Conmergence

2009 Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit May 27-28, 2009 Oak Ridge, TN

Live Stream Details Here

Wednesday -- May 27, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.	Exhibitor Set-Up Location: The New Hope Center, Y-12 National Security Complex - Summit Exhibit Area
10:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m	Summit Registration Location: The New Hope Center, Y-12 National Security Complex
2:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.	Welcome and General Session I: "Looking Back. Moving Forward - New Missions and New Opportunities in the Tennessee Valley Corridor" Location: The New Hope Center, Y-12 National Security Complex Host: Ted Sherry, Manager, Y-12 Site Office, DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration Welcoming remarks: -Tom Rogers, Chairman, Tennessee Valley Corridor -Gerald Boyd, Manager, Department of Energy - Oak Ridge Office -Darrel Kohlhorst, President and General Manager, Y-12 National Security Complex -Congressman Zach Wamp Opening remarks: Congressman Zach Wamp; Congressman Lincoln Davis Keynote speaker: U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander Roundtable hosts: Congressman Zach Wamp and Congressman Lincoln Davis Roundtable participants: -Gerald Boyd, Manager, Department of Energy - Oak Ridge Office -Darrel Kohlhorst, President and General Manager, Y-12 National Security Complex -Ted Sherry, Manager, Y-12 Site Office, DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration -Dr. Thom Mason, Director, Oak Ridge National Laboratory -Dr. Dave Williams, President, The University of Alabama in Huntsville
3:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.	Coffee Break Location: The New Hope Center, Y-12 National Security Complex - Summit Exhibit Area
4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.	General Session II: "Energy Innovation and the New Economy" Location: The New Hope Center, Y-12 National Security Complex Host: Congressman Zach Wamp Keynote speaker: KR Sridhar, Principal Co-Founder and CEO of Bloom Energy Roundtable host: Congressman Zach Wamp Roundtable participants: -KR Sridhar, Principal Co-Founder and CEO of Bloom Energy -Gary Gilmartin, Laboratory Liaison Director, Y-12 National Security Complex -Dr. Dana Christensen, Associate Laboratory Director, Energy and Engineering Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory -Dr. Joe Hoagland, Vice President of Environmental Science, Technology & Policy, Tennessee Valley Authority
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.	Opening Reception Location: The New Hope Center, Y-12 National Security Complex - Summit Exhibit Area
7:00 p.m. - TBD	Summit Attendee Dinner on Own
Thursday -- May 28, 2009
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.	Summit Registration Location: The New Hope Center, Y-12 National Security Complex
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	Networking and Continental Breakfast Location: The New Hope Center, Y-12 National Security Complex - Summit Exhibit Area
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.	General Session III: "Creating an Entrepreneurial Culture - Bridging the Gap from Science to Commerce" Location: The New Hope Center, Y-12 National Security Complex Host: Congressman Zach Wamp Keynote speakers: Congressman Phil Roe and Congressman Parker Griffith Roundtable host: Congressman Zach Wamp Roundtable participants: -Mike Cuddy, President and CEO, Technology 2020 -Dr. Alex Miller, William B. Stokely Professor of Management and Associate Dean for Executive Education, The University of Tennessee -Tom Rogers, Director of Industrial and Economic Development Partnerships, Partnerships Directorate, UT-Battelle/Oak Ridge National Laboratory -Grady Vanderhoofven, Fund Manager, Meritus Ventures, L.P. -Keith Buckner, Vice President of Manufacturing, Adaptive Methods -Todd May, Special Assistant to the Director, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.	Coffee Break Location: The New Hope Center, Y-12 National Security Complex - Summit Exhibit Area
10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.	General Session IV: "Advancing our Regional Economic Development" Location: The New Hope Center, Y-12 National Security Complex Host: Congressman Zach Wamp Keynote speaker: Matt Kisber, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Roundtable host: Congressman Zach Wamp Roundtable participants: -Susan Reid, Executive Director, First Tennessee Development District -Tom Ballard, Director, Partnerships Directorate, UT-Battelle/Oak Ridge National Laboratory -Wayne Cropp, President and CEO, The Enterprise Center -Betty Huskins, President, Ridgetop Associates -Andrea Loughry, Chair, Mind2Marketplace -Greg Jones, Executive Director, Southern Kentucky Economic Development Corporation -Ethan Hadley, Vice President of Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County
12:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.	Oak Ridge Luncheon Tours   -- Y-12 National Security Complex  -- Oak Ridge National Laboratory  -- East Tennessee Technology Park  -- Oak Ridge Technology Tour (Oak Ridge Associated Universities' 21st Century      Classroom and Oak Ridge High School)

Enable real-world trading partner collaborations in SOA

[ An introduction to the ebXML Collaboration Protocol Profile and Agreement standard ]

By Leo Fernandez, Ash Parikh, Varun Gupta, Javaworld.com

This article is part of a series of short articles that introduce readers to the industry's various Web services standards. These articles provide a quick introduction to these standards, their backgrounds, underlying architectures, benefits, status, and industry adoption. As some of the content may be a depiction of the authors' viewpoints, readers are encouraged to refer to the links provided in Resources to gain a deeper understanding of a particular standard. This article focuses on Web services-enabled trading-partner collaboration standards that influence a service-oriented architecture (SOA).

ebBP v2.0.3 packages has been approved as an OASIS Committee Specification

We are actively working within OASIS and with other interested user communities in Asia, United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands to gain the implementation certifications to advance to OASIS Standard and hopefully to ISO to complete the ISO-15000 series (mentioned in OASIS Symposium last week).  We'd welcome your support in this regard.

We've consolidated a wealth of information relevant to our user communities at our public web site at: http://www.oasis-open.org/committees/tc_home.php?wg_abbrev=ebxml-bp  v2.0.3 Packages and, if desired, individual schema files, see "Technical Work Produced by the Committee."

ebBP is also in the news:

1. ebBP was featured in the SOA Business Session at the OASIS Symposium, May 2006, see "Expository Work Produced by the Committee."< /li>
2. ebBP was featured at the OMG Think Tank on "Business Collaboration Using ebBP" (also posted at the location above). Thanks to our team member Sally St. Amand for providing interested users and BPM enthusiasts with more details on ebBP at this event.

Both presentations are available at the public web site provided. Also, check out web site:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• ebBP Overview
  • Process definitions for
    • CPPA negotiation
    • UBL or UBL Small Business Subset (SBS) v1.0 process definitions: Features modular definitions and use of new document reference function and also includes CPPA package
    • Dutch government criminal justice instances and use case document
    • Business signal examples
    • Knit wear Italian draft process definitions
  • Draft ebBP editor: User guide and update are to be released very soon.

Note, the UBL Small Business Subset v1.0 is now an OASIS Committee Specification and includes a set of ebBP v2.0.3 modular process definitions, called Universal Business Processes.

As we've said before (and will say again politely), our focus on user communities is paying off - one example being the interest in the UBL community - and we now have achieved Committee Specification. We're interested in those that are developing their own process definitions and can show their successful use of ebBP. We encourage you to check out our public web site and keep abreast of our progress made thus far.  For those using or interested in using ebBP, please contact Dale Moberg and myself (particularly if you are an OASIS member!). Best regards.

Respectfully,
    Dale Moberg, <dmoberg @ us.axway.com>
    Monica J. Martin, monica.martin @ sun.com
    and the ebBP team

An OASIS White Paper: 'The ebBP' (ebXML Business Process Specification Schema)

By The OASIS Business Process TC (Dale Moberg and Monica J. Martin, co-chairs) For OASIS

Executive Summary

Business processes are key components to enable and drive collaborating partner relationships for electronic business (eBusiness). The ebXML Business Process Specification Schema (BPSS or ebBP) provides capabilities drive those eBusiness collaborative processes. As a part of the original eBusiness eXtensible Markup Language (XML) [ebXML] framework of specifications, the ebBP is targeted for monitoring of collaborative business processes among parties or business partners.

The ebBP (ebXML Business Process Specification Schema) defines a standard language to configure business systems for business collaboration execution between collaborating parties or business partners. It provides:

Standard and extensible business transaction patterns

Support for modular definitions to complex nested activities

Support for use of web service, hybrid and ebXML assets

Semantic tailoring for business processes and business documents

In the second quarter 2006, the OASIS ebBP v2.0.3 set of packages are moving towards OASIS standard. The changes and capabilities defined in the v2.0.x packages have substantially increased the business value-add for using standard process definitions. These definitions support tailoring of eBusiness processes and business documents to serve our user community.

The ebBP focuses on an integrated eBusiness adaptable approach in order to support heterogeneous environments, particularly Small- to Medium-Enterprises. As with other specifications and capabilities, ebBP can be leveraged other ebXML and/or emerging web services technologies.

It is the ‘community at large’ that has emboldened the development of ebBP and likely will drive its adoption.

Release of Webswell Connect 1.4.1 open-source ebXML integration platform

Webswell Inc. released a new version of Webswell Connect, the open-source ebXML integration platform. Webswell Connect 1.4.1 constitutes a comprehensive ebXML integration platform that supports http, https and email communication while keeping it safe and reliable implementing digital signatures, encryption, acknowledgments mechanism, duplication elimination etc. Webswell Connect 1.4.1 contains the most recent versions of its components: Webswell Broker (ebXML message broker) and Hermes 1 (ebXML message service handler). The whole platform is production quality and has been implemented in business cases where it has been proving its interoperability with other integration platforms on the market. Webswell Connect 1.4.1 is entirely open source software distributed under Academic Free License. Download here.

The Webswell Connect 1.4.1 contains:

• E-business registry and repository
• ebXML messaging system
• Application connector called Webswell Broker
• Demonstration and monitoring utilities
• Components and libraries needed for the platform function
• XML editor

About Webswell:
Webswell Inc. is a Sacramento, California based integration company specialized in building ebXML and Web Services integration solutions and providing related consultancy. Webswells mission is to help companies of any size to build business integration solutions and exploit benefits that such integration provides. All Webswell software is based on open, non-proprietary standards and is open-source licensed.

Contact:
Ladislav Urban
http://www.webswell.com

GM Touts Common IT Infrastructure

MARCH 22, 2006 (COMPUTERWORLD)

General Motors Corp. is turning to automation to improve its auto parts distribution system to dealers, ending practices that had made for a bumpy ride for its auto parts supply chain.

By the end of 2007, GM expects to have its approximately 8,000 U.S. and Canadian dealers using its Retail Inventory Management (RIM) system, which relies on intelligence gleaned from nationwide parts sales to recommend parts-restocking policies at dealerships.

Today, GM parts distribution relies heavily on the judgment and practices of individual dealer parts managers, who typically wait until the end of the week to submit a batch of parts orders. This has meant that a large percentage of parts orders have arrived at GM distribution centers at the same time, driving up labor costs because workers earn overtime pay as they rush to fill orders.

... According to Donna Colorito, process information officer at GM Service and Parts Operations, GM uses BEA Systems Inc.'s WebLogic Server to distribute parts information from its legacy systems and has adopted Electronic Business XML (ebXML) as its communications protocol. The RIM system also requires interfaces built into the dealer management systems.

Oxlo Systems Continues Momentum with 100 Dealer Connections

MARCH 16, 2006 – BROOMFIELD, Colo. –

Number of Dealers Connected to Oxlo’s Hub Doubles in Three Months

Oxlo Systems Inc., developer of the industry leading Dealer Communications Hub (DCH), today announced that it has 100 dealerships nationwide connected to and communicating through its DCH.

The Oxlo DCH enables dealers a greater choice of integrated Dealer Management Systems (DMS) by simplifying the integration process for both the DMS vendors and car manufacturers, resulting in more integrated DMS solutions. With its integrate once value proposition, Oxlo is enabling DMS vendors to develop more competitive, value-add features for their product offerings.

Through Oxlo, dealers gain a more tightly integrated system thereby eliminating the need for dealer personnel to switch between systems to perform routine tasks. By removing the complexities associated with utilizing the various systems, dealer personnel reduce their computer-facing time resulting in more available time to work with customers in the showroom or service department. The Oxlo DCH ultimately enables dealers to increase profitability and provide better customer service resulting in improved customer satisfaction scores.

“Reaching the 100 dealer milestone so soon indicates how powerful the idea of open DCH is in the marketplace,” said Jim Lejeal, CEO and founder of Oxlo Systems. “Open DCH means dealer choice. If you want a truly innovative and competitive market, you need choice. Without competition, there is not a lot of innovation, quality stagnates and prices are high. A competitive market is good for everyone.”

Oxlo’s DCH is made available to automotive dealers through individual dealer service providers (DSP). The service providers currently utilizing the Oxlo DCH for real-time communications are: ADAM Systems, Applied Computer Solutions, Autoflexilog, Auto/Mate Dealership Systems, Automotive Computer Services, AutoSoft International, Dealer Integrated Solutions, D.I.S., DPC Systems, Dubuque Data Services, Gallid Associates, Jarvis Computer Software, MPK Automotive Systems, NeoSynergy, Procede Software, and Quorum Information Technologies.

TigerLogic Plug-In for Sun Services Registry

Ash Parikh* wrote recently

...Just wanted to inform you that the press release on the Plug-In is now live and the respective download page on our website is in place, fully tested and ready for download requests.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060302/lath057.html?.v=47

http://www.rainingdata.com/

http://www.rainingdata.com/products/TLSunPlugin/index.html

http://www.rainingdata.com/products/TLSunPlugin/signup/index.html

Cheers!

*Director of Development and Technology, EAG
Raining Data Corporation (NASDAQ: RDTA)
"Technology for Innovative Solutions"
www.rainingdata.com
+1 (510) 673-2922 - Office
+1 (510) 372-0432 - eFax
ash@rainingdata.com - Email

Co-Chair: SDForum Web services SIG
Founding Member: OASIS SOA Blueprints TC
Co-Chair: W2COG Technical Advisory and Oversight Committee
Member: OASIS, JCP, W3C, EPCGlobal, Supply-Chain Council, BPM Institute
Founder and President: World Wide Institute of Software Architects
Product Advisory Board Member: Iopsis Software, WindSpirng

TradeXchange to serve 8,000 users by 2007

Kenneth Liew, ComputerWorld Singapore

A new trade and logistics platform, TradeXchange, is expected to go live in October 2007 and will support an estimated 8,000 users from the Singapore trading community.

In a speech at a Singapore Customs event last month, Lim Hwee Hua, Minister of State for Finance and Transport, said TradeXchange will be a neutral and secure platform that will enable exchange of information between shippers, freight forwarders, carriers and government agencies, to facilitate the flow of goods within, through and out of Singapore. This trade infrastructure will be able to provide seamless inter-connectivity among commercial and regulatory systems for our trade and logistics businesses.

...A 10-year contract to develop and operate TradeXchange has been awarded to CrimsonLogic. Valued at $6.5 million, the platform is expected to generate about $200 million for CrimsonLogic over the 10-year period through subscriptions.

...TradeXchange will be developed on the Java platform and based on a service-oriented architecture. It will also be aligned with global best practices and technical standards including W3C (World Wide Web Consortium), UN/Cefact (United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business), Oasis (Organisation for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards), ebXML and RosettaNet.

ebBP Editor wiki

This document provides brief information about the ebBP Editor, and a User Guide for end-users presenting the usage and capabilities of the ebBP Editor. Please note that, this document DOES NOT provide a background on ebBP. Moreover, the ebBP Editor is based on the ebBP v2.0.1 specification, but is not dependent on this specification. That is, it can be easily adapted to future specification versions.

The ebBP Editor is a tool designed to help the user in creating generic as well as domain specific Business Process Specifications based on ebBP Version 2.0 by using semantic mechanisms. The editor lets the user to create Process Specifications from scratch or use the existing ones.