Re: [ebxml-dev] Announce - Latest Article on ebXML

[Mike Rawlins <mike@rawlinsecconsulting.com>]

"John W. Zdanowski" wrote:

> What is motivating you to write these articles?

In light of all of the hype, misunderstanding, and some degree of misrepresentation in the trade media
around ebXML, I felt that the community might benefit from a different perspective.

> Since your website states
> that  you served as project leader of the ebXML Requirements Team, and that
> you sat on the ebXML Steering Committee, I assume that you were once an
> ebXML supporter.  What happened?  What changed you from an ebXML supporter
> to an ebXML detractor?

I remain a supporter of the original stated intentions of the ebXML initiative.  My assessment of the
initiative evolved as it became apparent that ebXML was not going to deliver on its key requirements
of enabling interoperability and bringing e-business to SMEs.

Also, please don't go overboard in characterizing me as an ebXML detractor.  I think much of the basic
work still has potential to be of great benefit.  In my closing article I will outline things which I
think need to be done to better meet the original, key requirements.   However, I need to make the
case before I offer the solution.  It doesn't make a lot of sense to offer ways to fix things without
first pointing out what's broken.


> Are you still associated with ebXML or it's
> successor, eBTWG?

No.  Like any other business, my pro bono resources are limited.  I have decided that I can make more
effective contributions in other venues.

> Are you associated with the new OASIS UBL effort?
>

Yes, I am a member of the OASIS UBL Technical Committee and am currently an active member of its
Naming and Design Rules Subcommittee.

--
Michael C. Rawlins, Rawlins EC Consulting
www.rawlinsecconsulting.com