ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes status of business-to-business (B2B) electronic commerce (e-commerce). It focuses on the technical aspects of B2B commerce and its security. Several factors have stimulated and facilitated B2B e-commerce and the associated integration of systems. The basis for B2B e-commerce is systems integration at different levels, which are labeled as follows: Interconnectivity, Functional interoperability, Semantic interoperability, Optimization and innovation. The Internet stimulated new forms of B2B e-commerce, especially in fragmented markets, through the integration of supplier management with enterprise information systems related to order management, payments, inventory controls, and reporting capabilities. B2B e-commerce ensures that transaction records are exchanged among computer applications and processed according to business rules and regulations without manual intervention. Thus, the success of B2B e-commerce depends on adherence to common conventions and agreements to insure the flow of information and its correct interpretation throughout the supply chain.
