EDI versus the Internet

EDI versus the Internet

EDI has a lot in common with the Internet. EDI relies on standards to make sure that information can be passed between trading partners regardless of computer and software that is used by each trading partner. Like the Internet, the EDI industry also has a non-profit organization, the ANSI Accredited Standards committee, who manages the development and publishing of EDI standards. The biggest difference between the Internet and EDI is that EDI is more of an application than it is a network. The VANs are the network, although they are traditionally closed systems and are not directly connected to the Internet. EDI costs can range from free to several thousands of dollars per month depending on our needs, volume of transactions and our position in the trading relationship. Most EDI vendors charge an annual maintenance, mailbox fee and transmission/transaction fee.