A communications channel is an object describing how data is transferred from one location to another or simply held at one of the locations. The system can use one or more channels for communication with other computers. Each channel’s attributes include the information about where data currently sits, where it is going, and how it is to get it there.
The EDI translation process converts application data to and from communications-ready EDI data. The communications service, however, is not part of the translation process. EDI standards do not specify how EDI data is to be transmitted to a trading partner. Currently, bulk file transfer protocols (for example, FTP and asynchronous dial-up connections) are used to convey the majority of EDI traffic. This version of EC Gateway also supports message receipt and delivery through MQSeries Integrator queues.
EDI trading partners can communicate directly, but many use the services of a third-party value-added network (VAN). EDI VANs provide a communications network to connect trading partners, regardless of individual hardware platforms or communications protocols. Each partner connects to the VAN, and the VAN manages the connections to all the trading partners.
VANs also serve as document clearinghouses, either providing mailbox service to store received messages until a trading partner is ready to download them, or proactively delivering messages to a user. The proactive delivery service can be immediate (messages are delivered as soon as they are received) or scheduled (messages are delivered at a specific time of day). Additionally, the proactive delivery service can be specified by document type or trading partner.
After defining the EC/EDI system using the System icon, the next step in EC Gateway configuration is to configure the individual communications channels within your EC/EDI environment. To display the communications channel configuration menus, left-click the Comm Channel icon within the EC Gateway main window.
Communications channels are the pathways that your data follow on the way to and from your trading partners. You can configure your system to have one communications channel handle all of your inbound and outbound data, or so that each individual trading partner, direction, or message has its own channel, all according to your specific requirements.
