RFC 1865 (rfc1865) - Page 1 of 41


EDI Meets the Internet Frequently Asked Questions about Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) on the Internet



Alternative Format: Original Text Document



Network Working Group                                          W. Houser
Request for Comments: 1865                     Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Category: Informational                                       J. Griffin
                                                       Athena Associates
                                                                 C. Hage
                                                      C. Hage Associates
                                                            January 1996


                         EDI Meets the Internet

                    Frequently Asked Questions about
           Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) on the Internet

Status of this Memo

   This memo provides information for the Internet community.  This memo
   does not specify an Internet standard of any kind.  Distribution of
   this memo is unlimited.

Abstract

   This memo is targeted towards the EDI community that is unfamiliar
   with the Internet, including EDI software developers, users, and
   service providers.  The memo introduces the Internet and assumes a
   basic knowledge of EDI.

Table of Contents

   1. Introduction ................................................    4
   1.1.  What is this document ....................................    4
   1.2.  What do you mean by electronic data interchange (EDI) ?  .    4
   1.3.  What are the X12 Standards that I should be aware of ?  ..    4
   1.4.  To whom do I send comments and suggestions ? .............    5
   1.5.  How can I get a copy of this document? ...................    5
   2. General Information .........................................    6
   2.1.  What is the Internet ?  ..................................    6
   2.2.  Is there a difference between EDI and
         electronic commerce (EC) ? ...............................    6
   2.3.  What makes the Internet useful for EDI ?  ................    6
   2.4.  Does this means we will now have to coordinate our
         EC/EDI activities with the Internet?  ....................    7
   2.5.  How do I find the addresses of other Trading partners
         on the Internet if I don't have to coordinate my EDI
         activities with a central organization or VAN?  ..........    7
   2.6.  How fast is the Internet?  ...............................    7
   2.7.  What about reliability of the Internet?  .................    7
   2.8.  What are RFCs and where can I get them ?  ................    8



Houser, et al                Informational