Wednesday 20th March, 2013

When the Model Interoperability Agreement was launched in January by EESPA, many doubted its abilities to achieve its declared aim of interoperability between different networks in any immediately workable timeframe. In fact some cynics thought it was little more than a passing nod in the right direction, or at worst a PR stunt. However, today OB10 and Anachron, a leading e-Biller in Europe, have become the first organisations to use the Agreement, as the basis of a contract to interoperate within the Benelux region.

Commenting on the value of EESPA’s agreement, Gary Benson, VP Corporate Development, said, “As a neutral and comprehensive starting point, the Model Interoperability Agreement makes the contracting process quick and straightforward. In particular, it supports a number of legal frameworks, which are critical to processing fully compliant electronic invoices for our customers.”

Frank Hoekstra, CEO of Anachron, adds: “The Model Interoperability Agreement" contributes heavily to the general acceptance of international e-Invoicing among the users, our clients. Providing multiple delivery channels and improving roaming options are key to the development of the global e-Invoicing market and are finally enabled by the standardised contract.”

The agreement between OB10 and Anachron will pave the way to an easy exchange of e-Invoices through both networks and, could be the standard bearer for the growth of similar interoperable agreements - relieving what some see as one of the hold ups to a more widespread einvoicing adoption.