RosettaNet tools push E-Biz standards -- ADTmag

RosettaNet tools push E-Biz standards

By John K. Waters
September 24, 2001

As part of its continuing effort to drive broad industry adoption of its e-business process standards, the RosettaNet consortium has announced a new program to provide tools and services that provide a common benchmark platform to measure adherence to the RosettaNet Implementation Framework (RNIF) and Partner Interface Processes (PIPs). The program is structured with low-entry costs to encourage greater adoption, experimentation, and development of products and services for RosettaNet, according to a media release.

The RosettaNet Ready Program includes a Developer Tools Library and Software Compliance Badge Service. The Developer Tools are currently available via subscription, which includes access to the Self-Test Kit Application and its Source Code, PIP Test Scripts, and Test Script Generator, as well as documentation and technical support. The source code and tools are designed to assist in the development of RNIF 2.0-compliant software products, trading partner readiness testing, and interoperability services. The published subscription rate through 2002 for the Tools suite is $25,000.

The Software Compliance Badge Service, which won't be available until the end of the year, includes the RosettaNet Ready Self-Test Kit application and RosettaNet-developed Compliance Test Scripts, which provide subscribers with the opportunity to earn PIP-based Software Compliance Badges. The "badges" are marks of quality that help companies differentiate their products and services in the marketplace, the group's spokesperson said. Subscription pricing for this service will range between from $40,000 to $60,000 for volume badge subscriptions, and $5,000 to $10,000 for individual software product badges.

RosettaNet was established by leading IT companies to define and implement a common set of standards for e-business. The group is defining a common parts dictionary, and standardizing nearly 100 e-business transaction processes. The organization's membership includes Microsoft, Netscape, 3Com, Toshiba America, Compaq, CompUSA, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Intel.

As a part of RosettaNet's formal Validation program, partner companies, such as IONA, Peregrine Systems, PTC, TIBCO Software, Viacore, Vitria and webMethods, played an active role in testing the Self-Test Kit.

According to RosettaNet, several companies have already committed to subscriptions to the program, including Certivo, ChipData, E2open, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Ltd., IONA, Infoteria Corp., NEC, Peregrine Systems, SAP, SeeBeyond, TIBCO Software, Vitria and webMethods.

More information is available at http://www.rosettanet.org/ready.

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About the Author

John K. Waters is a freelance writer based in Silicon Valley. He can be reached at [email protected].