Internet-based technology and concepts such as e-collaboralion are focusing on the integration of inter-organisational processes. In order to ensure interoperability of systems in an increosingly networked environment of business partners, standardisation on different levels is required In the automotive industry different nehvork strategies supported by portal technology are currently implemented with di3erent consequences regarding standardisalion. In this context, a snap shot of the current standardisation status from dijerent perspectives of market partners points out the diversity of approaches and the challenges."creasing globalisation, rising cost pressure and shortened product development cycles are forcing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their supplier parmers in the automotive indusby to intensify I collaboration. Customers and dealers are expecting more direct support and the availability of new channels whereas the supply base requires data exchange in real-time and m o s s business processes. For several years, these socio-economic factors and more advanced information technology (IT) such as Internet-based technologies are driving these fundamental changes in the automotive industry. Internet-based tools are offering completely new opportunities to redesig models and processes of cooperation because collaboration is significantly simplified. As a consequence of the increasing interconnection of the supplier parlners themselves, the demand for a universally ,petwork& industry is being met to an ever greater extent. Tbougb, an ecollaboration strategy is based on the integration of internal and inter-organisational processes supported by Internet-based technologies and is focused on a networked value chain (value chain concept according to M.E. Porter 1985). The connection of internal and inter-organisational processes requires an appropriate framework based on four components. Amongst other components, technology as part of the framework and related standards are playing a key role on different levels when integrating business processes between OEMs and supplier partners. tn the area of procurement and supply, portal technology as enabler for process automation supports different network strategies with different impacts on the framework components. The automotive industries' current efforts in building-up networks With their supplier partners are characterized by two approaches. In order to get the benefits of integration, the implementation of standards is a prerequisite. But main standardisation initiatives focus on the specification of business documents, are industry-driven or country specific. Also, different positions of the players in the "standardisation field" are responsible for a relatively low level of inter-organisational integration. This paper will deliver an insight into the challenging world of standardisation in the context of advanced business process integration in the automotive industry. The following chapter introduces the context of e-collaboration. The relevance o...