For partners with an existing ERP system and a mechanism to generate an ASCII file of both the purchasing order information and the market tracking information, the ERP-to-ERP way to submit a PO is in use. A file adaptor in partner environment sends the ASCII file of PO to the ASP (iGINE) via HTTPS protocol with SSL security.

(2) Sun B2B WebFront

For partners without an existing ERP system, partners can key in and generate a PO via the Sun B2B WebFront. Partners can also obtain a trail of PO history, PO processing status, PO processing capability via the webfront. Once PO is ready, partners can submit and send the PO to the ASP (iGINE) through the webfront. The transmission is secured by SSL encryption.

The ASP©s (iGINE) B2B Transaction Engine stores and verifies portions of the PO information.

(3) SunCatalogue

For Sun Catalogue customers, they can first access and select the desired products via Sun Catalogue. After generating the appropriate quotation, the customer can choose to submit the orders to the Sun B2B system.

3.FUNCTIONALITY

3.1Launching the Sun B2B Webfront

3.1.1Launch a internet web browser from the desktop environment.

3.1.2Go to the Sun B2B WebFront web page at https://www.sun-b2b.com

3.2User Registration

User IDs are created separately by the ASP (iGINE) system administrator. There is no online registration for users to gain access into the system. To create the necessary user IDs and passwords, the following information must be provided:

￿￿Full name

￿￿Company

￿￿Designation

￿￿Contact Number

￿￿Email Address

￿￿Partner ID (6-character ID assigned by Sun)

SunB2B Partner’s User Guide v

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Sun Microsystems manual Launching the Sun B2B Webfront, User Registration, Sun B2B WebFront, SunCatalogue

B2B specifications

Sun Microsystems, founded in 1982, was a standout technology company that made significant contributions to the landscape of computing and networking, particularly in the business-to-business (B2B) domain. Initially focused on high-performance workstations and servers running the Solaris operating system, Sun became a pivotal player in the server market, known for its powerful hardware and software solutions designed for enterprises.

One of the major features of Sun Microsystems' B2B offerings was their commitment to open standards. The company was a proponent of open systems architecture, which allowed businesses to integrate various hardware and software products without being locked into proprietary solutions. This focus on interoperability made Sun's products highly attractive to companies looking to create flexible IT environments that could adapt and evolve with changing business needs.

In terms of technology, Sun was known for its innovations in computing hardware and software. The introduction of the SPARC (Scalable Processor Architecture) architecture enabled the development of powerful, scalable servers that could handle demanding enterprise applications. Paired with the Solaris OS, businesses could achieve high levels of performance, security, and reliability, which were critical for B2B operations.

Another cornerstone of Sun's B2B technology was its networked computing approach. The company popularized the concept of thin clients and server-based computing, where data processing occurs on centralized servers, and users access applications via lightweight client devices. This architecture not only improved overall efficiency but also simplified management and reduced total costs for organizations.

Sun Microsystems also played a crucial role in the development of Java, which has become a ubiquitous programming language for building enterprise-level applications. Java's "write once, run anywhere" capability enables businesses to deploy applications across diverse platforms effortlessly. This flexibility was especially beneficial in B2B environments, where various systems often needed to communicate and work together seamlessly.

Additionally, Sun's commitment to high-performance storage solutions reinforced its B2B capabilities. With advanced technologies like the Network File System (NFS) and Storage Area Networks (SAN), companies could manage vast amounts of data efficiently, ensuring fast and reliable access to critical business information.

In conclusion, Sun Microsystems made substantial impacts in the B2B realm through its commitment to open standards, innovative hardware solutions, and influential software technologies like Java. Although the company was acquired by Oracle in 2010, its legacy continues to shape the way businesses approach technology and collaboration today.