Two Basic Types of Business-to-Business Integration

In this paper we argue that there exist two basic forms of business-to-business integration (B2Bi), namely, extended enterprise integration and market B2Bi. The paper at hand clarifies the meaning of both concepts, shows that the difference between both is fundamental, and discusses the consequences of the difference in the realm of Web services development. The importance of coordination and the role of standards are studied for both types of e-business. The authors hope this paper clearly shows the foundations of B2Bi, and that the paper as such brings clarity into B2Bi practices.