The OBI Consortium (Open Buying on the Internet) has announced the release of its OBI Version 3.0 framework, "which adds high volume support for XML based transactions. Version 3.0 of the framework enables users to conduct catalog-based purchasing transactions using the rapidly evolving XML platforms, in addition to the more traditional back-end systems business document standards, EDI and EDIFACT. Support of XML transactions now allows version 3.0 to encompass all the most common standards for electronic exchange of business transactions. The 3.0 framework represents the combined work of many leading eCommerce organizations, including CommerceOne, Ariba, SupplyWorks, EPIC Systems, Netfish, and iPlanet. Also contributing to the development of the spec are the leaders of high volume online commerce consisting of both buyers and sellers including Office Depot, BOC Gases, WW Grainger, Sun Microsystems, barnesandnoble.com and several leading financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase, American Express, and VISA. In addition, several international consortia -- ebXML, LEXECOM, ECP-NL, and AIAG -- played an active role in building 3.0. OBI is also deploying a compliance program where implementers can test their ability to process OBI transactions regardless of the format, whether it is EDI (ANSI x12), UN/EDIFACT, and now XML. The conformance program will make it easier for buyers to find suppliers and quickly begin doing business using OBI."

"The OBI Consortium (Open Buying on the Internet) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to developing open standards for business-to-business Internet commerce; membership in the consortium is open to all buying and selling organizations, technology providers, financial institutions, and other interested parties on an annual fee basis."

From the announcement:

Support of XML transactions now allows version 3.0 to encompass all the most common standards for electronic exchange of business transactions. 'OBI has done the heavy lifting by supporting XML as a transaction processing standard,' says Fred Sollish, Executive Director of the OBI Consortium.

'With the addition of XML to OBI's options for integrating buying organizations with their suppliers, OBI now provides a solution that eliminates vendor lock.' The standard is now compatible with the widest range of existing online ordering applications,' says David Liggett, senior vice president at EPIC Systems.

Version 3 also brings OBI to Europe and Asia. 'Using EDIFACT makes it a true worldwide standard for e-procurement,' says Fred van Blommestein, founding board member of Electronic Commerce Platform Nederland ECP-NL.

'OBI remains one of the key eCommerce standards in practical commercial use today, due to its usefulness, robustness, and adaptability,' adds Jeff Herrmann, president and CEO of SupplyWorks, Inc. 'We are pleased to see OBI continue to evolve to meet the needs of the marketplace.'