attractive as it is able to combine new with existing functionality.
Increasingly in the new economy, companies are looking to collaborate with business partners in order to attain greater operational efficiencies and competitive advantage. A multitude of approaches, including both public and private networks and electronic exchanges, have come and gone, few having met their full potential or realised their promise of seamless business integration.
Through collaboration, companies are able to benefit in the following areas:
- . Product design, product development and data management
- . Forecasting and planning
- . Order management and visibility
- . Contract management and requests for proposals/quotes
- . Customer relationship management, catalogues and pricing Maintenance, service, repair scheduling and technical documentation.
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