RosettaNet has released a new version of its implementation framework core, which provides the foundational processes and message packaging specifications needed for supply chain partners to conduct e-business using RosettaNet standards. Version 2.0 of the RosettaNet Implementation Framework (RNIF), based directly on the real-world implementation experience from consortium partners, now supports intermediaries such as e-marketplaces and exchanges, accommodates complex business messages, and contains additional provisions for security, privacy and non-repudiation. The new implementation framework supports complex business messages. For example, companies can now send supporting files such as .pdf, .gif, or other binary documents with their XML-based RosettaNet business messages. This capability can greatly enhance the quality of the information transmitted between trading partners. Additional security measures have been added as well. Companies can take advantage of additional privacy and integrity measures such as digital signatures and payload encryption by using S/MIME. The S/MIME specification replaces RosettaNet’s previous format and keeps the RNIF closely aligned with other cross-industry implementation frameworks. In an effort to assist small- to medium-sized businesses with limited capabilities in their applications, RosettaNet has included support for synchronous responses within RNIF v2.0. Using this support, an application replies to a request by returning the results on the same connection on which the request was received. This support allows simple applications incapable of complex server-like behavior to participate in a RosettaNet-based trading relationship. RNIF v2.0 also includes support for HTTP and SMTP transfer protocols to accommodate e-marketplaces, exchanges, portals and other intermediaries that route information on behalf of buyers and sellers. RNIF v2.0 specifies what information to add to message headers to enable these intermediaries to correctly route the business messages to their final destinations. RNIF v2.0 has been approved by the RosettaNet membership and now enters its validation phase where it will gain significant industry implementation use. During this validation period, RosettaNet encourages partners to implement the framework. Implementers should expect minor changes to the specification as a result of implementation experience gained during the validation phase. RNIF v1.1 will continue to be supported by the consortium until the next major release. RNIF v2.0 can now be downloaded from the RosettaNet Web site at www.rosettanet.org