RosettaNet Press Release
RosettaNet E-Business Standards Consortium Releases New Version of Implementation Framework

RNIF v2.0 Supports Complex Business Documents, Provides Enhanced Security, Privacy and Non-repudiation, and Enables New e-Marketplace Business Processes

For Release December 19, 2000

SANTA ANA --

RosettaNet, the leader in global e-business process standards, has released a new version of its implementation framework core, which provides the foundational processes and message packaging specifications needed for supply chain partners to conduct e-business using RosettaNet standards. Version 2.0 of the RosettaNet Implementation Framework (RNIF), based directly on the real-world implementation experience from consortium partners, now supports intermediaries such as e-marketplaces and exchanges, accommodates complex business messages, and contains additional provisions for security, privacy and non-repudiation.

"We had a tremendous amount of implementation experience and feedback from our partners in developing the second version of the RosettaNet Implementation Framework core specification," said Jennifer Hamilton, CEO of RosettaNet. "Consortium partners have implemented the framework in real-world e-business scenarios and have shared their experience in making the latest version of the framework even more robust and better specified. We've also aligned it with many proven industry standards to ensure maximum industry interoperability."

Some of the partner companies committing significant resources to the development of RNIF 2.0 include: Agilent Technologies, Arrow Electronics, Commerce One, Compaq, CTC, Dun & Bradstreet, Edifecs Commerce, Extricity, Intel, Microsoft, Netfish Technologies, Si2, Sterling Commerce, Syncra Systems, Tibco Software, Viacore, Vitria Technology, and webMethods.

The new implementation framework supports complex business messages. For example, companies can now send supporting files such as .pdf, .gif, or other binary documents with their XML-based RosettaNet business messages. This capability can greatly enhance the quality of the information transmitted between trading partners.

Additional security measures have been added as well. Companies can take advantage of additional privacy and integrity measures such as digital signatures and payload encryption by using S/MIME. The S/MIME specification replaces RosettaNet's previous format and keeps the RNIF closely aligned with other cross-industry implementation frameworks.

In an effort to assist small- to medium-sized businesses with limited capabilities in their applications, RosettaNet has included support for synchronous responses within RNIF 2.0. Using this support, an application replies to a request by returning the results on the same connection on which the request was received. This support allows simple applications incapable of complex server-like behavior to participate in a RosettaNet-based trading relationship.

RNIF 2.0 also includes support for HTTP and SMTP transfer protocols to accommodate e-marketplaces, exchanges, portals and other intermediaries that route information on behalf of buyers and sellers. RNIF 2.0 specifies what information to add to message headers to enable these intermediaries to correctly route the business messages to their final destinations.

Converge, formerly eHITEX, an online marketplace for the high-tech industry, has already successfully processed RosettaNet transactions with Compaq using the earlier version of the RNIF. "RNIF 2.0 will provide Converge with enhanced communication among buyers and sellers, along with greater time and cost savings in conducting transactions," said John O'Connor, Executive Vice President, Business Services & Operations at Converge.

RNIF 2.0 has been approved by the RosettaNet membership and now enters its validation phase where it will gain significant industry implementation use. During this validation period, RosettaNet encourages partners to implement the framework. Implementers should expect minor changes to the specification as a result of implementation experience gained during the validation phase. RNIF 1.1 will continue to be supported by the consortium until the next major release.

RNIF 2.0 can now be downloaded from the RosettaNet Web site.

About RosettaNet
RosettaNet is an independent, non-profit consortium dedicated to the collaborative development and rapid deployment of open Internet-based business standards that align processes within the global high-technology trading network.

More than 350 companies representing more than $1 trillion in annual information technology, electronic components and semiconductor manufacturing revenues currently participate in RosettaNet's standards development, strategy, and implementation activities.