What is cXML?

cXML, or commerce eXtensible Markup Language, is an open XML-based standard protocol created by Ariba, Inc., and is designed specifically for e-commerce. cXML is defined by a set of Document Type Definitions (DTDs), which are text files that describe the syntax and order of cXML documents.

Catalogs. Static files that describe the products and services that you offer. A buyers' procurement application stores your catalogs in its database, making them available to its users.

Punchout catalogs. Interactive catalogs running on your web site. By running your catalogs on your web site, you eliminate the need to send your catalogs to buyers. Users access a punchout web site by sending a cXML PunchOutSetupRequest document to a network e-commerce hub such as Ariba SN. The hub accepts the request, verifies the buyer, and passes the request to your punchout site. The punchout site responds with the location of the catalog.

Purchase orders. Requests from buyers that are routed through Ariba SN to a supplier to fulfill a contract. Users send purchase order requests using a cXML OrderRequest document through Ariba SN. When you configure your account on an e-commerce network hub, you specify a URL to which all cXML purchase orders will be sent. Upon receiving a purchase order, you send it to your internal order management system and fulfill it. Your web site must then return an OrderResponse acknowledgement to the e-commerce network hub.