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User Guide
The information contained in this section applies to IBM WebSphere Commerce Version 7.0.0.9 and Feautre Pack 8. The documentation also applies to all subsequent releases and modifications until otherwise indicated in new editions.
Developing
The topics in the Developing section describe tasks performed by an application developer.
Business models
Before starting to develop your site with WebSphere Commerce, you need to determine the business model supported by WebSphere Commerce that best represents the purpose of your site. Usually sites created with WebSphere Commerce will be implemented based on of one of these business models.
B2B direct business model
B2B direct supports commerce transactions that involve products, services, or information between two businesses or parties. Typical B2B direct transactions occur between buyers, suppliers, manufacturers, resellers, distributors, and trading partners.

B2B direct business model

B2B direct supports commerce transactions that involve products, services, or information between two businesses or parties. Typical B2B direct transactions occur between buyers, suppliers, manufacturers, resellers, distributors, and trading partners.

The following diagram demonstrates a typical B2B direct business.

Diagram showing two businesses with an arrow between them that reads Buyers from one business purchase goods or services from another.

In a typical B2B direct business, businesses purchase goods or services directly from another business. The selling business can be a wholesaler, a distributor, a manufacturer, or a retailer who sells to buyers from other businesses.

Organizations that are not traditionally considered businesses, such as governments, can sometimes implement sites that are based on the B2B direct business model. This occurs in such cases where governments provide goods and services directly to businesses.

A value of B2B in the STORE table STORETYPE column indicates a B2B direct store, and a value of BBB indicates a basic B2B direct store.