PFN, a provider of policy-based networking solutions, has released FirmLink 2.0. Residing on PFN network communications architecture, FirmLink adds intelligence into IP networks to dynamically and non-intrusively connect a business’ internal systems with those of its partners. FirmLink enables businesses to optimize their supply chain, logistic, procurement, and e-business processes by providing application connectivity to business partners.

FirmLink creates a thin transaction layer that evolves any IP network, including the Internet, into a relationship-centric network. It manages the information and transaction flow by dynamically publishing business resources, relationships and policies to the network. Once this layer is created, FirmLink facilitates straight-through processing by routing, transporting, and tracking e-commerce and supply chain transactions throughout an organization’s network of business partners. By doing so, FirmLink eliminates the need for technology convergence by suppliers and partners participating together in e-commerce.

FirmLink 2.0 provides a persistence engine and queuing mechanism in order to bring the reliability required for business-level communications over the Internet. FirmLink 2.0 also provides a range of integration choices from browser- and Java-based access to sophisticated server-to-server communications, enabling fast implementation and cost-effective choices.

“There are a number of technologies available today that claim to solve a company’s e-business or supply chain problems, but few of these technologies are focused on making network communications more intelligent and dynamic,” said Bob Jewell, PFN’s president. “We have built a proven and patented infrastructure that drives business level intelligence into the Internet, while still ensuring that transactions are securely, reliably and cost effectively communicated with trading partners, suppliers, and customers.”