Migration to open EDI [ecommerce notes]

Let’s first give quick glimpse to how EDI is setup, There are several ways to set up EDI.


- A dedicated PC link to the EDI network. - A group of computers via modems linking to the EDI network - A dedicated server link to the EDI network


Communication link could be:

- dial-up phone line (such as ISDN line or switched digital services) - a dedicated link to the network’s local hub point.

Required software:

- Application software - Message translator
- Routing manager
- Communication handler Migration to Open EDI.

The Internet and the transition to open EDI will change the economics of EDI by reducing setup and rollout costs.

Migration groups:

- A nonuser becoming a private network/VAN user. - A current EDI user who wishes to make a transition to Open EDI.
- A non-EDI user who can make a direct transition to Open EDI.
- EDI transactions across the Internet in two ways: Email and FTP

The benefits:


- Reduction of the cost of transferring EDI messages
- Increase the performance
- Supporting E-Commerce
- Increase the interoperability of networks increasing the usability of EDI.

The problems and challenges:

- Security issues
- Many companies using EDI based on VANs. Not all VANs have connections to Internet.