B2B Processing Essentials Tutorial

Select a flexible B2B solution

Essential #5

The B2B solution is used to exchange information with business partners.  There are two general processing functions that handle the B2B processing.

B2B Gateway Functions

A B2B gateway is the software function that automates the business-to-business connectivity.

The B2B gateway software typically runs on a server; however some B2B solutions are designed for a PC. 

The gateway acts as a bridge between the business applications and the Internet to support B2B processing.

Sends and receives business documents.

Translates business data between the internal or private format and the standard or public format.

Handles B2B message packaging, information security and digital certificates.

Monitors the business-to-business process status for any required responses.

Acknowledges that the business document has been received.

Notifies users if there are any B2B failures.

Business Application Functions

Creates the business documents sent between partners.

Handles all the data processing and user interface.

Determines how to handle the business response to B2B documents.

B2B Solutions must coordinate the information exchanges between the B2B gateway and the business applications. There are two general ways companies implement B2B solutions.

Direct Connection with a company communicating directly with its partner.

Processing Service with both companies communicating through a third company that offers a B2B connectivity or processing service.