Holodeck B2B

Overview

Holodeck B2B is open-source software for B2B messaging built around ebXML Messaging 3 and AS4. It is a strong fit for teams assembling an eDelivery solution or connecting standards-based messaging to a business system. Its focused gateway capabilities are the draw; it is not a general-purpose invoicing tool.

Key features

It can run as a standalone AS4 gateway or integrate with a business system through provided interfaces. One-way and two-way exchanges work with push and pull patterns, and files and attachments can be up to 2 GB. That flexibility suits workflows with sizable documents and different exchange directions.

Gateway monitoring comes through command-line and graphical interfaces, giving operations teams both text-based and visual options. File-based backend integration is included. REST API integration is an extension, while custom Web Services or JMS backends can be built with the API. This is adaptable for teams with integration capacity, but organizations expecting a ready-made REST connection should account for the extension.

Security features include message signing and encryption using WS-Security 1.1.1, certificate trust stores, OCSP checks, and AS4 non-repudiation of receipt. The maker describes Holodeck B2B as AS4 compliant and identifies e-SENS/CEF eDelivery, ENTSOG/ENTSOE, EESSI, and Superstream profile compliance. An open-source AS2 extension allows a gateway to send and receive both AS2 and AS4 messages, with the protocol selected in the P-Mode.

Pricing

The Holodeck B2B plan costs free and provides the open-source software under GNU GPL 3. There is no free trial because the software itself is free. The zero-price license removes a subscription cost, but it does not remove deployment work or the need to provide a Java runtime.

Version 7.0 is released under GNU GPL 3. LGPL3-licensed interfaces are included for connecting to closed-source systems through those interfaces. The binary package requires JRE version 11 or later and does not include one, so teams must arrange the runtime separately. A support contract is available for help directly from the developers.

Platforms

Holodeck B2B supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its binary package needs JRE 11 or later, so platform choice does not eliminate the runtime requirement.

Who it's for

This is aimed at organizations that need an AS4 messaging component, particularly as part of an eDelivery solution, and can handle gateway deployment and integration. The included file backend is a practical starting point; teams needing REST, Web Services, or JMS connections should plan for an extension or custom backend work. Readers seeking a ready-made way to create and manage invoices should look to invoicing software instead.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Supports push and pull, one-way and two-way exchange, with files and attachments up to 2 GB, covering varied messaging workflows.
• Pro: Command-line and graphical monitoring, plus AS4 security features and an optional AS2 extension, make it a capable protocol-focused gateway.
• Pro: The software is free and open source, with interfaces for connecting to closed-source systems.
• Con: The binary package omits Java, and JRE 11 or later is required, adding a deployment dependency.
• Con: Only file-based backend integration is included; REST is an extension, and other backends require API-based implementation.

Alternatives

For a broader choice of products, start with Electronic Invoicing Software. Consider Billit instead when you want a freemium invoicing service with a free Peppol option for sales invoices, or phase4 if an Apache 2.0-licensed library that requires manual integration into your system is a better fit.

B2Brouter is another freemium option, with a free Basic plan capped at 10 contacts, 24 transactions per year, and one user. BillingEngine may suit a small invoicing workflow: its free plan allows three invoices, three quotes, and three receipts per month for one user. PeppolSoft offers a free Buyer plan for receiving through its web portal and app, with ERP integration upon request and subject to budget approval.

ONESOURCE Pagero is a freemium alternative. Tungsten e-Invoice Connect has a free tier capped at 25 invoices per month. For accounts-payable automation with a custom-priced paid offering, consider Comarch Accounts Payable Automation.

Verdict

Choose Holodeck B2B if you need a free, standards-focused AS4 gateway with substantial message-size support, monitoring, and a file backend. Its main advantage is protocol and integration flexibility without a software license charge; look elsewhere if you need a ready-to-use invoicing product or want REST integration included rather than as an extension.