Oracle has unveiled new integration features that allow third-party
applications to exchange data with its Small Business Suite.
Oracle said that by using Small Business Extensible Markup Language
(SMBXML), third-party applications could now be connected to Oracle
Small Business Suite, eliminating the need for Small Business Suite
users to manually transfer information.
Third-party software developers can also now include single sign-on
and server-to-server integration capabilities in their software.
Single sign-on takes away the need to keep entering passwords for
different applications, while server-to-server integration enables
real-time data exchange between Web-based applications.
Oracle also announced a Web-store development kit for users with
their own custom online storefronts, providing for integration
between the online store and the electronic commerce and accounting
features of the Small Business Suite.
Several vendors have already added the new features to their
products. Items from the Small Business Suite Web store, for
example, can now be put up for sale on multiple online auctions and
marketplaces through SMBXML integration with Infopia's Marketplace
Manager, according to Oracle.
SMBXML describes a data exchange format and is an open, XML-based
standard designed for use by small and medium-sized
businesses.
Other vendors committed to integrating with Small Business Suite
include Lexys Technology, a maker of retail applications;
Mercantec, a vendor of online storefronts and NetPOS.com, a
developer of online point-of-sale technology.
Oracle Small Business Suite is available only via the Web, and is
targeted at businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The online
applications allow customers to manage key business processes such
as payroll.
Oracle Small Business Suite, operated by NetLedger, was announced
in June this year. NetLedger is majority-owned by Oracle's chairman
and chief executive officer, Larry Ellison.