1. Context Methodology SC
Activity Summary
Barcelona Face-to-Face Meeting
March 18, 2002

2. The Problem
UBL seeks to define a standard set of XML document schemas for e-business
Document formats vary across companies, even for common documents like orders and invoices
Manual customization is possible, but expensive to perform and maintain
Longer-term vision for a “plug-and-play” economy precludes manual customization

3. Context Methodology Overview
Initiated as part of ebXML, draft released in May 2001
Context defined as a set of values for specific “context drivers”
Rules can be applied to modify document formats automatically based on context
Actions performed include adding fields and making optional fields required

4. Context Drivers Industry Geopolitical Business Process
Product Classification
Official Constraints
Business Process Role
Supporting Role
System Capabilities
Note: Context Driver SC is exploring whether additional drivers are needed

5. Current Status Discussion and preliminary decisions on “8 questions”
Use of ebXML deliverables as starting point (yes)
Use of XSD derivation (deferred)
Use of substractive refinement (yes)
Use of XSLT for context rules (no)
Handling of hierarchical context driver values (deferred)
Use of assembly rules (no)
Basing names on XSD (no)
Which ebXML deliverables are “broken” (test iteratively)
Drafting of initial use cases with Library Content SC

6. Next Steps
Revision of ebXML specification based on use cases
Compilation of additional use cases
Launch of Context Methodology portal on UBL site
Implementation of proof-of-concept

7. How Can I Help?
Contribute additional use cases for document formats modified by context
Joint the SC and participate in the technical discussions
Review and comment on the upcoming specification