Abstract
E-business has emerged as a key enabler for information integration and interoperability in collaborative networks. This paper presents a service-oriented approach towards creating an ICT platform for the footwear industry, which has been tested for specific business scenarios and answers industry requirements. Other related works are discussed and analyzed, emphasizing the innovative aspects and advantages of this initiative.

Abstract
The Digital Business Ecosystem paradigm emerged worldwide as an approach supporting the adoption and development of interoperable infrastructures among SMEs, supporting them to achieve their goals efficiently. The aim of this article is to present a novel three-layered approach towards the creation of a digital business ecosystem for the shoe manufacturing domain, following ebXML scenario and framework, and using open-source software. Relevant related works are also discussed, emphasizing the innovative aspects and advantages of this novel approach.

Abstract
The goal of achieving full interoperability is still not achieved, despite the high number of tools and infrastructures developed. The objective of this article is to present a framework aiming at supporting seamless interoperability in a business collaborative networked environment. An implementation example from the footwear sector validating the framework proposed is also described.

Abstract
A virtual enterprise (VE) is a temporary organization that pools member enteiprises core competencies and exploits fast changing market opportunities Partner selection can be viewed as a multi-criteria decision making problem that involves, assessing trade-offs between conflicting tangible and intangible criteria, and stating preferences based on incomplete or non-available information. In general, this is a very complex problem due to the large number of alternatives and criteria of different types. In this paper we propose an integrated approach to rank alternative VE configurations using an extension of the TOPSIS method for fuzzy data, improved through the use of a tabu search meta-heuristic. Preliminary computational results clearly demonstrate its potential for practical application.

Abstract
This paper proposes a new method for managing the use of ontologies in the context of a Virtual Breeding Environment. This research work focus is on the dissolution phase of a Virtual Enterprise or Collaborative Network, where ontology segmentation technique are user to enrich the VBE's ontology libray. Firstly, an overview of the process of ontology composition and decomposition is given and the ontology library system adopted described. Then, the ontologies' ranking and classification method is described, explaining a set of metrics inspired in social network approaches. Finally, the results of preliminary tests are discussed.

Abstract
The right choice of the method of organizational analysis to use is a key factor ill the process of requirements analysis and specification of an information system. Although a high number of approaches of organizational analysis exist, the choice of the most appropriate option for each concrete case will influence the quality of the results obtained in the analysis of requirements and consequent specification. This paper presents a new way for organizational analysis to improve the quality of the requirements of systems that support information management and where collaboration is an important aspect. This is achieved through the application of the social network analysis approach, applied to refine, classify and prioritize the requirements for collaboration and information management in an organization. The paper begins by analysing shortly content management systems and wiki systems as IT platforms for collaboration and information management. After having described the method, a practical case of application of SNetCol method to an R&D institution is presented. The paper finishes by presenting the results of the evaluation of the two particular technological options considered for satisfying the specified requirements are described.