WO2005078593A1

WO2005078593A1 - Business process system, business process method, and information processing device

Info

Publication number: WO2005078593A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/002136
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masami Kinugasa; Seiichiro Inoue; Takahiro Hidaka; Yuuki Ohtani; Hiroki Shibuya; Tomoki Iwaoka
Original assignee: Sony Chemicals Corporation; Ariel Networks Inc.; Ibm Business Consulting Services Kk
Priority date: 2004-02-13
Filing date: 2005-02-14
Publication date: 2005-08-25
Also published as: JPWO2005078593A1

Abstract

In a business process system, data transmitted from client terminals 501, 502, 503, 504 owned by a order source connected to an open network layer and having application realizing a peer-to-peer network architecture are recorded in an order-reception database (70) at a reception base via a collector node 601 connected to a DMZ layer of the order-reception base as a segment isolated from the open network layer and isolated from the LAN layer in the order-reception base and connected by peer-to-peer to the client terminals 501, 502, 503, 504. Thus, in the business process system, it is possible to realize server-less low-cost trading with a plenty of enterprises with a high security by using the peer-to-peer technology.

Description

Specification

Business process system, business process method, and information processing device

The present invention relates to a business process system and a business process method for connecting an unspecified number of companies via a network and exchanging various business data, and an information processing apparatus applied to the business process system and the business process. .

Background art

In recent years, for example, information processing apparatuses such as personal computers, and various network technologies for connecting these information processing apparatuses such as the Internet have become extremely popular. Has become indispensable. Indeed, in order to efficiently conduct business activities involving the exchange of various business data, including data related to ordering and ordering of goods and services, for example, a system constructed via a network must be introduced. There are many companies.

[0003] In a system introduced to a company to support such a business activity involving the exchange of various business data, a large number of users need to share a certain resource such as a file share or a database. From the viewpoint of the power S and the convenience of management with the increase of the network scale, the so-called client / server system has been adopted.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 16, a client / server system is configured such that a computer called a client (C) is connected to a computer called a server (S) that realizes a core of processing connected via a network. This is a system for requesting various services. In this client / server system, all information shared and exchanged on the network is collected in the server (S), and each client (C) receives all information from this server (C). Become. In the client / server system, an index (directory) for storing and retrieving information is also managed by Sanoku (S) executing a predetermined application.

[0005] FIG. 17 (A) shows a connection form of such a client / server system. As described above, there is a so-called RAS (Remote Access Service) connection in which the client terminal c accesses the server s by logging in to the server s through means such as a dedicated line or dial-up.

[0006] Further, in a client Z server system, as shown in Fig. 17 (B), by using a so-called VPN (Virtual Private Network), it can be realized even in an open environment such as the Internet. it can. That is, in this type of client / server system, a firewall FW with a VPN function is installed between the client terminal C and the external open network NT, and a firewall FW with a VPN function is installed between the server S and the network NT. Open by installing firewall FW with VPN function

2

Despite passing through a simple network NT, the sites can be connected to each other as if they were dedicated lines, maintaining security.

[0007] Further, as shown in FIG. 17 (C), a client / server system via a general web is also available. That is, in this type of client / server system, a firewall FW is installed between the client terminal C and the external open network NT, and a firewall is also provided between the server S and the network NT. Install FW. At this time, in this type of client / server system,

2

In order to perform secure communication between the web browser on the client terminal C and the server S, the so-called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is used, and the server S using a certificate signed by a predetermined certificate authority is used. Authentication and encryption of communication contents are performed.

[0008] Such a client / server system is adopted as a system to be introduced into a company to support a company activity involving the exchange of various business data, as shown in FIG. 17 (A) and FIG. Each company is connected to each other using the various connection modes shown in C), and various business data is exchanged.

By the way, in the client / server system described above, in the case of a connection form via a closed network shown in FIG. 17A, it is necessary to install a dedicated line for each company. There is a problem that communication costs increase.

[0010] On the other hand, in the client / server system, as shown in FIG. 17 (B), it can be realized even in an open environment such as the Internet, and the communication cost is low. It can also be reduced. However, in this type of client / server system, it is necessary to introduce a VPN application, secure a port to pass through a firewall, and furthermore, to connect a client terminal to a server. Since this protocol was not open, there was a problem that unspecified users would have a major obstacle to introducing it.

In the client Z server system, in the case of the connection form via the web shown in FIG. 17 (C), each screen to be displayed on the display screen of the client terminal is downloaded from the server. There was a problem that the response was bad. Also, in this type of client Z server system, the client terminal must always be connected to the server, so if the connection is disconnected during communication, the data from the client terminal will be lost. I had to start over again.

[0012] Further, in the client / server system, since the server needs to manage all the information, the costly maintenance work is extremely complicated, irrespective of the connection form. There was also.

[0013] From the above viewpoints, the client / server system using a mechanism such as a dedicated line or the Internet is limited to transactions between a specific company and transactions between a company and a general customer. . In other words, in the client / server system, it was impossible to construct a low-cost system that could withstand the daily business speed of dealing with an unspecified number of companies.

[0014] In recent years, client terminals that are becoming idle assets in client / server systems have been effectively used in accordance with the processing capacity of computers, and cost reductions have been achieved by simultaneously realizing load distribution and serverless operation. The so-called peer-to-peer system, which is a network form that can reduce the communication cost by a simple network, is attracting attention.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 18 (A), this peer-to-peer system is a system in which computers (C) connected via a network exchange information directly. In this peer-to-peer system, there is no server that stores information or a central directory that centrally manages indexes, and each computer (C) executes a predetermined application. Thus, the resources of each computer and various services such as a so-called file exchange service can be shared.

[0016] As another form of the peer-to-peer system, as shown in Fig. 18 (B), a hybrid type in which a server (S) is provided and which depends on mediation of a central directory is also known. In this hybrid peer-to-peer system, a client (C) participating in a network registers an index of its own resource with a central server (S). Then, in this peer-to-peer system, the resources of another client (C) are searched for using the directory service provided by the server (S). That is, in this peer-to-peer system, information such as files remains stored locally in each client (C), but the existence of this information is disclosed to other clients (C) as index information. This allows access to the local area.

[0017] In such a peer-to-peer system, since the application is executed by each client terminal, not only the cost reduction described above, but also the screen response is good and there is no need for constant connection. It has.

[0018] As a system using such a peer-to-peer system, for example, there is a system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-872671352002-135457.

[0019] However, in a system that each company has already introduced, it is usual that each company has a different connection form to the network and a different data format. Therefore, it is said that it is impossible to adopt a peer-to-peer system as a system introduced to a company to support business activities involving the exchange of various business data.

[0020] Further, in a peer-to-peer system based on a client terminal using an open network, there is a possibility that the network may be shut down or individual computers may become unstable. Therefore, the peer-to-peer system was not able to cope with inter-company operations in which large amounts of data were exchanged on a daily basis, especially in the case of financial transactions.

[0021] Further, when considering the exchange of business data regarding transactions between companies, an existing system is often constructed at the partner company. In such a case, the system of the partner company In order to build a mechanism for transferring force data, you will be dependent on the partner company. Therefore, even if a peer-to-peer system has been built with the goal of wide-ranging business-to-business transactions, the existence of the existing system may become a barrier and prevent effective operation.

Disclosure of the invention

[0022] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has introduced peer-to-peer technology into a B2B (Business to Business) system, and has been working with an unspecified number of companies that could not be realized in the past. It is an object of the present invention to provide a business process system, a business process method, and an information processing device that can realize transactions at low cost and with high security without using a server.

[0023] The business process system according to the present invention that achieves the above-mentioned object is a business process system that connects an unspecified number of companies via a network and exchanges various business data, and is an open network layer. The terminal owned by the ordering source connected to the client terminal, where the application that implements the peer-to-peer network architecture is installed, is isolated from the open network layer and also from the network layer inside the order base. After the client terminal is connected to the intermediate network layer of the order base, which is a segment, and the client terminal executes the application to establish a peer-to-peer connection with the client terminal and temporarily holds the transmitted data, , Forward to the appropriate destination The collector node and the open network layer are connected to the internal network layer, which is a segment that is isolated from the intermediate network layer, and the application is mounted on the collector node. It is characterized by having an order receiving database that records the transferred data.

[0024] The business process system according to the present invention as described above is capable of transmitting data transmitted from a client terminal connected to an open network layer and separating the data from the open network layer and inside the order base. It is connected to the intermediate network layer of the order base, which is a segment that is isolated from the network layer, and is recorded in the order base database of the order base via the collector node connected peer-to-peer with the client terminal. [0025] Therefore, the business process system embodying the present invention can reduce the load on the order receiving database and greatly improve the performance because the client terminal executes the application. Since direct access to the order entry database is avoided, security can be greatly improved. The business process system according to the present invention temporarily stores data from a client terminal by a collector node in an intermediate network layer, and then transfers the data to an order receiving database. Even if the connection session with the client terminal is disconnected, there is no need to re-input data by the client terminal, and reliable communication can be realized.

[0026] Here, the application for realizing the peer-to-peer network architecture includes a screen function for providing data registration and data display functions, and data registered or data arbitrarily created by executing the screen function. , And a data carrier function for exchanging data with a connection destination node, and a data carrier function for executing the data carrier function and receiving the received data. It is configured to have a database management function to retrieve data into a predetermined location in the database and to extract data recorded in the database.

[0027] Then, the client terminal on which such an application is implemented executes the translate function, receives the data registered by executing the screen function or arbitrarily created data, and transmits the data. Convert the data into a format that can be imported into the order database, execute the data carrier function, establish a connection session to the order database via the collector node, and convert using the translate function. And send the data.

On the other hand, the order receiving database in which such an application is implemented executes the data carrier function to establish a connection session to the client terminal via the collector node, and is transmitted from the client terminal. Receiving the received data, executing the database management function, executing the data carrier function, receiving the received data, loading the data into a predetermined location in the database, Extract the data recorded in the database.

[0029] As described above, the business process system empowering the present invention can coexist with an existing system even if the existing system is constructed in the ordering company. By using this, transactions with unspecified large numbers of companies that could not be realized in the past can be realized with low cost and high security without using a server.

[0030] The business process system according to the present invention includes an open network layer, the above-mentioned intermediate network layer, and an in-house network of an order base connected to the internal network layer via a firewall. Connected and equipped with an order base terminal on which the application is installed. The order base terminal displays the order data received via the collector node on the screen at least in accordance with the order, and displays the order Perform state management.

[0031] Thus, the business process system empowering the present invention can manage at least the ordering status on the order receiving base side, and can smoothly perform other business processes according to the status.

[0032] Note that a WAN layer is applied as the open network layer, a DMZ layer is applied as the intermediate network layer, and a LAN layer is applied as the internal network layer. S can.

[0033] The business process method according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is a business process method for connecting an unspecified number of companies via a network and exchanging various business data. Client terminals with applications that implement the peer-to-peer network architecture are terminals owned by the ordering source connected to the client, and the data registered via the screen or data created arbitrarily can be received at the order receiving base. Convert the data to a predetermined format so that it can be imported into the database, establish a connection session to the order receiving database, send the converted data, and isolate the open network layer from the internal network layer inside the order receiving base. Intermediate network of order bases, which are both isolated segments Is connected to the work layer, a collector node coupled the client terminal and the peer-to-peer by the client terminal performs the application, the data transmitted from the client terminal After being temporarily stored, the packet is transferred to an appropriate destination, connected to the internal network layer, which is a segment isolated from the open network layer and also isolated from the intermediate network layer, and connected to the application. The order database in which is implemented is characterized by recording data transferred from the collector node.

The business process method according to the present invention can reduce the load on the order receiving database and greatly improve the performance because the client terminal connected to the open network layer executes the application. This makes it possible to avoid direct access to the order entry database via the collector node, thus greatly improving security. In the business process method according to the present invention, data from the client terminal is temporarily stored by the collector node in the intermediate network layer, and then transferred to the order receiving database. Even if the current connection session is disconnected, there is no need to re-input data from the client terminal, and reliable communication can be realized.

[0035] Further, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above-mentioned object is provided in a business process system that connects an unspecified number of companies via a network and exchanges various business data, and has a peer-to-peer network architecture. An information processing device owned by the ordering party connected to the open network layer in which the application that implements the functions is implemented, and has a screen function that provides the data registration and data display functions that are functions of the application. A screen means to be executed, and a function of the application, which executes the screen function, receives registered data or arbitrarily created data, and executes a translate function of converting the data into a predetermined format. Translation means and the function of the above application, Data carrier means for executing a data carrier function of exchanging data with a connection destination node, wherein the translate means executes the translate function, executes the screen function, and is registered. The data or arbitrarily created data is converted into a predetermined format so that it can be taken into the order database of the order base. Carrier function is executed, a connection session to the order receiving database is established, and the converted data is transmitted.

[0036] Such an information processing device that is effective in the present invention executes an application, so that the load on the order receiving database can be reduced and the performance can be greatly improved, and the existing system can be provided to the ordering company. Even if it has been built, it can coexist with this existing system, and using peer-to-peer technology, it is possible to use server-less, inexpensive and high-level transactions with a large number of unspecified companies that were previously impossible It can be realized with security.

[0037] Furthermore, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is an information processing apparatus provided in a business process system for connecting an unspecified number of companies via a network and exchanging various business data. A device that is isolated from the open network layer to which the client terminal owned by the orderer, in which the application implementing the peer-to-peer network architecture is installed, is connected and is also isolated from the network layer inside the order base. The client terminal is connected to the client terminal by executing the application, and is connected to the client terminal in a peer-to-peer connection, and temporarily stores data transmitted from the client terminal. After that, the above internal network layer Les as a feature to be transferred to the appropriate orders database of connection has been the order base, Ru.

[0038] Such an information processing apparatus that is active in the present invention temporarily stores data transmitted from a client terminal that executes an application and then transfers the data to the order receiving database, thereby reducing the load on the order receiving database. The ability to significantly reduce performance and improve performance can be achieved, and direct access to the order entry database can be avoided, greatly improving security. Further, even if the connection session with the client terminal is disconnected during the communication, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention does not need to re-input data by the client terminal, and it is possible to ensure that Communication can be realized.

[0039] Further, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention that achieves the above-mentioned object is a business process system that connects an unspecified number of companies via a network and exchanges various business data. Connected to the network layer inside the order base, which is isolated from the open network layer to which the client terminal owned by the orderer, in which the application that implements the peer-to-peer network architecture is implemented, is connected to the order base. An information processing device on which the above-mentioned application functioning as an order receiving database is mounted, and a data carrier means for executing a data carrier function of transmitting / receiving data to / from a connection destination node as a function of the above-mentioned application. And a database management function of receiving the data received by executing the data carrier function, loading the data into a predetermined location in the database, and extracting the data recorded in the database. Equipment The data carrier means executes the above data carrier function, and is connected to the intermediate network layer of the order base, which is a segment isolated from the open network layer and also isolated from the internal network layer. A connection session to the client terminal is established via the node, the data is converted into a predetermined format that can be captured by the client terminal, and the data transmitted from the client terminal is received. Executing the database management function, receiving the data received by executing the data carrier function, loading the data into a predetermined location in the database, and extracting the data recorded in the database. I have.

[0040] In such an information processing apparatus embodying the present invention, since the client terminal connected to the open network layer executes the application, its own load is reduced, the performance is greatly improved, and the collector is improved. Since the data transferred from the node is recorded, direct access from the client terminal is avoided, and the security can be greatly improved. Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, since the data from the client terminal is temporarily held by the collector node in the intermediate network layer, the connection session with the client terminal is temporarily disconnected during the communication. Even if this happens, there is no need to restart data input by the client terminal, and reliable communication can be realized.

[0041] In the present invention as described above, using peer-to-peer technology, an unspecified large number of devices that could not be realized in the past were realized based on serverless, inexpensive and high security. Business with a company can be realized.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a concept of a peer-to-peer network architecture applied to a business process system shown as an embodiment of the present invention.

Garden 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining how resources are searched and found in the architecture shown in FIG.

Garden 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first connection form prepared according to the form of the network as an access session in the architecture shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second connection mode prepared as an access session according to a network mode in the architecture shown in FIG. 1.

5 is a diagram illustrating a third connection mode prepared as an access session in the architecture shown in FIG. 1 according to a network mode.

[Garden 6] is a diagram illustrating a connection form by a via-to-via system applied to a business process system shown as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating functions of an abridgement implemented in the business process system shown as the embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a business process system shown as an embodiment of the present invention constructed by establishing a plurality of sessions between two nodes on which the application shown in FIG. 7 is implemented.

Garden 9] A diagram illustrating a network structure of a specific business process system shown as an embodiment of the present invention, which models a transaction between a certain company and an unspecified number of companies.

Garden 10] is a diagram illustrating a series of product product lifecycles to which the business process system shown in FIG. 9 can be applied.

[Figure 11] Describes the sequence up to accepting an order through the client terminal when the end customer possessing the client terminal has its own system for ordering and purchasing merchandise and services FIG.

[Figure 12] A final customer with a client terminal orders and purchases goods and services FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a sequence until an order is received via the client terminal when no unique system is provided.

[FIG. 13] As an example of a series of business images by the business process system shown as an embodiment of the present invention, a procedure until an end customer places an order via a channel, and gives a delivery date response at the ordering base side. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a process from order placement to order reception in a series of procedures.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delivery date answer dialog displayed on the display screen of the order base terminal.

[FIG. 15] As an example of a series of business images by the business process system shown as an embodiment of the present invention, a procedure until an end customer places an order via a channel and gives a delivery date response at the ordering base side. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process from an order receipt to a delivery date response in a series of procedures.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a client / server system.

FIG. 17 (A) is a diagram illustrating a connection mode by a client / server system, and is a diagram illustrating a RAS connection.

FIG. 17 (B) is a diagram illustrating a connection mode by a client / server system, and is a diagram illustrating a connection using a VPN.

FIG. 17 (C) is a diagram illustrating a connection mode by a client / server system, and is a diagram illustrating a general connection via the web.

FIG. 18 (A) is a diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a peer-to-peer system, and is a diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a pure peer-to-peer system.

FIG. 18 (B) is a diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a peer-to-peer system, and is a diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a hybrid-type peer-to-peer system. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, an unspecified number of companies are connected by a serverless so-called peer-to-peer network. This is a business process system that exchanges various business data.

First, before describing the overall configuration of the business process system, the concept of the peer-to-peer technology applied to the business process system will be described.

The peer-to-peer network architecture applied to the business process system is defined by nodes, that is, a collection of computers, as shown in FIG. 1, for example. In this architecture, each node forms a topology in a state where a plurality of sessions are set up with each other. Note that this normal session means a connection based on Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCPZIP) that continuously maintains application-level communication. Then, in this architecture, a normal topology is formed by each node making such a connection with each other, and a path through which a protocol flows is formed. At this time, in this architecture, not all nodes in the network are connected to each other, but each node is connected only to neighboring nodes. In this architecture, by propagating a protocol such as a command on the connection session, each node can have a relationship with an unknown node via a neighboring node.

[0047] In a so-called client / server system, each client terminal is assumed to know the server to which it connects. In a peer-to-peer system, in order for each node to participate in the network, It is important to know the node to which you connect first. In this architecture, when each node tries to join the network, a predetermined attribute file and a connection file concerning the node to be connected are acquired. In this architecture, once a connection to one node is granted, the protocol propagates over the connection session. In this process, each node can acquire information of another node and make it a new connection destination candidate. In a peer-to-peer system, since each node can freely join or leave the network, the node directly connected to itself changes dynamically. For this reason, in this architecture, each node autonomously changes the connection destination so that the connection between the nodes is optimal.

[0048] In such an architecture, when the setup is completed, a method for sharing information is set up. Each member participates in a virtual space called a room where members gather. In this architecture, participation in this room becomes an actual member of the network. You can join this room either by an invitation from another buddy (peer) or by creating your own room and inviting a buddy to the room. This room is a so-called VPN (Virtual Private Network) in which only friends who have mutually agreed to share information in the virtual space participate, and the room is a physical area such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or router. It is possible to participate beyond the limits of a typical network.

[0049] In such an architecture, when a connection is established, it becomes possible to search for and discover resources.

[0050] A node to search for a resource transmits a predetermined command to a neighboring node that has established a connection session. This command describes a command ID that specifies the uniqueness of the command and a resource ID that specifies the resource. Please let me know if you want to do it. "

[0051] The node that has received the inquiry command checks whether or not it has the corresponding resource by searching for the index of the resource that it owns. If the node that has received the inquiry command does not have the resource, the node transfers the inquiry command to neighboring nodes other than the node that transmitted the inquiry command. In this architecture, as shown by a solid arrow in FIG. 2, for example, an inquiry command transmitted from the node A is transmitted from the neighboring node to the neighboring node until the resource to be searched by the node A is found. Is transferred.

[0052] On the other hand, the node that has received the inquiry and matching command returns a predetermined response protocol when it owns the resource. In this architecture, if the resource to be searched by node A is found at node E, as shown by the broken arrow in Fig. 2, for example, That is, the response protocol is transferred in the order of the nodes D, C, and B. Here, the response protocol returned from the node possessing the resource describes the address of the node, the resource ID indicating the state of the resource, and the revision number. Therefore, in this architecture, when node A obtains the access information to the resource owned by node E by receiving the response protocol, as shown by the dashed-line arrow in FIG. Direct access is possible. Thus, in this architecture, it is possible to avoid network tightness by providing an access session independent of the connection session for actual access to resources.

[0054] In this architecture, four mechanisms are mainly provided in order to increase the speed of searching for such resources. First, when a command transferred from a certain node is transferred, it is not transferred to the node that transmitted the command, as described above. Second, once transferred commands are not transferred even if received from other nodes. Third, the command must have a so-called time-to-live (TTL). Fourth, in addition to the resource index of each node, the cache of the existence of resources of other nodes relayed by the node is cached. In this architecture, by providing such a mechanism, quick response and efficient routing can be achieved.

In a peer-to-peer system, a firewall that restricts communication ports and a network that uses a private IP (Internet Protocol) address generally become obstacles. This is because it is basically impossible to access the computer inside the firewall from outside the firewall.

[0056] Therefore, in this architecture, NAT, Network Address

Translation) In the firewall environment, the connection is established by extending the connection session from inside the NAT server to the outside of the firewall. In this architecture, a plurality of connection modes are prepared as access sessions according to the network mode. In this architecture, these network forms are automatically recognized and the optimal access method is realized.

First, as a first connection mode, a private connection using the port forwarding function of the NAT server is used. There is one corresponding to the IP address. NAT servers usually have the ability to forward data sent to one port to another port. Therefore, in this architecture, the settings for forwarding the port for the architecture are made in advance using this function. As a result, the NAT server returns the node information of both the private IP address and the masquerade node when returning the above-mentioned response protocol.

[0058] Specifically, in this architecture, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, a case where a resource to be searched is owned by an access destination node belonging to a private network inside the NAT server NS. As shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 3, the inquiry command described above is transferred from the own node via the relay node and the NAT server NS to the access destination node. In response to this, in this architecture, the response protocol is transferred from the access destination node to the own node via the NAT server NS and the relay node, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. At this time, the NAT server NS notifies the masquerade node information set in the NAT server NS together with the private IP address. As a result, in this architecture, even if an access session cannot be established from the outside to the peer of the private IP address, access to the masquerade node by the global IP address is possible as shown by the dashed line arrow in Fig. 3. Can be switched.

[0059] In the second connection mode, there is a case where a session can be established with an access destination node belonging to a private network inside a firewall. In other words, in this architecture, if an access session cannot be opened in a situation where the user wants to access a node inside the firewall from outside the firewall, the access session is opened from the node inside the firewall. You can have them stretched.

[0060] Specifically, in this architecture, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, the resource to be searched is owned by the access destination node belonging to the private network inside the firewall FW. In this case, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 4, the inquiry command is transferred from the own node to the access destination node via the relay node and the firewall FW. Correspondingly, this architecture breaks in Figure 4. As indicated by the line arrow, the response protocol is transferred from the access destination node to the own node via the firewall FW and the relay node. Furthermore, in this architecture, as indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 4, a predetermined access request command is accessed from the own node via the relay node and the firewall FW in a direction opposite to the route on which the response protocol has propagated. Transferred to the destination node. Then, in this architecture, as indicated by the two-dot chain line arrow in FIG. 4, the access destination node inside the firewall FW responds to the access request command to the own node outside the firewall FW. An access session is set up for it. As a result, in this architecture, it is possible to execute access from the own node to the access destination node via this access session.

[0061] Further, as a third connection form, there is a case where a session cannot be established from either the access destination node or the own node. For example, if both the own node and the access destination node are inside separate firewalls, a session cannot be established from either side. In such a case, in this architecture, a third node in an environment where sessions can be established from both the access destination node and the own node is provided as a gateway node, and communication via this gateway can be performed. it can

Specifically, in this architecture, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the own node belonging to the private network inside the firewall wishes to search for the resource power \ belonging to the private network inside the separate firewall. When possessed by the access destination node, the inquiry command is transferred from the own node power to the access destination node via the relay node and the firewall as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. In response to this, in this architecture, the response protocol is transferred from the access destination node to the own node via the firewall and the relay node, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. In this architecture, the own node establishes an empty session with the gateway node GW, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Further, in this architecture, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 5, the gateway is connected to the gateway via the relay node and the firewall in a direction opposite to the route on which the response protocol has propagated. A predetermined gateway request command in which information such as the IP address of the inode GW is described is transferred to the access destination node. In response to this, in this architecture, the access destination node inside the firewall responds to the gateway request command by the gateway node outside the firewall, as indicated by the two-dot chain arrow in FIG. Set up an access session to the GW. Then, in this architecture, the gateway node GW internally couples the session from its own node with the session from the access destination node. Thus, in this architecture, the gateway node GW can execute access from the own node to the access destination node by mediating the access session.

The business process system described as an embodiment of the present invention is realized by applying such a peer-to-peer network architecture. In the following, a description will be given of this business process system.

[0064] The concept of the business process system is that, by applying the above-described peer-to-peer network architecture, for example, as shown in FIG. Fire between external open network NT

1

One wall FW will be installed and the order database etc.

1

A firewall FW was also installed between Computer C and Network NT, and these

22 The so-called XML (extensible markup) with predetermined encryption between computers C and C

1 2

(Language Language) or the like. At this time, in this business process system, the application capability for realizing the above-described peer-to-peer network architecture is implemented on each of the computers C, C, and

1 2

C, C execute applications by CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc.

1 2

Allows the data to be sent to the specified location,

Since C manages the data, the input response via the screen without the need to provide a server is good, and there is no need to constantly connect.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the application implemented in the business process system includes four screen units 11, a translator 12, data carrier units 13 and 21, and a database management unit 22. It is roughly divided into functions. First, the functions executed by the client terminal 10 include a screen unit 11, a translator 12, and a data carrier unit 13.

[0067] The screen section 11 is executed when the end customer or the agency having the client terminal 10 does not have its own system for ordering and purchasing the merchandise service. It provides data registration and data display functions through a predetermined screen. In other words, if the end customer or agent possessing the client terminal 10 does not have its own system, the books and the like written on other media such as a paper medium such as a facsimile or a data file in a proprietary format can be used. It is usual to place orders for products and services based on Therefore, in the business process system, by executing the function of the screen unit 11, it is possible to input information written in these various media as data through a predetermined screen or to display the data. It becomes possible. The data registered via the screen unit 11 is transferred to the translator 12.

The translator 12 receives the data registered by executing the screen unit 11 and converts the data into a format that can be taken into the order database of the order base. In addition, if the translator 12 has a unique system for the end customer or the agency possessing the client terminal 10 to order and purchase the merchandise / service, for example, the translator 12 may be a so-called EDIFA (Electronic Document Interchange For Administration, Commerce and

Transportation) format, so-called EIAJ (Electronic Industries Association of Japan) format such as CII (Center for the Information of Industry), ANSI (American National Standards Institute) .xl2 format, and other customer-specific formats Data files in various formats, such as mats, arbitrarily created by the system can be directly received and converted into a format that can be imported into the order receiving database at the order receiving base. The business data converted by the translator 12 is classified and recorded in a predetermined local directory of the client terminal 10.

[0069] The data carrier unit 13 is a board function for securely transmitting and receiving various business data such as so-called forecasts and order data, which are order predictions, while maintaining security and beyond the firewall. . When the data carrier unit 13 obtains the business data to be transmitted from the recorded location, the data carrier unit 13 should record the business data in the order receiving database 20. Establish a connection session to the location and send this business data.

[0070] On the other hand, functions executed by the order receiving database 20 include a data carrier unit 21 and a database management unit 22.

[0071] Like the data carrier unit 13, the data carrier unit 21 is a board function for securely transmitting and receiving various business data while maintaining security over a firewall. The data carrier unit 21 receives business data transmitted from the client terminal 10. The data received via the data carrier unit 21 is passed to the database management unit 22.

[0072] The database management unit 22 receives the business data received via the data carrier unit 21, takes in the business data to a predetermined location in the database, or extracts data recorded in the database. It has a function to do.

[0073] Note that these functions are implemented as applications in all computers regardless of the ordering source or the ordering party (order base). In FIG. An information processing device such as a computer possessed by the ordering source such as the agency or the like. The function executed by the powerful client terminal 10 and the function executed by the order receiving database 20 owned by the supplier are logically separated. Is shown. That is, when the client terminal 10 is on the data receiving side, the client terminal 10 executes the functions of the data carrier unit 21 and the database managing unit 22, and the order receiving database 20 is on the data transmitting side. In this case, the functions of the screen unit 11, the translator 12, and the data carrier unit 13 are executed.

[0074] The business process system, by providing a plurality of sessions between two nodes on which such an application is mounted, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, an order receiving database, a management department, a sales department, and a so-called EAI ( Opening of the Internet, etc. with each department of one company connected to a predetermined intranet or other network consisting of a sales company that has a legacy system such as Ente 卬 rise Application Integration) and a factory that produces merchandise, etc. Peer-to-peer connection with end customers, agents, and subcontractors connected to various networks, as well as peer-to-peer connections between departments and between end customers, agents, and subcontractors. It is also possible to make a peer-to-peer connection. Now, a specific business process system that applies the above concept and models a transaction between a certain company and an unspecified number of companies will be described.

As shown in FIG. 9, this business process system includes a plurality of client terminals 50, 50, 50 connected to an open network such as the Internet owned by a company such as an end customer, an agency, or an affiliated company. , 50 and external through the firewall FW

1 2 3 4

Information processing equipment such as computers connected to a so-called DMZ (DeMilitarized Zone) layer, which is a segment that is isolated from the open network layer and also from the internal LAN layer. 60 and through the firewall FW

1 2

As a result, the order receiving database 70 consisting of information processing devices such as computers connected to the LAN, which is a segment isolated from the external open network layer and also isolated from the DMZ layer, and the firewall FW Terminal 80 consisting of an information processing device such as a computer connected to a predetermined in-house network connected to the network, and a plurality of client terminals 90, 90 owned by overseas subsidiaries and overseas sales companies also connected to the in-house network. , 90.

one two Three

[0077] Of these nodes, the collector node 60, the master node 60, the order database 70

1 2

The system consisting of the order base terminal 80 and the client terminals 90, 90, 90

one two Three

It is a system owned by a company as an order base that receives and provides services, and client terminals 50, 50, 50, and 50 provide products and services to this company, respectively.

1 2 3 4

It is a terminal operated by a plurality of business partners as the ordering source for making orders.

[0078] The client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50 are respectively the client terminals shown in FIG.

1 2 3 4

This is the member who participates in the peer-to-peer network implementing the application that realizes the above-mentioned peer-to-peer network architecture. Each of the client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50 executes an application.

1 2 3 4

Therefore, it basically operates as a stand-alone terminal. Companies that have these client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50 respectively have open networks such as the Internet.

1 2 3 4

These client terminals are exchanged with companies that provide merchandise and services through the network.

Transactions are made by exchanging business data using 50, 50, 50, 50.

1 2 3 4

[0079] The collector node 60 is owned by a company at the order base that receives and provides orders for merchandise and services. This is a node that implements an application that realizes the above-described peer-to-peer network architecture, and is a client node 50, 50, 50,

2 1 2 3

In a network that provides a peer-to-peer connection between

Four

It exists as a background environment. Specifically, this collector node 60

1 Connected to the DMZ layer, which is a segment that is isolated from the external open network layer via the firewall FW and is also isolated from the internal LAN layer to which the ordering database 70 is connected, and the client terminal 50, Public nodes from the perspective of 50, 50, 50

1 2 3 4

The computer may be a computer different from the public node.

[0080] This collector node 60 can acquire information even when other members have turned off the power.

1

It is a node that is always running so that it can collect information from each member voluntarily. Specifically, the collector node 60 is connected to each of the client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50

1 1 2 3 4

When the client executes the application and establishes a peer-to-peer connection with the order receiving database 70 via the firewall FW, the client terminal 50, 50, 50, 50

Collect the data sent from 1 2 3 4 and hold it temporarily. In addition, the collector node 60 is used to transmit this information to each client terminal 50, 50, 50, 50 when a new product is developed and this information is added to the order receiving database 70, for example.

1 2 3 4

Polling is periodically performed, and data read from the order receiving database 70 is collected and temporarily stored. The collector node 60 is a so-called HTTP (HyperText

1

Transfer Protocol) bridge and gateway node function previously shown in FIG.

[0081] The master node 60 is owned by the company of the order base that receives and provides the order for the goods and services.

2

A node that implements an application that implements the above-described peer-to-peer network architecture. The client terminal 50, 50, 50, 50, together with the collector node 60,

1 1 2 3 4 It exists as a background environment in a network that realizes peer-to-peer connection with the order receiving database 70. Specifically, this master node 60

2 is connected to the DMZ layer like the client node 60, and the client terminals 50, 50, 50,

1 1 2 3

It may be a public node if you look at 50 powers It may be a computer different from the public node

Four

Yes. [0082] The master node 60 transmits the members and authority to participate in the room to the business process system.

2

It is a node that implements a management function so that the administrator who manages the system can control it. Specifically, the master node 60 authenticates access to the order receiving database 70, and

2

The data held by the operator node 60 is transferred to the appropriate order receiving database 70. In other words, the master node 60 has accessed through the firewall FW

2

Authenticates whether the client terminal is legitimate or not, and according to the authentication result, the collector node

The data held by 60 is transferred to the appropriate order entry database 70. Also, the master node node 60 transmits the message to the client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50.

2 1 2 3 4

The data read from the order database 70 and stored in the collector node 60 is transferred to appropriate client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50 via the firewall FW.

1 2 3 4 Transfer.

[0083] The application that implements the collector node 60 and the master node 60 is a physical application.

1 2

It is also possible to implement it on one computer without having to be implemented on a separate computer. In other words, the business process system is a network composed of client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50 performing peer-to-peer connection and an order receiving database 70.

1 2 3 4

In the network, there is a network environment (background) in which an application having a function of retaining data or transmitting data to an appropriate destination exists as a network environment (background). Node 60 is a peer-to-peer network

1 2

Is provided as a completely different concept from that of the relay node.

The order receiving database 70 is equivalent to the order receiving database 20 shown in FIG. 7 owned by the company of the order receiving base that receives and provides the merchandise / service, and is based on the above-described peer-to-peer network architecture. It implements the application to be realized. The order database 70 is connected to the LAN, which is a segment that is isolated from the external open network layer and also isolated from the DMZ layer via the firewall FW, and the client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50 cannot be accessed directly

1 2 3 4

It is. The order receiving database 70 is stored in the client terminal 50 via the firewall FW.

One

50, 50, 50 power, etc., are transmitted and temporarily stored in the collector node 60.

2 3 4 1

Transferred from the master node 60, this data is recorded in a predetermined location. Also, the order date The database 70 sends the recorded data to the client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50

When performing 1 2 3 4, appropriate data to be transmitted is read from the recorded data and passed to the master node 60 via the collector node 60.

1 2

[0085] Since the order database 70 records data on all business partners, at least the business partner company, which is a customer who owns the client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50, is required.

1 2 3 4

Customer table showing information on products such as merchandise and services handled by customers, and product table showing information on products such as merchandise and services handled by the ordering party. An individual unit price table showing information on individual unit prices of products, a unit table showing information on units of ordered products, a currency table showing information on currencies handled in ordering, and a delivery destination showing information on delivery destinations of products Table, conversion rate table that shows information about the rate when the currency is different, order details table that shows information about the items related to the order, scheduling item table that shows information about the items when the price is split, and when the price is split Analysis table, which shows information on the delivery date response of the An analysis table that shows the information that the customer belongs to, a usage tape that shows information about the intended use of the product, a city table that shows information about the city to which the customer belongs, a region table that shows information about the region to which the customer belongs, and a customer who belongs to the corporate gnope In this case, it is necessary to hold a corporate gnolap table showing information about the corporate gnolap, an analysis user table showing information about the user who performs the analysis, and the like.

[0086] On the other hand, the client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50 also have 70

1 2 3 4

It has a database (not shown) that records data, but it is only necessary for the customer to record data concerning the customer concerned. If you have a product table, product table, individual unit price table, order details table, scheduling details table, and scheduling answer table,

[0087] The order base terminal 80 is owned by the company of the order base that receives and provides the merchandise / service, and implements the application that realizes the above-described peer-to-peer network architecture. This order base terminal 80 is connected to the collector node 60 and the master node Network independent of the system consisting of the code 60 and the order database 70

2

It is connected to the open network layer, the DMZ layer, and the internal network connected to the LAN layer via the firewall FW, and is a collector node for managing various operations including ordering and ordering. Order data via 60 and master node 60

1 2

Authorized to access Base 70. For example, the order base terminal 80 receives the order data from the collector node 60 according to the order and displays it on the screen, thereby managing the order status.

[0088] The client terminals 90, 90, and 90 receive and provide merchandise and services, respectively.

one two Three

It is owned by the company at the order base and implements the application that implements the peer-to-peer network architecture described above. These client terminals 90

1, 9

0 and 90 are connected to the company network in the same way as the order base terminal 80.

twenty three

Thus, it is possible to access the order receiving database 70 to exchange data.

[0089] In such a business process system, client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50 are connected.

1 2 3 4 From the WAN (Wide Area Network) layer such as the Internet to the LAN layer to which the order database 70 is connected, the collector node 60 and the master node 60 that cannot be directly accessed via the firewall FW As an intermediate network layer connected

1 2

By establishing a DMZ layer of the three layers and constructing a system divided into these three layers, Pierce-One-Peer technology can be introduced into the B2B (Business to Business) system. By dividing into the LAN layer, it is possible to reduce the load on the order database 70 and greatly improve performance, and avoid direct access to the order database 70, greatly improving security. Can be done.

In this business process system, the collector node 60 in the DMZ layer

One of them temporarily holds 50, 50, 50, 50 force data, and then

1 2 3 4

Since the data is transferred to the order receiving database 70, if the client terminal 50

1, 5

Even if the connection session with 0, 50, 50 is disconnected,

2 3 4

There is no need to redo the data entry by 50, 50, 50, 50, 50

1 2 3 4

Trust can be realized. [0091] For example, as shown in Fig. 10, such a business process system can be applied to the exchange of various business data between a customer-related department and a company's own department in a series of product product life cycles. Can be. In particular, the business process system includes a forecast process, an ordering process, a delivery process such as answering the delivery date and quantity, invoice and BZL notification, and a notification of the occurrence of defects between the customer-related department and the own company department. It is suitable to be applied to the mass production phase of the product 'service consisting of post-delivery process etc.

[0092] As an example, FIG. 11 shows a sequence up to receiving an order via the client terminal 50 possessed by the final customer. Note that, here, the case where the end customer possessing the client terminal 50 has its own system for ordering and purchasing the merchandise / service is shown.

[0093] First, as shown in the figure, in step S1, the end customer creates order data in an arbitrary format using an original system.

[0094] Subsequently, in step S2, the end customer uses the function of the translator 12 of the client terminal 50 in which the above-described application is implemented to store the order data in the order data.

1

After conversion into a format that can be taken into the source 70, the order data is transmitted to the collector node 60 using the function of the data carrier unit 13 in step S3.

[0095] In response, collector node 60 and master node 60, upon receiving the order data,

1 2

In step S4, the order data is temporarily stored, and in step S5, the order data is transmitted to the order receiving database 70, which is the destination, and is also transmitted to the order receiving terminal 80. In step S6, the order base terminal 80 has 60 collector nodes.

The order status is displayed using the function of the screen unit 11 based on the order data 1.

[0096] On the other hand, the order receiving database 70 stores the order data transmitted from the collector node 60.

1

When the data is received using the function of the data carrier unit 21, in step S7, the order data is recorded using the function of the database management unit ₂₂ , and the contents of the database are updated.

. Then, the order database 70 transmits the order data to the collector node 60.

1

[0097] In response, the collector node 60 and the master node 60

1 2

When the order data is received, the order data is temporarily stored in step S8, and the order data is transmitted to the client terminal 50 as the destination in step S9. At the same time, the information is transmitted to the order base terminal 80.

[0098] Then, in step S10, the client terminal 50 receives the request from the collector node 60.

1 1 Based on the note data, the order status is displayed using the function of the screen unit 11, and a series of processing ends. In step S11, the order base terminal 80 is also

Based on the order data of 1, the order status is displayed by using the function of the screen unit 11, and a series of processing ends.

[0099] In the business process system, a client terminal 50 owned by an end customer having a unique system, a collector node 60, a master node 60, and an order receiving database

1 1 2

By exchanging such business data with the terminal 70 and the order base terminal 80, it is possible to receive an order from the final customer.

[0100] Further, the final customer having the client terminal 50 orders and purchases a product / service.

1

FIG. 12 shows a sequence up to acceptance of an order via the client terminal 50 when a unique system for performing the ordering is not provided.

[0101] In this case, as shown in the figure, in step S21, the end customer inputs order data using the function of the screen unit 11 of the client terminal 50 in which the above-described application is mounted.

Subsequently, in step S22, the end customer uses the function of the translator 12 of the client terminal 50 to convert the order data into a format that can be loaded into the order database 70, and then in step S23, the data carrier unit 13 The order data is transmitted to the collector node 60 using the function. Then, in step S24, the client terminal 50

1 1

Based on the transmitted order data, the status of the order is displayed by using the function of the screen unit 11.

[0103] On the other hand, when the collector node 60 and the master node 60 receive the order data,

1 2

In S25, the order data is temporarily held, and in step S26, the order data is transmitted to the order receiving database 70, which is the destination, and also transmitted to the order base terminal 80. In step S27, the order base terminal 80 orders 60 collector nodes.

1 Based on the data, the order status is displayed using the function of the screen unit 11.

[0104] When the order database 70 receives the transmitted order data using the function of the data carrier unit 21, the order database 70 receives the order data in step S28. It records using the function of the database management unit 22, and updates the contents of the database. Then, the order database 70 sends the order data to the collector node 60.

[0105] In response, the collector node 60 and the master node 60

1 2

When the order data is received, in step S29, the order data is temporarily held, and in step S30, the order data is transmitted to the client terminal 50, which is the destination, and also transmitted to the order base terminal 80.

[0106] Then, in step S31, the client terminal 50 receives the request from the collector node 60.

1 1 Based on the note data, the order status is displayed using the function of the screen unit 11, and a series of processing ends. Also, in step S32, the order base terminal 80 is also

[0107] In the business process system, a client terminal 50 owned by an end customer who does not have a unique system, a collector node 60, a master node 60, and an order data base.

By exchanging such business data with the terminal 70 and the order base terminal 80, it is possible to receive an order from the end customer.

[0108] Finally, in order to further clarify a series of business images by the business process system, the order until the final customer places an order through a channel such as an agency, and responds to the delivery date at the ordering base side The procedure will be described.

First, the process from ordering to receiving an order will be described with reference to FIG. That is, FIG. 7 shows a process in which data flows from the final customer to the order receiving base via the channel.

[0110] As shown in the figure, in step S51, the end customer creates order data using a client terminal equipped with its own unique system or application.

[0111] Subsequently, in step S52, the end customer uses a client terminal to convert the order data into a format that can be imported into the order database 70 and output the converted data.

[0112] Then, in step S53, the final customer uses the client terminal to transmit the order data to a system provided by a channel such as an agency. As a result, the order data is The data is captured and recorded in an order receiving database provided in the channel.

[0113] Note that the end customer may input the order data using the function of the screen unit 11 of the client terminal and pass it to the channel.

[0114] In step S54, the channel receiving the order data confirms the order data on the screen using the client terminal in which the application owned by the channel is installed. This corresponds to the process in which the order base terminal 80 confirms the order status in step S11 in FIG. 11 or step S32 in FIG.

[0115] Subsequently, in step S55, the channel collects order data from a plurality of customers, creates order data using its own system or client terminal, and stores the order data in the order database. Convert to a format that can be imported into 70 and output.

[0116] Then, in step S56, the channel transmits order data to the system provided in the order base using the client terminal. As a result, the order data is fetched and recorded in the order database provided in the order base corresponding to the order database 70 shown in FIG.

[0117] As for the channel, the order data may be input using the function of the screen unit 11 of the client terminal and transferred to the order receiving base, similarly to the end customer.

[0118] In step S57, the order base receiving the order data uses the order base terminal on which the application owned by the user corresponding to the order base terminal 80 shown in FIG. Check order data. This corresponds to the process in which the order base terminal 80 checks the order status in step S11 in FIG. 11 or step S32 in FIG.

[0119] Subsequently, in step S58, the order receiving base checks inventory, confirms production progress, checks capacity, etc., based on the order data, coordinates with the production department with the factory, etc., and ships the product. Determine possible dates.

[0120] Then, the order receiving base inputs the delivery date determined by using the function of the screen unit 11 of the order receiving base terminal in step S59. Specifically, a delivery date response dialog as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the display screen of the order base terminal. The ordering base will enter the necessary information in this delivery date response dialog. [0121] The process from the ordering ability to the order receiving has been described so far. Next, the process from receiving an order to answering the delivery date will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the figure shows a process in which data flows to the final customer through the order base power channel, and furthermore, data flows from the final customer to the order base through the channel.

[0122] As shown in the figure, in step S60, the order receiving base transmits delivery date data indicating the delivery date determined using the order receiving terminal to the system provided in the channel.

[0123] In step S61, the channel that has received the delivery date data uses the client terminal to check the delivery date data by confirming the delivery date data on the screen, and fine-tunes the customer arrival date.

Then, in step S62, the channel transmits delivery date data indicating the delivery date adjusted using the client terminal to the system provided in the channel.

[0125] In step S63, the final customer who has received the delivery date data confirms the answered delivery date by checking the delivery date data on the screen using the client terminal.

[0126] Subsequently, in step S64, the final customer determines whether to accept the replied delivery date, and if the delivery date is approved, in step S65, the final customer uses the client terminal to approve the delivery date. Is transmitted to the system provided in the channel.

[0127] In step S66, the channel that has received this status transmits this status to the system provided at the order base using the client terminal.

[0128] Then, in step S67, the order receiving base receives this status using the order receiving base terminal, confirms it on the screen, and ends a series of processes.

As described above, in the business process system, the procedure from order placement to delivery date response can be seamlessly realized between the final customer, the channel, and the order receiving base.

As described above, in the business process system shown as the embodiment of the present invention, the client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50 connected to the open network layer

The data transmitted from 1 2 3 4 is connected to the DMZ layer of the order base, which is a segment that is isolated from the open network layer and also separated from the network layer inside the order base, and is connected to the client terminal 50, 50. , 50, 50 and a collector node 60 connected peer-to-peer

The information is recorded in the order receiving database 70 of the order receiving base via 1 2 3 4 1. As described above, in this business process system, the client terminals 50, 50, 50,

one two Three

50 runs the application, reducing the load on the order database 70

Four

Omance can be greatly improved, and direct access to the order receiving database 70 via the collector node 60 can be avoided, so that security can be greatly improved. In this business process system, data from client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50 is collected by a collector node 60 in the DMZ layer.

1 1 2 3 4

Is temporarily stored and then transferred to the order receiving database 70. If the connection session with the client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50 is interrupted during communication,

1 2 3 4

Even if this is the case, re-enter the data using the client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50

1 2 3 4

It is not necessary to perform the communication, and reliable communication can be realized.

In the business process system, the client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50

The data to be transmitted by 1 2 3 4 is converted into a predetermined format by the client terminals 50, 50, 50, 50 that are in a format that can be imported into the order receiving database 70 and then transmitted.

1 2 3 4

That is, even if an existing system is built in the company that ordered the product, it can coexist with the existing system.

[0133] As described above, this business process system uses a peer-to-peer technology to realize transactions with an unspecified number of companies, which were not feasible in the past, at low cost and with high security without using a server. be able to.

[0134] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a system in which various nodes are connected to the network structure shown in FIG. 9 has been described. However, the present invention provides, for example, a web server in the DMZ layer, a design database or the like in the LAN layer. May be provided.

[0135] Further, in the above-described embodiment, transactions related to order placement and order have been mainly described. However, the present invention is applicable to other tasks including the series of product life cycles shown in FIG. Of course, it is also possible to apply.

As described above, it goes without saying that the present invention can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A business process system that connects unspecified large numbers of companies via a network and exchanges various business data,

A terminal owned by the ordering party connected to the open network layer, a client terminal as a member who participates in the peer-to-peer network, where an application implementing the peer-to-peer network architecture is implemented,

The open network layer is connected to a network layer inside the order base, which is a segment isolated from the open network layer, and the application is installed. The client terminal executes the application, and the client terminal and the peer-to-peer are executed. An order receiving database for connecting and recording data transmitted from the client terminal and reading data to be transmitted from the recorded data;

It is connected to the intermediate network layer of the order base, which is a segment that is isolated from the open network layer and also isolated from the internal network layer, and is read from the data transmitted from the client terminal or the order database. A business process system comprising: a node that collects and temporarily stores collected data and transfers the data to an appropriate destination.

[2] The above application

A screen function for providing data registration and data display functions;

A translation function for receiving the registered data or arbitrarily created data by executing the above screen function, and converting the data into a format that can be imported into the order receiving database;

A data carrier function that is a board function for securely transmitting and receiving data while maintaining security beyond the firewall;

It has a database management function for receiving the data received by executing the data carrier function, loading the data into a predetermined location in the database, and extracting the data recorded in the database.

2. The business process system according to claim 1, wherein:

[3] The above client terminal Execute the translate function, receive the data registered or arbitrarily created by executing the screen function, convert the data into a format that can be imported into the order database,

Executing the data carrier function, establishing a connection session to the order receiving database via the node, and transmitting data converted by the translate function.

3. The business process system according to claim 2, wherein:

[4] The above order database is

Executing the data carrier function to establish a connection session to the client terminal via the node, receiving the transmitted data from the client terminal, executing the database management function and executing the data carrier function Receives data received by execution, retrieves the data to a specified location in the database, and extracts the data recorded in the database

4. The business process system according to claim 3, wherein:

[5] The above node

A collection node consisting of an information processing device that collects data transmitted from the client terminal or data read from the order database and temporarily stores the collected data;另 IJ to the master node consisting of the information processing device that transfers the data held by the

2. The business process system according to claim 1, wherein:

[6] An order that is connected to the open network layer, the intermediate network layer, and the internal network of the order receiving base connected to the internal network layer via a firewall, and in which the application is installed. Equipped with a base terminal,

The above-mentioned order base terminal must display the order data received via the node at least in accordance with the order and manage the order status by displaying the data on the screen.

2. The business process system according to claim 1, wherein:

[7] The open network layer is the WAN layer, The intermediate network layer is a DMZ layer,

The above internal network layer must be a LAN layer

2. The business process system according to claim 1, wherein:

[8] A business process method in which an unspecified number of companies are connected via a network to exchange various business data,

The client terminal as a member of the orderer connected to the open network layer and participating in the peer-to-peer network in which the application that implements the peer-to-peer network architecture is implemented must register the data registered via the screen or Convert the arbitrarily created data into a format that can be imported into the order database of the order base, establish a connection session to the order database, and send the converted data.

The node connected to the intermediate network layer of the order base, which is a segment that is isolated from the open network layer and also separated from the network layer inside the order base, receives the data transmitted from the client terminal or the order After collecting and temporarily storing data read from the database, the data is transferred to the appropriate destination,

The order receiving database, which is connected to the internal network layer, which is a segment that is isolated from the open network layer and also isolated from the intermediate network layer, and in which the application is mounted, is such that By executing the application, a peer-to-peer connection is established with the client terminal, the data transmitted from the client terminal and transferred from the node is recorded, and the data to be transmitted is read from the recorded data. A business process method characterized by passing the information to a node.

[9] An unspecified number of companies are connected by a network, and various business data are exchanged. A business process system is provided. As a member participating in the peer-to-peer network, an application that implements the peer-to-peer network architecture is implemented. An information processing device connected to a open network layer,

A screen means for executing a screen function which is a function of the application and provides a data registration and data display function; A transformer that is a function of the application that executes the screen function and receives data registered or arbitrarily created, and executes a translate function to convert the data into a format that can be imported into the order receiving database at the order receiving base. Rate means, and data carrier means for executing the data carrier function, which is a function of the application and is a board function for securely transmitting and receiving data while maintaining security over a firewall. ,

The translate means executes the translate function, converts the data registered by executing the screen function or arbitrarily created data into a format that can be taken into the order database at the order base,

The data carrier means executes the data carrier function, establishes a connection session to the order receiving database, and transmits the converted data.

An information processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

[10] An information processing device provided in a business process system that connects a large number of unspecified companies via a network and exchanges various business data,

A network that is isolated from the open network layer to which the client terminal possessed by the ordering party as a member participating in the peer-to-peer network in which the application that realizes the peer-to-peer network architecture is implemented is connected and that is inside the order base. Is connected to the intermediate network layer of the order base, which is an isolated segment

When the client terminal executes the application and establishes a peer-to-peer connection with an order receiving database of an order base connected to the internal network layer, the client terminal connects to the data transmitted from the client terminal or to the internal network layer. Collect and temporarily store data read from the order database of the continued order base and transfer it to an appropriate destination

An information processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

[11] A client terminal owned by an ordering company equipped with an application that implements a peer-to-peer network architecture is connected to an unspecified number of companies via a network and exchanges various business data. Done An information processing device, which is connected to a network layer inside the order base separated from the open network layer and has the application functioning as an order database of the order base installed therein,

A data carrier means for executing a data carrier function, which is a function of the application and is a board function for securely transmitting and receiving data while maintaining security over a firewall;

A function of the application, which receives data received by executing the data carrier function, loads the data into a predetermined location in the database, and has a database management function of extracting data recorded in the database. The data carrier means executes the data carrier function, and is a segment connected to an intermediate network layer of an order base, which is a segment isolated from the open network layer and also isolated from the internal network layer. A connection session to the client terminal is established via the client terminal, and the data transmitted from the client terminal after being converted to be readable by the client terminal and temporarily stored by the node. Been transferred And it receives the data,

The database management means executes the database management function, receives the data received by executing the data carrier function, takes the data into a predetermined location in the database, and deletes the data recorded in the database. To extract

An information processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.