Best of Communication Protocols for EDI Exchange - Cogentialit

Introduction

Discover the language that surrounds the Electronic Information Exchange and what you should know for better communication with your business partners. We at Cogential IT offer you a handful of ways of communication with your partners. Be it FTP, AS1, HTTP, SFTP or any communication protocols, our proficient team can provide you the best of XML EDI integration.

In this article you will find:

• The best channels to send and receive EDI documents
• The most secure connections you can use for B2B document exchange
• The perfect platform that adapts to your business and helps you start working with EDI

AS1

AS1 stands for Applicability Statement 1 and was developed by the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) in order to provide reliable and secure communication via SMTP or S/MIME.

It was the first protocol AS and uses signature, encryption and conventions MDN (Message Disposition Notifications). These refer to the ability to provide receipts. As in all document exchanges through AS protocols, the exchange of information through an AS1 requires both sides to exchange SSL certificates and specific information about the business partner before any transfer.

How to implement the EDI system and what is its cost?

The implementation of an electronic document flow system often involves integrating communication between the IT systems of entities willing to use this solution. EDI systems are also available in the WEB version, which does not require integration with IT systems. To avoid potential problems, it is best to use specialized solutions available on the market. This is where Cogential IT can provide you the support you’re looking for. We are known for our cutting-edge technologies and how we competitively deliver the best solution for your business.

AS2

Applicability Statement 2 uses the same MDN signature, encryption, and conventions as AS1. However, AS2 messages are sent over the internet using HTTP or HTTPS protocols.

AS2 is normally implemented as a point-to-point connection and offers many advantages such as greater security through digital receipts and signatures.

We at Cogential IT facilitate the exchange of XML or EDI via AS2 directly using the internet. Transactions and acknowledgments over an AS2 protocol occur in real time, increasing the efficiency of document exchange.

AS3

AS3 is a protocol with higher security than AS2 as it exchanges FTP information using standard MIME secure content types. This protocol operates under a client/server model and not point-to-point as in AS2.

Unlike AS2, AS3 does not require an active connection from the receiver to process the information. This protocol can be especially beneficial for financial industry organizations and others investing in secure FTP applications.

FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used to exchange and manage files over a TCP/IP-based network like the internet. It uses a client-server architecture with separate control and data connections.

Using the Cogential IT FTP server, you can assure seamless and secure transfer of information. We use FTP internally to perform various functions within our programs.

FTPS

FTPS (File Transfer Secure Protocol) is an extension of FTP that supports secure encrypted channels via TLS and SSL. Note that FTPS is different from SFTP or secure FTP.

HTTP

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is used to request and transmit files over the web, especially web pages and their components. It is commonly implemented over TCP/IP but can also run on top of other protocols.

In HTTP, web browsers usually act as clients, while applications running on web servers handle requests.

HTTPS

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is a secure version of HTTP that includes SSL/TLS encryption. It's commonly used for payment transactions and confidential information exchange in business systems.

OFTP

OFTP (Odette File Transfer Protocol) was developed for standard communication in the European automotive industry and has since expanded to sectors like retail, manufacturing, government, transportation, and finance.

OFTP is simple to use, consisting of only 14 commands, which makes it highly efficient. It was created to enable business communication through point-to-point connections.

OFTP 2.0

OFTP 2.0 is the latest version of the OFTP protocol, designed for use over the internet. It adds features like data compression, file encryption, and digital certificate exchange between business partners.

OFTP 2.0 supports very large files and extended character sets (e.g., Chinese, Japanese), making it a globally relevant protocol, though it’s most commonly used in Europe.

SFTP

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a network protocol that provides secure access, transfer, and management of files. It's an extension of the SSH protocol (SSH 2.0).

SFTP is commonly used for secure transfers over TLS or within VPN applications. It assumes a secure channel like SSH, with authenticated servers and known client identities.

Get Support for Secure EDI Communication

Reach our experts at Cogential IT and smoothen your communication of XML and EDI data in a secure environment.

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