1. A method for a first business entity to provide a network-based supply chain framework for collaborative order management between at least a second and a third independent business entity, such as a service provider, vendor, reseller, manufacturer and the like, comprising: (a) receiving over a network, with an automated system, a request for an order from at least the second business entity; (b) transmitting over a network, with an automated system, an order to at least the third business entity; (c) using a network to receive information from the third business entity relating to a status of completion of the order by the third business entity; (d) tracking the progress in completing the order based on the information received from the third business entity; (e) generating periodic progress reports from the tracking; and (f) transmitting the periodic progress reports to the second business entity using the network.