Secure Communications and Internet EDI
Electronic Data Interchange, or EDI, has not changed dramatically since its inception in the early 80s, but the way businesses exchange this data has. Many major trading hubs are converting from legacy communications to secure Internet-based connections. Using the Internet for managed file transfer, businesses are utilizing higher speed communications while reducing the costs and inefficiencies of traditional point-to-point communications.
Internet EDI or EDI-INT is the exchange of EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) data such as Purchase Orders, Invoices and Advance Ship Notices, over the Internet using proven, secure protocols such as FTP/S, HTTP/S, AS2, AS3, OFTP, IBM® WebSphere® MQ, SSH FTP, and ebMS. Automotive, Retail, and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industries were the early adopters of Internet EDI, some issuing AS2 mandates.
Proving ROI
Many new technologies promise to streamline processes and deliver ROI, but the return may take several years. Today’s C-level executives are looking closely at reducing the time it takes to achieve ROI. Internet EDI often delivers ROI in just a few months.
ROI occurs in many ways. Using Internet EDI, companies can increase efficiency. The cost of secure data exchange is reduced. Because it takes less time to exchange data between the supplier and hub, companies can lower their required inventory and move towards just-in-time operations. Business cycles are shortened. This equates to a lower bottom line and higher revenues.
Quoting a Cleo customer: “Our return on investment for LexiCom for AS2 was less than 3 months. We have never had a software product with such quick ROI.”
Cleo’s LexiCom and VLTrader secure Internet-based communications technology, is Drummond certified for AS2, AS3, and ebXML Messaging Service (ebMS ), HL7, CDC-PHIN, STAR), and also supports FTP, FTP/S, FTP/PGP, OFTP, SSH FTP, IBM® WebSphere® MQ, HTTP, and HTTP/S connections. The flexible all Java™ technology runs on industry-standard PCs and Servers and supports a wide variety of Operating System configurations. Trading partners worldwide rely on Cleo regardless of their level of expertise, size, or relationship as a client or host. The technology is proven in over 15,000 installations worldwide.
LexiCom, a client solution for communication with major trading networks, and VLTrader, a server-level solution that allows companies implement Internet EDI both up and down the supply chain as a B2B Gateway or Trading Partner Community.
Cleo products are flexible. Customers can easily add new trading partner connections without requiring a new product, adding to value and ROI. Now, as well as in the future, we handle a company's Internet EDI needs. Additionally, for companies implementing their own EDIINT Hub, our Professional Services are available to ensure every phase of the rollout goes smoothly for you and your trading partner community.
Additional Links
Product Information: Cleo LexiCom
Service Information: InterNetwork Deployment Services
Secure Communications Glossary
IBM and WebSphere are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation