Data communication can use existing protocols like FTP, SSH, SMTP, or X.400. Usage of the system within intranets is protected from the outside world by the organisation's firewall. Interorganisational messages are protected using, for example, the PGP program. Most of the parts of the OET system have been implemented using Java language in order to maximise its portability. From the user point of view, the central component of the system is the workflow control tool, which maintains action lists for users.
Actions often involve handling of some electronic form.
The user may also browse status records and logs of those workflow process instances where he is participating. The system guides the user to access the right WWW form and controls that the user input fulfils the integrity constraints defined for the form. The forms offered by the system are specially designed for the different roles of the users in the administrative processes. The forms are the basic interfaces via which an end user participates in trading processes. Extra functionality has been programmed in the forms using Java language.