Infomediation for E-business enabled supply chains: A semantics based approach

Abstract

Infomediation refers to a virtual space where the buyers and sellers can meet, negotiate, and form business relationships. We describe an infomediary-based approach that uses a semantic model to define the information space. Along with the semantic model, we employ an ontology that enables semantic data integration. XML is an emerging standard data format for cross-platform information exchange-our architecture leverages the power of XML to facilitate information exchange. Using these techniques, we are developing a web-based tool to integrate participants in an electronic marketplace. Our approach supports interoperability between loosely coupled virtual partners and enables customization of information for multiple users and devices. © 2003 by International Federation for Information Processing.