Business Objects is offering the BusinessObjects Web Services Software Development Kit (SDK). The high-level API exposes interactive business intelligence (BI) functions -- such as "list reports," "view report," "refresh report," and "drill on report" -- as Web services.

The SDK is in a beta test phase. It should be available on the .NET and Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) platforms in the second quarter of 2002. Business Objects has not yet determined the price.

The idea behind the product, says Business Objects, is to combat the lack of visibility into manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors -- which can lead to delay and distortion of information as it moves along the value chain -- by integrating that chain, and therefore giving you access to key information. Access to information, in turn, helps eliminate excess inventory buildup and inventory depletion, which keeps operations running smoothly and customers and business partners satisfied.

The BusinessObjects Web Services SDK lets you use UDDI directory services to extend business intelligence extranets. According to Business Objects, using the UDDI removes the need for point-to-point connections and a direct business relationship. You can register a BI Web services (for example, an application that displays product catalog information) in a private UDDI directory (managed by one or more members of the value chain), and others can subscribe to those services and access the information. You can share business information with other organizations without having a prior direct business relationship, such as indirect suppliers and customers.

You can get more information on the Business Objects Web site.