Electronic Data Interchange in Message Handling Systems

摘要

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) identifies a family of standards used for theelectronic transmission of business oriented data (e.g., invoices and purchase orders). EDI standards specify data formats, but are designed independent of a communications protocol. In June, 1990, the Consultative Committee on International Telephony and Telegraphy (CCITT) drafted two Recommendations (F.435:EDI Messaging Service, X.435: EDI Messaging System) which define a standardized service and protocol for transmitting EDI data via the Message Handling System (MHS). Using the MHS, EDI data can be transferred between compatible EDI applications implemented on heterogeneous computer systems. The paper introduces the MHS, the carrier service for EDI data; and the Interpersonal Messaging Service, the only MHS application currently standardized and the model for the EDI Messaging Service. Following the introductory material is a detailed review of the EDI Messaging draft Recommendations. The transmission of EDI data via the MHS is described as well as the relationships between EDI Messaging and directory, security, and physical delivery services. Three appendices are also included in the paper. Appendix A contains a list of abbreviations. Appendix B provides a glossary of MHS terms, and Appendix C briefly describes EDI messaging elements of service.