Progress on eDelivery 2.0 specifications and beyond
This is a run-up to the eventual adoption of the new eDelivery profile specifications.
Significant strides have been made in developing the next generation of eDelivery specifications, collectively known as eDelivery 2.0. This article delves into the current status of these specifications, the upcoming Interoperability Event and planned enhancements to the conformance testing service.
The eDelivery 2.0 specifications are nearing finalisation. The Interoperability Event in June is the last step before eventual release of the new profile version. Product adoption is expected to begin in 2026.
Road to 2.0 profile adoption
Following the initial public consultation in 2023, the eDelivery team made substantial revisions to the first 2.0 draft specifications based on feedback and internal analysis. This included incorporating advancements in cryptography to leverage the best available security measures.
Following a successful first public consultation in 2023, the eDelivery team meticulously reviewed the feedback received alongside internal reflections and analyses. This collaborative process led to refinements in the draft specifications for the eDelivery AS4 2.0 and eDelivery SMP 2.0 profiles. Notably, the feedback and analysis also necessitated adjustments to the BDXL and ebCore Party Id profiles to ensure complete consistency across the entire eDelivery framework.
The revised draft profiles were presented during the February meeting of the Interoperability Forum, a group dedicated to vendors who create eDelivery-compliant products. This forum provided valuable input, paving the way for the next crucial step: the Interoperability Event.
As a result, we have published the second drafts of all four eDelivery profiles: AS4 | SMP | BDXL | ebCore Party Id.
The new profiles' draft specifications were published for the public consultation (8 March - 8 April 2024).
A second public consultation held in March-April 2024 yielded minimal feedback, signifying a level of comfort with the proposed changes. The team is now confident in moving forward with the revised specifications.
A second public consultation on the revised eDelivery AS4 2.0 and eDelivery SMP 2.0 profiles concluded in April 2024. While minimal feedback was received, the proposals are considered robust and ready for the next stage.
Planned for June 2024, this event will involve vendors implementing key cryptography changes from the specifications in proof-of-concept format. This will validate interoperability between different products.
The next crucial step is the Interoperability Event planned for June 2024. This event will involve vendors testing their implementations of the core cryptographic changes within the new specifications in a proof-of-concept environment. The eDelivery team, responsible for Domibus, a sample eDelivery conformant product, will also participate.
Assuming a successful Interoperability Event, formal publication of the new specifications is expected in the second half of 2024. Product rollouts incorporating the new specifications are anticipated to begin in 2026, with some early adopters potentially offering compatible solutions by late 2025.
The adoption of eDelivery 2.0 by solution providers will likely translate into product rollouts starting in 2026. This timeframe accounts for the development and testing cycles of vendor products.
Scheduled for June 2024, the Interoperability Event represents a critical juncture in the eDelivery 2.0 journey. This event will bring together solution providers to implement proof-of-concept integrations based on the latest draft specifications. Participating vendors will have the opportunity to test their implementations against each other, ensuring seamless interoperability when using the enhanced eDelivery functionalities.
Assuming a successful Interoperability Event with no unforeseen roadblocks, the official publication of the finalised eDelivery 2.0 specifications is anticipated in the second half of 2024. While some early adopters might be ready by 2025, a more realistic timeframe for widespread product support for the new specifications is likely to be 2026 onwards.
Market of conformant solutions
In parallel with the eDelivery 2.0 specification development, the eDelivery team has been diligently working on improvements to the conformance testing service. This service plays a vital role in ensuring that solutions offered by vendors adhere to the established eDelivery specifications.
Enhancements are underway to incorporate testing for optional profile features like Pull, Dynamic Sender, and Dynamic Receiver. These functionalities will be testable by July 2024. Additionally, a second set of tests to strengthen common profile testing is planned for later in the year.
A key focus of the service enhancements is the implementation of support for previously missing profile enhancements. These enhancements, including the Pull Feature, Dynamic Sender, and Dynamic Receiver functionalities, will be incorporated into the testing service by July 2024. Additionally, a planned expansion of tests for the core eDelivery AS4 profile is expected later this year or early next year. These service improvements aim to provide vendors with a more comprehensive and robust testing environment, independent of the new eDelivery 2.0 specifications.
eDelivery digital ecosystems
eDelivery monitoring
eDelivery in data spaces
eDelivery Building Block
eDelivery is a Building Block that provides technical specifications and standards, installable software and ancillary services to allow projects to create a network of nodes for secure digital data exchange.
The eDelivery specifications include the eDelivery AS4 profile, an open technical specification ensuring secure, payload-agnostic and reliable data exchange; the eDelivery SMP profile, designed for publishing service metadata within a 4-corner network; the eDelivery BDXL profile, which enables locating Access Points within the network; and the eDelivery ebCore Party ID profile, a technical specification for the recommended notation for party addressing.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on eDelivery services by checking the Building Block's X and web page. For more information, do not hesitate to register for personalised news or contact us via our portal or by email: EC-EDELIVERY-SUPPORT@ec.europa.eu.