A modular reference architecture framework for electronic cross-organizational interoperation

Abstract

The organization of value creation has changed fundamentally in numerous industries during the last years. Rather than being part of hard-wired value chains, today's companies increasingly establish loosely coupled, adaptive business networks. However, seamless interoperation across corporate boundaries still faces significant managerial as well as technological challenges. In this work, we propose a reference architecture framework for electronic business media that overcome the drawbacks of today's business-to-business (B2B) solutions. Based on the St. Gallen Media Reference Model this reference framework builds on the design principle of modularity which proved critical for the success of numerous "artefacts" in other, more mature industries. On the basis of a case study in the field of public administration in Switzerland, we show its real-world applicability and its improvement potential. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2008.