[ebxml-mktg] ebXML news

[Carol Geyer <carol.geyer@oasis-open.org>]

STEEL24-7 opts for webMethods ebXML based platform
http://www.webservices.org/index.php/article/articleview/699/1/22/

STEEL24-7, a European platform for the steel industry, has used the
webMethods integration platform and 'out-of-the-box support for ebXML to
provide buyers and suppliers with an open, standards-based architecture
for automating the global supply chain'

webMethods, Inc. (Nasdaq: WEBM), the leading provider of integration
software, today announced that STEEL24-7, the e-business platform for
the steel industry, has leveraged the webMethods integration platform
and its out-of-the-box support for ebXML to provide buyers and suppliers
with an open, standards-based architecture for automating the global
supply chain. Both STEEL24-7 and webMethods have taken the lead in
promoting the adoption of ebXML standards for messaging over the
Internet in the steel industry.

STEEL24-7 is a European platform for the steel industry founded by
Arcelor, Corus and ThyssenKrupp Steel. The company operates a
communications hub for buyers and suppliers in the steel industry. By
implementing the webMethods integration platform, STEEL24-7 can automate
supply chain processes by enabling buyers and suppliers to seamlessly
connect back-end ERP systems and communicate in real time.

Integration with STEEL24-7 offers several benefits to steel buyers and
suppliers. STEEL24-7 members have the ability to integrate directly with
all of their business partners through a single connection to a neutral,
industry-supported hub. This differs considerably from the traditional
EDI technology that is typically used in the industry. Through
STEEL24-7, buyers and suppliers can extend their EDI technology, thereby
reducing the manual labor and high costs of point-to-point integrations.

Furthermore, with the capability to automatically convert messages,
STEEL24-7 can support communication between business partners using
different messaging standards and formats. In particular, STEEL24-7 can
offer translation services between EDI and XML messages, thus giving
buyers and suppliers the ability to leverage existing IT investments.

webMethods supports STEEL24-7's vision of becoming the premier global
communications hub for the steel industry by providing a comprehensive
integration platform that enables a variety of customers, suppliers and
partners to streamline business transactions through direct, real-time
communication. With the webMethods integration platform, STEEL24-7 can
now offer members a solution for rapid and efficient connection to the
hub and easy adoption of new message standards and formats.

STEEL24-7 uses the XML and EDIFACT document standards specified by
EUROFER, the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries, based
on the ebXML and UN/CEFACT standardization work. Initially, STEEL24-7
will support the key messages involved in the ordering and delivery
business processes. Based on the progress made with EUROFER, further
messages and message translation capabilities will be incorporated into
the hub infrastructure on an ongoing basis.

"The webMethods integration platform and in particular the
out-of-the-box support for ebXML allows us to deploy our messaging
service quickly and in a secure and reliable environment. As a result,
we can focus on supporting the business needs of our members," said Paul
Gourlet, chief technology officer of STEEL24-7.

Jean-Claude Delobel, chief executive officer of the steel hub added,
"Being able to quickly and efficiently provide integration services to
our members ensures that they can enhance their commercial relationships
from the moment they connect through STEEL24-7."

"We are proud to see that STEEL24-7, the leading hub in the steel
industry, uses the webMethods integration platform and ebXML standards
for the orchestration of complex integrations between buyers and
suppliers," said Richard Dobber, sales director, Northern Europe of
webMethods, Inc.


About webMethods, Inc.
As the leading independent provider of integration software, webMethods,
Inc. (Nasdaq: WEBM - news) delivers the industry's most comprehensive
platform for enterprise-wide integration, including complete support for
Enterprise Web Services. The webMethods integration platform allows
customers to achieve quantifiable R.O.I. by linking business processes,
enterprise and legacy applications, databases, Web services and
workflows both within and across enterprises. Through this seamless flow
of information, companies can reduce costs, create new revenue
opportunities, strengthen relationships with customers, substantially
increase supply chain efficiencies and streamline internal business
processes.

Founded in 1996, webMethods is headquartered in Fairfax, Va., with
offices throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. webMethods has
more than 850 customers worldwide including Global 2000 leaders such as
Bank of America, Citibank, Dell, Eastman Chemical, The Ford Motor
Company, Grainger, and Motorola. webMethods' strategic partners include
Accenture, AMS, BearingPoint, BMC Software, BroadVision, Cap Gemini
Ernst & Young, CSC, Deloitte Consulting, EDS, Hewlett-Packard, i2
Technologies, J.D. Edwards, SAP AG and Siebel Systems. More information
about the company can be found at http://www.webMethods.com.


About STEEL24-7
STEEL24-7 is an e-business platform for the steel industry. It is an
open, global and independent company, founded by key steel producers,
namely Arcelor, Corus and ThyssenKrupp Steel. STEEL24-7 facilitates
collaboration between business partners in the steel industry through
state of the art technical solutions and innovative services. By
offering a unique communications hub for the steel industry, STEEL24-7
wants to increase the Return on Capital Employed for its customers.
STEEL24-7 aims to set the standard in steel e-business. More information
about the company can be found at www.steel24-7.com.