NETWORK DIRECTORY FOR BUSINESS PROCESS INTEGRATION OF TRADING PARTNERS

摘要

A network directory, a translation element, a registration element and an execution management element provide business process integration between trading partners. The network directory includes information relating to business processes and communication techniques for use with those trading partners. This directory includes a repository of information about objects and entities included in a platform for supply chain management. It includes descriptions of trading partners, administrative functions, business processes, principals and others. The directory can be used to perform such tasks as service discovery, principal authentication and administrative functions. Other elements of the invention such as the translation element, registration element and execution management element can be coupled to the network directory and provide for receiving messages in one or more particular formats, registering new trading partners, integrating new trading partners and providing oversight functions.