If you have your server/PC behind a firewall, and the following IPs now need to be allowed:
129.9.70.68
129.9.102.68
129.9.102.69
129.9.70.69

Note that, due to the redundant, load balanced configuration of EBMX, Chrysler cannot guarantee which of the four IPs will be the resolution to ebmx.extra.chrysler.com at any one time, therefore, they suggest all four be configured as allowed.

Below is the note from Chrysler that you may have already received:
**************************************

ATTN: All HTTPS Mailbox and AS2 User’s of Chrysler’s EBMX (Electronic Business Message eXchange)

Chrysler Network Operations will be implementing an infrastructure change on:
7/19/2009 @ 00:00 EDT

This will CHANGE the IP resolution of:

https://ebmx.extra.chrysler.com [DNS for HTTPS Mailboxing]
and
http://ebmx-as2.extra.chrysler.com [DNS for AS2]

Most suppliers/trading partners SHOULD NOT be affected by the above change.

Very few suppliers/trading partners have specific firewall rules which will prevent communication with EBMX after the change.

If you are one of these suppliers/trading partners, please contact EBMX support via email:
ebusdesk@chrysler.com

or, via Chrysler’s Service Desk:
call: 800.332.9978
open a ticket – ensure it is routed to ticket group: EBMX

Please ensure you provide your name, company, supplier code, phone and email.

EBMX will supply alternatives to the firewall configuration to ease conversion. The new IP resolutions will also be provided if required.
*********************************************
Feel free to also contact Cleo Support should you encounter any issues. 1-866-444-CLEO or support@cleo.com.

Thank you!

“Businesses today are required to integrate applications and processes
in order to succeed. They need to continue to leverage multiple systems
from an economical standpoint, but they need these systems to work together,”
explains Todd Enneking, Cleo’s Vice President of Business Development.
“In the past, tackling integration meant considerable resources both in
talent, time and hard dollars. Now, Cleo makes integration possible for
more businesses by providing a solution designed specifically for fast,
code-free implementation.”

Cleo Integration Server is comprised of an easy-to-use graphical process
designer to map and test workflows and a process engine to execute flows
of almost any complexity. The solution promotes reusable components and
functionality across disparate custom, packaged and legacy applications
using an object-based architecture and SOA approach. Since there is no
requirement for custom coding, a company’s own IT staff can create integrations
without the need for outside services.

CIS allows for any-to-any mapping between different data formats. Multiple
message formats and schemas are supported including XML-DTD, XSD, Hierarchical,
attributes, enumerated values, ASCII Text/Flat, Fixed-length, HTML, HL7,
EDI, AL3, Excel files, and SQL compliant relational databases. The software
provides complete management, reporting and auditing capabilities to track
and monitor transactions and delivers real-time triggers and polling events.
Comprehensive support for web services is also included.

Maximizing Product Investment

“The possibilities and benefits of integration are endless,” adds Enneking,
“from improving quality and access to business information, extending
functionality of existing systems, bringing products to market faster,
enhancing customer and partner relationships and much more. Clients can
tackle the most important project first and utilize the investment in
CIS for additional benefits down the road.”

More details can be found at http://www.cleo.com/integration-server/

This week, Cleo released VersaLex 4.1, the technology powering LexiCom, VersaLex Trader (VLTrader), and VersaLex Proxy (VLProxy) products. VersaLex 4.1 users can now extend their reach beyond automated IP connections to communicate with those requiring manual file transfer via the Web Portal or fax with VLFax. This allows for a seamless communication process with all partners, regardless of technology level, without compromising security or slowing down business.

Some of the highlights of this release include:

• Web Portal: A customizable web portal, VLPortal, allows trading partners to view file transfer history and manually upload and download files. It can also be used to communicate information to trading partners. VLTrader only.
• Faxing: Enterprise fax, inbound and outbound faxing with VLFax (hardware costs may apply). VLTrader only.
• HTTP PUT+GET command: Send and receive payload in one server request/response.
• FTP/SSH FTP transfer resume: Failed transfers are resumed based on defined settings.
• SMTP multiple recipients: Send SMTP payloads to multiple (open-ended) recipients without requiring an SMTP forward proxy.
• SMTP Support: Already a feature in VLTrader, client-side SMTP is now also available in LexiCom.
• Native support for Windows and Linux 64bit operating systems.
• VLNavigator:
  • LDAP: LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) authentication for verifying user logins using an external directory service.
  • Host folder privileges: Trading Partner Connections (Hosts) are only viewable and/or editable by role-based account settings allowing security across multiple business units.
  • Web GUI: Offers remote access via a web browser to VLNavigator.

If you are a current user of VLTrader or LexiCom and have not updated your software, I encourage you to review the complete release notes by logging-in with a valid serial number at:
http://www.cleo.com/support/byproduct/VLTrader/documentation/index.php. Updating your software is easy–simply click the “check for update” button from with the Tools menu of the software interface. Contact Cleo support with any questions: support@cleo.com or 1-866-444-CLEO.

Rockford, IL— Cleo® Communications, today announced that VersaLex™ v4.1 achieved the latest Drummond Certification™ for Global AS2 interoperability. VersaLex is Cleo’s secure Internet communications technology that powers Cleo’s popular client-based software, LexiCom™, as well as Cleo’s managed file transfer server, VersaLex Trader (VLTrader™). This marks Cleo’s 14th consecutive certification for AS2 interoperability.

Continue to the full press release here:  http://www.cleo.com/news/pressreleases/AS2-June09.php

This year the conference has a strong focus on reducing costs and improving supply chain efficiencies in a down economy with senior executives speaking from CVS, Lowe’s, Macy’s and Wal-Mart. Cleo has been a long-time supporter of this conference. It is highly focused, educational and well organized.

The 15% discount offer is for anyone who has not yet registered for U Connect 09 (doesn’t apply to currently registered attendees). The discount is not stackable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount.

To apply the discount, use the following discount code in the financial summary page of the registration: 09Exhibitor15

The web page to register is located at: http://uconnect.gs1us.org/RegisterNow/tabid/138/Default.aspx
Information on the conference is available at: http://uconnect.gs1us.org/HOME/tabid/36/Default.aspx

Of course, don’t forget to visit Cleo at booth #220!

When I speak to company owners that are being asked to enter into an EDI relationship for the first time many times their attitude is to limit the EDI operation to provide simple compliance.

“Just tell me what I need for WalMart, Kmart, JC Penney or whoever to be satisfied so that I can get these initial EDI orders in house and start shipping”

This feeling is more than understandable when the EDI process is seen as hurdle that has to be passed in order to be approved as a vendor. Like some kind of final exam, if I answer all the questions carefully and fulfill enough of the requirements to get a passing grade I can advance to the status of preferred supplier. That level of EDI compliance will indeed satisfy your customer and solidify your relationship as a vendor but will it give YOU any value? Is it enough for you to just be compliant?

EDI compliance satisfies your customers because the EDI information that you exchange with them feeds their logistics process. EDI data is the life’s blood of modern retail logistics. Automated distribution centers scan and route your packages without any human handling. If your packages arrive without barcodes or associated shipping details those packages are forced to be manually handled or worse yet, rejected and returned. Like any operation that is automated, quickly the old manual methods are forgotten causing significant delay.

How automated are your shipping logistics? EDI information is tailor made for sharing with accounting, shipping, warehouse, and other logistics systems.

Companies that view the EDI process as an opportunity for their own business process improvement have the right idea by keeping in mind the fact that the EDI process in one that will be repeated time and again with new orders and shipments in increasing volume as the retailer relationship matures. Any manual handling in that process becomes a clog in the fulfillment pipeline keeping your goods from the shelves and keeping your operation from being as efficient as possible not to mention the inevitable manual errors that will occur.

As the volume of EDI orders and shipping goes up manual EDI processing brings more costs while automated EDI processing brings more value.

There is no secret formula for success since everyone’s fulfillment process is unique. Off the shelf EDI solutions can give you quick compliance with an inexpensive startup but what are the long term costs? At least 50% of our business is done with companies that are switching their EDI solutions because they are bogged down in manual EDI processing or have a competing EDI solution that is not efficient or automated. Sometimes a lot of money spent by companies without a lot of forethought results in a lot of time and money wasted. That same time and money spent with a little consultation and consideration beforehand can result in more highly automated, efficient fulfillment operations.

EDI Options is based in Garden City Park, NY part of the largest trading hub in the world and home to some of the most influential trading partners, manufacturers and retailers. The company’s technical focus and trade experience stem from the personal knowledge of its founders Neil Abbruzzese and Greg Wasserman. Both of these executives are deeply involved with our EDI clients and partner programs. Utilizing their background in the development of enterprise level systems and logistics, they developed their vision for a product and service based company into an organization nimble enough to meet the challenges in an ever-changing industry. Visit the EDI Options website at http://www.edioptions.com/