The infrastructure of the Internet is beginning to mature to support the next generation of e-business applications, called Web services.
Web services represent the next level of function and efficiency in e-business.
These new enhancements allow e-business applications to be connected more easily both inside and outside the enterprise. Standards IBM is working to create standards and incorporate technologies into the WebSphere Software platform so e-businesses can take advantage of the new level of functionality. IBM recently donated this technology to ebXML for standardization within their effort. IBM worked with Microsoft and several other companies to revise the specification which has been submitted to the W3C for inclusion in its standards efforts around XML protocols. The effort now boasts 130 plus members and has gained tremendous momentum.