Re: Traditional EDI vs. XML

[John Murray]

I've heard this too, but usually from proponents of XML and eCommerce.  Much of this is (IMHO) typical hype.  I seriously doubt that traditional EDI will die out.  First of all, it works!  The old adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" will apply here.  Numerous companies have invested substantial amounts of money and resources into a traditional EDI infrastructure and they are hardly likely to trash it all and go wholesale over to web-based eCommerce.  Some will, some won't, and many will see XML and the web as another avenue for reaching trading partners as well as a way to reach new markets.    When we talk about EDI vs. XML and eCommerce we aren't really talking Dinosaurs vs. Mammals here.  I see it more as traditional EDI and web-based EDI: two approaches to accomplishing the same goals.  In my opinion the smart money is bet on companies that use both strategies as complements to each other. In time the web may, and in my opinion probably will, become the dominant method for reaching customers and trading partners but this will be a gradual process.   Remember we heard the same thing back in the 1980s regarding the death of the mainframe and that has hardly been the case.  Even dinosaurs have their uses! ;-) John Murray EDI Analyst ViTec Inc. [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: Stephanie Upton [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2000 10:43 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Traditional EDI vs. XML I am in need of some advice...We are currently using traditional EDI via GENTRAN:Director translation software and we have around 15 to 20 trading partners.  We have been told that updating our GENTRAN:Director software may be only a short term solution.  We should be thinking XML for long term because traditional EDI is becoming obselete.  I have done a lot of reading and I don't ever recall any information on traditional EDI becoming obselete.  I have read numerous things about traditional EDI being used along side of other methods of EDI (XML & Web).  I can't see how traditional EDI would just disappear.  I must also say that all of our trading partners are still using traditional EDI.    I would appreciate any infomation and advice about where you think EDI is going in the near and distant future and how your companies may be implementing other forms of EDI with traditional EDI.  Any advice on my predicament would also be helpful :)   Thanks in advance !!   Stephanie Upton EDI Coordinator Design Ideas 217-753-3081 ext. 213

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