An Overview of the AS2 protocol
Applicability Statement 2 (AS2) allows users to facilitate critical business processes including EDI exchanges or other data, such as XML, CSV, or plain text documents, over the internet.
Through a client-server relationship for point-to-point connectivity, AS2 creates an “envelope” for sensitive business data, allowing it to be sent securely.
To enable an AS2 connection you need two computers, a server and a client. Establishing a connection requires that both computers connect to the Internet via a point-to-point connection. In order to transmit the desired data, AS2 creates an ‘envelope’ that mebeds secure transmission via the Internet using a combination of digital certificates and encryption.
Message Disposition Notification (MDN) is an electronic acknowledgement of the successful reception of an AS2 transfer. MDNs are sent to the sender via AS2 after an electronic message has been sent, confirming that the message has been transmitted completely.
The MDN mainly checks two important events:
- Whether the AS2 transfer was successfully completed
- The message arrived at the desired recipient without change
Here is the 5 step process for establishing an AS2 MDN connection:
- The sender sends an encrypted EDI message with digital signature to the desired recipient
- Transmission of the EDI message over the Internet via AS2 (sending of the message)
- The message is decrypted by the recipient and the digital signature of the sender is verified
- The recipient prepares the requested MDN and applies a digital signature. It is then sent back to the sender
- The sender receives the MDN, verfying the digital signature of the recipient
Global Location Number (GLN) is a 13-digit number that uniquely identifies a company. Many large companies rely on the use of GLN numbers to prevent confusion between companies.
The GLN numbers are assigned by GS1, a central government agency, ensuring that no GLN number is assigned twice.
The AS2 procotol was developed in the U.S. by the Uniform Code Council (UCC). Much of the success of AS2 certification exchange has been seen in America, notably in the retail sector.
A large influence behind the adoption of AS2 was in 2002 when retail giant Walmart mandated its 10,000 suppliers use AS2 EDI to exchange data.
Today, AS2 encryption is used widely across a large number of industries.
The AS2 protocol offers end-to-end data encryption,SSL encryption, and hashing.
An AS2 connection allows you to legally prove transaction details, confirmations, and send MDNs.
AS2 integration allows large file transfer and any data type including non-EDI payloads.
AS2 software is cost-effective because transmissions take place via the internet and because the AS2 documentation can be used almost everywhere.
Why Choose Cleo as your AS2 service provider?
• Encrypted connections: Ensure non-repudiation and data protection for any standard or industry-specific protocol, such as AS2/SFTP/ebMS - tested by the Drummond Group.
• Compliance made easy: Meet extensive data format standards with sweeping format handling and data translation conforming to international, national, state/provincial, local and industry regulations.
Compare OFTP2 and AS2
Industry mandates directing the use of one protocol versus another often arise from the history of implementation, industry use, and market penetration. To illustrate, we’ll compare two advanced protocols, OFTP2 and AS2:
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