Abstract: A generic interface between an electronic commerce frontend and a business management backend is provided via an object oriented computer program product. In operation, the program creates one or more specific business objects from a plurality of specific business object classes. The program also provides a framework within which the business objects travel. A first framework instance is coupled to the frontend, and a second framework instance is coupled to the backend. In response to a request from the frontend or backend, the framework instance coupled to the requesting end creates a specific business object to perform the requested operation. Specific Business Objects are derived from a common class containing the methods required by the framework, a specific business object class containing the methods for performing a specific business function (e.g., order, provide production information, etc.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 1, 1998
Date of Patent:
September 4, 2001
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation
Inventors:
Mitchell Adam Cohen, Tracy Mark Harris, Martin Clarence Sturzenbecker, James Allen Walters