[EDI = Electronic Data Interchange]
According to Gartner Research, EDI is still hot. However, I have always felt that the continuing distinction between EDI and “modern forms of eTrading” is somewhat stale and more confusing than illuminating. You are probably wondering what I am going on about … which I believe is a healthy reaction!
EDI is typically used to describe the process where the sender is responsible for converting their data, such as an invoice file, into an EDI standard format (e.g. Tradacoms or EDIFACT) and then uses a store and forwarding network to route this to the receiver.
The receiver then similarly converts from the standard format into one they can import. eTrading Hubs, such as Tradex, handle the conversion and exchange process and offer a range of additional services. However, both help to exchange trading documents without paper.
I actually see no reason why all eTrading services are not described as being EDI. The only difference is the level of services we provide and the value we deliver. EDI is still hot because the whole area of integrated business is very hot!
Source: http://blogs.gartner.com/benoit_lheureux/2011/03/25/edi-is-hot-no-really/
