The Ariba Network (AN) is a global network that provides connectivity and online services to organizations engaged in business-to-business e-commerce. Ariba Network enables buyers and suppliers to do business with each other worldwide over the Internet and to access multiple network-delivered services to enhance interaction and collaboration. It is a multi-protocol commerce hub that translates, validates, and routes business documents. It contains additional services such as directory services, reporting tools, supplier tools, payment, and sourcing.  
Ariba Network provides you with a single point of integration to thousands of suppliers. Similarly, it provides each supplier with a single point of integration to multiple large buying organizations. You use Ariba Network to find suppliers to purchase products or services from and to invite suppliers to form trading relationships. After suppliers accept the invitations, you can send purchase orders to them through Ariba Network. 
Suppliers receive the purchase orders and return invoices, etc. Each supplier has an Ariba Network account and can specify how it wants to receive orders and generate order confirmations, ship notices, and invoices, etc.