What is EDI and do I need the Internet for EDI?
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), a form of e-commerce, is a standard format for exchanging business data. The standard is ANSI X12 and it was developed by the Data Interchange Standards Association. ANSI X12 is either closely coordinated with or is being merged with an international standard, EDIFACT. See Data Interchange Standards Association (DISA). www.disa.org Much effort is being expended on making Internet EDI a standard for business to business e-commerce. The Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a likely vehicle for content description. See XML/EDI Framework Currently, EDI operates over value added networks (VAN). In practical terms EDI provides a common format for the exchange of orders, invoices and payments — and may integrate back office accounting and administrative function at both ends of the transaction.
