AS4, a new Web Services messaging standard, defines a simplified approach to securely exchanging business documents using Web Services. It is a profile of the OASIS ebMS 3.0 specification and has evolved over the last two years through work done by the leading business to business messaging software companies and Drummond Group.

Connectivity to small and medium-sized companies that cannot afford, or lack the skills, to operate an AS2 messaging gateway server successfully, remains a challenge for many companies.  Recently, the new AS4 B2B protocol was developed.  It has all the functionality that AS2 offers today, but also provides better support for SMEs and is based on more modern Web Services technology.

By the OASIS ebXML Joint Committee
This white paper provides an overview of the ebXML specifications and their relevance. Adoption detail is included. Produced by members of OASIS, this document provides a useful background for those considering implementing the ebXML technology and/or hybrid approaches.