Potential of Webservices to Enable Smart Business Networks

Authors

Jos van Hillegersberg, Bedrijfskunde, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands;Follow
Ruurd Boeke, Sitechno, The Netherlands;
Willem-Jan van den Heuvel, InfoLab, Tilburg University, The Netherlands

Document Type

Other

Abstract

Webservices (WSs) are believed to be among the key technologies to enable the transformation of current static supply chains into dynamic virtual networks of enterprises. Others have said that these technologies are not yet ready for large-scale applications to supply chains and propose ‘traditional’ cross-enterprise integration methods. However, there is currently little research available that objectively evaluates the usefulness of WSs to enable smart business networks. In this study, this question is addressed through developing a typical scenario in which we transform a static supply chain into a ‘loosely coupled’ business network. We implement the scenario using state-of-the-art ‘enterprise application integration’ and WSs orchestration technology. The comparison of these alternative approaches reveals that WSs technology has some clear advantages above enterprise integration technology currently in use. However, there are also some limitations and research issues which are presented as a future research agenda for WSs technology.

DOI

10.1057/palgrave.jit.2000027

Recommended Citation

van Hillegersberg, Jos; Boeke, Ruurd; and van den Heuvel, Willem-Jan (2004) "Potential of Webservices to Enable Smart Business Networks," Journal of Information Technology: Vol. 19: Iss. 4, Article 8.
DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jit.2000027
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jit/vol19/iss4/8