Digital Business Networks Alliance

What Digital Business Networks Alliance does

Digital Business Networks Alliance (DBNAlliance) is a Houston-based U.S. not-for-profit organization founded in 2023 that operates the only U.S.-based open exchange network for secure B2B e-invoice and document exchange. The organization emerged from the Business Payments Coalition's E-invoice Market Pilot and governs an Exchange Framework built on a four-corner model connecting suppliers, buyers, and their respective Access Point service providers through a unified standard. The framework uses OASIS-derived protocols including AS4 for secure transport, UBL 2.3 for document standardization, and SML/SMP for dynamic service discovery, with DBNAlliance itself serving as the Certificate Authority issuing Root, Intermediate, and User certificates.

The portfolio centers on infrastructure components (SML/SMP services across Production, Test, and Pilot domains), digital certificate issuance, an XML validation tool, and a Mass Adoption API launched November 7, 2025 for programmatic participant onboarding. Distribution is channel-first: DBNAlliance enrolls service providers (12+ certified Access Points including Avalara, Storecove, DocStudio, PeppolSoft, Edicom, Sovos, Basware, SAP, Pagero) who then enable their enterprise customer bases, plus a White Label Solution program. The membership roster includes Microsoft, Chevron, Halliburton, ConocoPhillips, CBS America, Federal Reserve, and MBIE New Zealand, with 35+ members as of April 2024.

DBNAlliance is membership-funded with no disclosed revenue figures. Annual Full Membership and Associate Membership fees (undisclosed), three-tier SMP service subscriptions, and certificate issuance fees are the primary revenue streams. The organization runs an annual E-Invoicing Conference United States (April 2026, NYC), a Face2Face Meeting at Microsoft Campus in Seattle, and operates through Technical, Policy & Rules, and Market Adoption committees. The network interconnects globally via the Peppol framework, and its standards-based architecture positions it as the U.S. compliance pathway amid 50+ countries implementing e-invoicing mandates and upcoming EU ViDA legislation.

Name

Digital Business Networks Alliance

Legal name

Digital Business Networks Alliance LLC

Website

https://dbnalliance.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

DBNAlliance is a nonprofit enabling secure, standardized B2B e-invoice and document exchange across an open digital network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

B2B E-Invoicing Exchange Network

NAICS

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

B2B/EDI & Partner Integration (BPAMAOAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

B2B Marketplaces & Wholesale Platforms (BPAMAGAD)

Keywords

• B2B e-invoicing
• Electronic document exchange
• Open exchange network
• Digital invoice network
• E-delivery infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Houston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Full Membership Fees: Organizations and individuals join as Full Members with voting rights for Board of Directors, ability to vote on Corporation matters, serve as officers, and participate in operating committees. Membership fees are not publicly disclosed but are defined in a PDF document (DBNAlliance-Membership-Fee.pdf).
2. Associate Membership Fees: Organizations and individuals join as Associate Members with voting rights in operating committees but may not serve as officers or in leadership positions and are not eligible to vote on matters involving the Corporation including Director elections. Membership fees are not publicly disclosed.
3. SMP Services: DBNAlliance provides Service Metadata Publisher (SMP) services across all three SML domains with three tiers: Default Multi-Tenant (managed by DBNA shared services at standard rate), White Labeled (using DBNA infrastructure with member domain), and Member Provided (fully independent).
4. Digital Certificate Issuance: DBNAlliance serves as Certificate Authority issuing digital certificates for secure AS4 connections. Certificates include Root, Intermediate, and User certificates. The registrar uses DigiCert software for managing certificate issuance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

DBNAlliance operates a not-for-profit U.S. Open Exchange Network that enables secure B2B e-invoice and e-document exchange through a four-corner model architecture, connecting certified service providers (Access Points) with enterprise buyers and suppliers. The network is built on open standards (UBL 2.3, AS4, SML/SMP) and is governed by industry members rather than public authorities, allowing businesses to 'connect once, connect to all' regardless of platform or service provider.

Product overview

Digital Business Networks Alliance (DBNAlliance) operates a not-for-profit Open Exchange Network for secure B2B document exchange in the United States. The portfolio centers on the Exchange Framework, a four-corner model architecture enabling interoperability between different platforms using UBL 2.3 format and AS/4 protocol. Core infrastructure components include the Service Metadata Locator (SML) for DNS-based routing and Service Metadata Publisher (SMP) for capability lookups, supported by DBNAlliance's own Digital Certificate Issuance authority. Additional offerings include an XML Validation Tool for document compliance, a Mass Adoption API for programmatic participant management, and a White Label Solution program through certified service providers. The Certified Service Provider Program and SML/SMP Lookup Tool round out the supporting ecosystem for network participants.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Service Metadata Locator (SML) A DNS-based component of the eDelivery system that enables dynamic service location by directing Access Points to the correct Service Metadata Publisher (SMP) for message routing across three production, test, and pilot domains.
• U.S. Open Exchange Network An open exchange network enabling secure and efficient exchange of B2B e-invoices and e-documents for companies in the United States, based on a four-corner model architecture with certified service providers acting as Access Points.
• Exchange Framework A set of standards and policies enabling businesses to connect once and share electronic invoices seamlessly, regardless of platform, system, or network used; built on UBL 2.3 format and AS/4 protocol.
• Service Metadata Publisher (SMP) A key eDelivery framework component that manages capability lookups and metadata, providing information about participants' message exchange capabilities, supported document types, AS/4 endpoint URLs, and encryption certificates. Available in three tiers: Default Multi-Tenant, White Labeled, and Member Provided.
• Digital Certificate Issuance DBNAlliance's Certificate Authority service issuing Root Certificates, Intermediate Certificates, and User Certificates for AS4 Transport encryption and authentication, managed via DigiCert registrar software.
• XML Validation Tool An automated service that validates DBNAlliance documents against the latest DBNAlliance rules, ensuring compliance with UBL 2.3 format standards for seamless processing.
• Mass Adoption API A programmatic API enabling Service Providers to register, manage, and approve participants at scale automatically without manual intervention, supporting full SML and SMP lifecycle management with certificate-based mTLS authentication.
• White Label Solution A pre-built, fully adapted system compliant with DBNAlliance's framework offered by certified service providers (Docstudio, Storecove, Avalara, Edicom, Photon Commerce), enabling companies to offer DBNA connectivity under their own brand without developing proprietary solutions.
• Certified Service Provider Program Accreditation program for service providers ensuring full interoperability within the DBNAlliance network, with verified registration and demonstrated ability to send and receive transactions in a live environment.
• SML/SMP Lookup Tool A discovery tool that helps users find a Participant ID's SML entry across all DBNAlliance domains (Production and Test) and verify SMP operation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduced manual processing through automated invoice exchange
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• StorecovecoreTechnology or Integration · 27 October 2025Storecove is a global provider of e-invoicing and e-document exchange solutions that expanded with a new U.S. office in New York to support American businesses with global e-invoicing compliance. Through the DBNAlliance connection, Storecove connects U.S. companies to major e-invoicing networks including Peppol and DBNAlliance through a single API. Storecove was one of the first certified service providers and facilitated the first production invoice on the network. Dolf Kars, CEO of Storecove, serves as Chairman of DBNAlliance.
• AvalaracoreTechnology or IntegrationAvalara is a certified DBNAlliance service provider and early member. The company processed the first invoice on the U.S. Open Exchange Network on March 5, 2024, initiating the invoice that was received and processed by Storecove. Alex Baulf, Head of Product for Avalara E-Invoicing, serves as Board Director and Chair of the Membership & Market Adoption Committee.
• DocStudiocoreTechnology or IntegrationDocStudio is a certified service provider that launched the first data exchanges to Storecove via the U.S. open exchange network on April 4, 2024, using AS/4 protocol with SML and SMP technologies. DocStudio's team members include Eugene Soloviov (Chair of Technical Committee) and Alisa Konchenko (CEO, MarineNet - board member). DocStudio offers white label solutions.
• PeppolSoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationPeppolSoft achieved compliance with both three-corner and four-corner models as an accredited Access Point service provider. The company sent the first production invoice on the DBNAlliance network and achieved a technical milestone implementing document attachment integration with embedded and external reference methods. PeppolSoft participated in the remittance pilot program.
• EdicomcoreTechnology or IntegrationEdicom is a certified service provider and Event Partner for E-Invoicing Conference United States 2026. Guillermo Altamirano Villamil from Edicom is presenting on 'Managing Global e-Invoicing Rollouts: From Strategy to Execution' at the conference.
• SAPcoreTechnology or IntegrationSAP is listed as a DBNAlliance member (Service Provider category). SAP's global ERP presence makes them a strategic partner for enabling e-invoicing connectivity for their extensive customer base.
• SovoscoreTechnology or IntegrationSovos joined DBNAlliance as an early member. As a major player in the industry processing over 11 billion transactions each year, Sovos' membership demonstrates significant industry support for DBNAlliance's mission. Sovos brings expertise in tax compliance and e-invoicing for global businesses.
• OpenPeppolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpenPeppol is the global standards body for e-invoicing that DBNAlliance's framework is built upon. Ahti Allikas serves on OpenPeppol's Management Committee. DBNAlliance enables interoperability with the Peppol network, allowing U.S. companies to connect internationally.
• European CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlex Baulf is a member of the European Commission's e-Invoicing Technical Advisory Group, representing Avalara and providing expertise on European e-invoicing standards that influence DBNAlliance's framework design.
• Business Payments Coalition (BPC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBPC collaborated with industry bodies to enhance business payment efficiency. Participants of the BPC E-invoice Market Pilot established DBNAlliance as the governing entity for the U.S. open exchange network. BPC's remittance pilot program is being extended through DBNAlliance.
• Federal Reserve Bank of New YorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Federal Reserve Bank of New York is offering optional Gold Reserve tours on April 21, 2026 (day before the E-Invoicing Conference). Todd Albers from Federal Reserve of Minneapolis is presenting on 'B2B Fraud Prevention: Stronger Data Controls for Safer Payments' at the conference.
• Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (NZ)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMBIE New Zealand is an Associate Member and confirmed speaker at the E-Invoicing Conference 2026. Craig Smith presenting on 'Driving E-Invoicing Adoption in Public Sector Agencies'. MBIE brings public sector e-invoicing expertise from New Zealand's Peppol adoption.
• GEPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAhti Allikas from GEP | Management Committee OpenPeppol is presenting on 'Applying Peppol Principles to the DBNAlliance: Effective Approach to E-invoicing' at the 2026 conference.
• KPMGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKPMG is a conference partner with Arya Shantakumar presenting on 'E-invoicing and Digital Reporting Updates' at the E-Invoicing Conference 2026.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• OpenPeppol: OpenPeppol is the global non-profit organization that governs the Peppol e-invoicing framework on which DBNAlliance's Exchange Framework is built. It is the closest structural analog and operates a comparable four-corner network with SML/SMP infrastructure across multiple countries.
• Pagero: Pagero is a certified Peppol Access Point provider and one of DBNAlliance's listed service provider members. Pagero operates a global e-invoicing and document exchange network with similar B2B integration capabilities, making it a direct functional peer.
• Basware: Basware is a DBNAlliance certified service provider specializing in AP automation and e-invoicing. It is comparable as an enterprise-focused e-invoicing network operator serving the same B2B exchange use cases.
• Sovos: Sovos is an early DBNAlliance member and one of the largest tax compliance and e-invoicing providers globally, processing over 11 billion transactions per year. It is comparable as a high-scale e-invoicing and compliance platform participating in the same network.
• Avalara: Avalara is a certified DBNAlliance service provider and facilitated the network's first invoice transfer in March 2024. Avalara is comparable as a tax compliance and e-invoicing provider targeting U.S. enterprises with similar regulatory mandate-driven demand.
• Storecove: Storecove is a DBNAlliance certified service provider and Board member (CEO Dolf Kars is DBNAlliance Chairman) that facilitates the first production invoices on the network. It is comparable as an API-based e-invoicing platform serving multinational compliance needs.
• Edicom: Edicom is a certified DBNAlliance service provider with global e-invoicing rollout capabilities. It is comparable as a multi-country e-invoicing and EDI network operator serving enterprises with complex cross-border requirements.
• Billit: Billit is a DBNAlliance member that provides e-invoicing and document exchange services primarily in Belgium and the EU. It is comparable as a mid-market e-invoicing service provider participating in the Peppol/DBNAlliance ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• Tradeshift: Tradeshift operates a broader B2B commerce and e-invoicing network with global reach, but its scope extends beyond e-invoicing into supply chain financing and marketplace services, making it a broader incumbent rather than a direct Peppol-style operator.
• SAP Ariba: SAP (a DBNAlliance member) operates Ariba, a global B2B procurement and invoicing network embedded in its ERP ecosystem. It is comparable as a broader incumbent with overlapping e-invoicing capabilities, but its scale and ERP-bundled offering place it in a different competitive tier.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• GitHubgithub.com/dbnalliance/published-documents
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/digital-business-networks-alliance-llc
• Xx.com/DBNAlliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Digital Business Networks Alliance