and our view of the future...?

It is still the case that the majority of business-to-business (B2B) ecommerce is still transacted using EDI via the Value Added Networks (VANs). Because of the large legacy of existing EDI users, this is not going to change overnight.

There are, however, distinct signs that the use of alternative message formats (e.g. XML), and especially alternative delivery methods such as FTP and AS2 is now on the increase. Many new ecommerce roll-outs involve the use of these technologies instead of VAN-based EDI, and some of the major users of EDI are now migrating to AS2 or are offering XML alternatives to the traditional EDI messages in TRADACOMS or EDIFACT formats.

For most suppliers using EDI with a number of different customers there could be a variety of different ecommerce capabilities required, and the flexibility to handle any of the past, present or future requirements will be the key to a successful ecommerce strategy.

Freeway will ensure that our products are compatible with the latest enhancements in communication and messaging technology, and will continue to work with the key movers and shakers in the industry to advise on best practice and to put forward the view of our users in the appropriate forums.