Glossary

A

Advanced Network Exchange (ANX): A private, IP-based physical network that acts as a bridge between non-compatible standards for communications and data formats. The ANX is the preferred communications method among automotive industry trading partner companies and is used by subscribers as an electronic transaction system.
AEF: See Automated Export System.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI): A private, nonprofit organization whose membership includes private companies, U.S. government agencies, and professional, technical, trade, labor, and consumer organizations. ANSI coordinates the development of voluntary consensus standards in the U.S.
American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII): A standard code used for information exchange among data processing systems, data communication systems, and associated equipment. ASCII uses a coded character set consisting of 7-bit coded characters. See also Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code.
AMS: See Automated Manifest System.
ANSI: See American National Standards Institute.
ANX: See Advanced Network Exchange.
Applicability Statement 1 (AS1): An EDI protocol for securely exchanging data over the Internet, by using SMTP as a transport mechanism.
Applicability Statement 2 (AS2): An EDI protocol for securely exchanging data over the Internet, by using HTTP as a transport.
AS1: See Applicability Statement 1.
AS2: See Applicability Statement 2.
ASCII: See American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
asynchronous: Pertaining to events that are not synchronized in time or do not occur in regular or predictable time intervals.
attachment: A file that is attached to an email message or other electronic document.
autodial: A process that establishes an automatic connection between two computer modems, without human interaction.
Automated Export System (AEF): An electronic filing method for a shipper's export declarations offered by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Customs Service.
Automated Manifest System (AMS): A system that is supported by the U.S. Customs service that allows the safe import and export of documents.

B

batch: A group of records or data processing jobs brought together for processing or transmission.
billing period: A set period of time for which service and usage charges are calculated and sent to the customer.
binary data: Data that is represented by a string of binary digits. The interpretation of this data is typically the responsibility of the application program.

C

CA: See certificate authority.
CA certificate: See certificate authority certificate.
Central Message Store (CMS): A mailbox system that processes documents and controls services such as messaging, archiving and queuing.
certificate: In computer security, a digital document that binds a public key to the identity of the certificate owner, thereby enabling the certificate owner to be authenticated. A certificate is issued by a certificate authority and is digitally signed by that authority. See also certificate authority.
certificate authority (CA): A trusted third-party organization or company that issues the digital certificates. The certificate authority typically verifies the identity of the individuals who are granted the unique certificate. See also certificate, Secure Sockets Layer.
certificate authority certificate (CA certificate): A digital certificate that is issued by a certificate authority. The CA verifies trusted certificates for trusted roots.
CMS: See Central Message Store.
COD: See confirmation of delivery.
communications protocol: In networking, a set of standards defining how computers are to exchange information.
confirmation of delivery (COD): The automatic notification to the sender of a message, note, or document as to when action is taken on the message, note, or document. Confirmation of delivery must be requested by the sender.
confirmation of receipt (COR): The automatic notification to the sender of a message, note, or document that the receiver has accepted the message note or document.
control report: A document that contains information that tracks EDI throughout its lifecycle.
conversion: The process of changing from one form of representation to another. Changing a code point that is assigned to a character in one code page to its corresponding code point in another code page is an example of conversion.
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC): The international standard of time that is kept by atomic clocks around the world.
COR: See confirmation of receipt.
coupling: A process that adds an already existing EDI to another node within the network.

D

data archive: A storage area for backup copies of files.
data center: A secure, limited-access room that contains hardware and communications equipment to serve the internal network.
data element: The smallest unit of data in an electronic data interchange. A sender ID and a receiver ID are examples of data elements.
data element separator: The character that is placed before each data element in a segment to mark the beginning of that data element, to identify where one variable-length data element ends and another begins.
data format: A description of the application data for a particular transaction. An application data format is composed of data structures and fields.
data mailslot: In IBM Sterling B2B Integration SaaS, the division of a mailbox that receives and temporarily stores EDI or other types of data.
data map: A set of conversion instructions that show the relationship between the data elements or fields in one standard and the equivalent fields or elements in another standard.
data replication: The process of maintaining a defined set of data in more than one location. Replication involves copying designated changes for one location (a source) to another (a target) and synchronizing the data in both locations.
data restart: The process of resending inbound data from a mailslot.
data restore: The process of replacing data after it has been removed from the mailslot.
data set ready (DSR): An interface that monitors the connection between a modem and a telephone circuit, which detects line failure and notifies a user of line drops.
data terminal equipment (DTE): A communications device that is the source or destination of signals in a network, it is typically a terminal or computer.
decoupling: A process during which an item is removed from the network mainframe, but remains on a particular node within the network.
digital certificate: An electronic document used to identify an individual, a system, a server, a company, or some other entity, and to associate a public key with the entity. A digital certificate is issued by a certification authority and is digitally signed by that authority. See also certificate authority certificate.
distributor node: A node that is operated by technical personnel for which distributors perform customer support and system maintenance.
DSR: See data set ready.
DTE: See data terminal equipment.

E

EBCDIC: See Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code.
e-commerce: Business that involves the exchange of money for goods or services purchased over an electronic medium such as the Internet.
EDI: See electronic data interchange.
EDIFACT: See Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce and Transport.
EDI Interchange: The exchange of structured electronic data between computer systems according to predefined message standards.
EDI standard: The industry-supplied, national or international formats to which information is converted, allowing different computer systems and applications to exchange information.
electronic data interchange (EDI): The exchange of structured electronic data between computer systems according to predefined message standards.
Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce and Transport (EDIFACT): An international set of electronic data interchange (EDI) standards published by the United Nations that is built upon X12 and TDI (Trade Data Interchange) standards.
engine: An EDI processor that contains client profile information and is used to split, parse, and route EDI data.
Enterprise System Management (ESM): An integrated collection of software tools that are used to monitor all hardware and software in a network, including the telephone system, all subsystems, routers, switches, and other components of the communication network.
envelope: A combination of header, trailer, and control segments that define the start and end of an individual EDI message. Each envelope contains a header segment and a trailer segment, which separate the envelope from other envelopes and provide information about the contents of the envelope.
ESM: See Enterprise System Management.
exchange service: A service that allows users to exchange business documents electronically and to communicate securely, regardless of protocol, application format, or preferred communication method.
Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC): A coded character set of 256 8-bit characters developed for the representation of textual data. See also American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
Extensible Markup Language (XML): A standard metalanguage for defining markup languages that is based on Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML).

Extract attachments: The option is displayed for inbound connections when you configure the connection by using the HTTPS and other protocols. If we must extract the attachments from the business payload, we must select the check box. Alternatively, we must leave the check box cleared.

extractor: A module that is used to download documents from the Sterling Commerce Network, which are then routed to the Central Message Store.

F

failover: An automatic operation that switches to a redundant or standby system or node in the event of a software, hardware, or network interruption.
FIFO: See first-in first-out.
file command: An instruction to start, end, or otherwise control an operation or task.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP): In TCP/IP, an application layer protocol that uses TCP and Telnet services to transfer bulk-data files between machines or hosts.
first-in first-out (FIFO): A queuing technique in which the next item to be retrieved is the item that has been in the queue for the longest time.
FTP: See File Transfer Protocol.
functional acknowledgment: An electronic acknowledgment returned to the sender to indicate acceptance or rejection of EDI documents.
functional group: One or more documents of a similar type transmitted from the same location and enclosed by functional group header and trailer segments.
functional group envelope: The section in an EDI transmission that surrounds a functional group and is made up of a functional group header and trailer segment pair. When data is transmitted, the functional group envelope signals a change in the transaction set type, in the sender, or in the receiver.
functional ID: See functional identifier.
functional identifier (functional ID): A two-character code that represents a document or message type.

G

GBS: See global billing system.
global billing system (GBS): A system that automatically generates bills for customers, searches for billable audit events, and creates a billing file.
GMT: See Greenwich mean time.
Greenwich mean time (GMT): The mean solar time at the meridian of Greenwich, England.

H

header remap service: A service that converts EDI envelopes from one type to another type within the same standard, where both the header and trailer segments are converted without changing the body of the data.
header segment: The first EDI segment in an envelope that contains a unique control number that identifies the envelope.
HTTP: See Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
HTTPS: See Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): An Internet protocol that is used to transfer and display hypertext and XML documents on the web.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS): An Internet protocol that is used by web servers and web browsers to transfer and display hypermedia documents securely across the Internet.

I

ID: See identifier.
identifier (ID): A sequence of bits or characters that identifies a user, program, device, or system to another user, program, device, or system.
IETF: See Internet Engineering Task Force.
industry code: A one-character code that represents a data standard or industry.
integration service: A service that performs data translation and flat-file conversations, including fax services.
interchange: The exchange of information between trading partners. Also a set of documents grouped together, such as EDI documents enclosed within an EDI envelope.
interconnect: To connect two networks for the purpose of sending and receiving data.
interconnect acknowledgment: A document that is sent to confirm receipt when an EDI transmission travels from one VAN to another.
interconnect ID: See interconnect identifier.
interconnect identifier (interconnect ID): A unique code that is used to track data from interconnected systems and processes.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU): A United Nations treaty agency whose mission is to ensure that all nations have access to telecommunication services. The ITU works closely with all standards organizations to form an international uniform standards system for communication. It comprises three branches: telecommunications standardization, telecommunications development, and radiocommunication.
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF): The task force of the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) that is responsible for solving the short-term engineering needs of the Internet. The IETF consists of numerous working groups, each focused on a particular problem. Specifications proposed as standards typically undergo a period of development and review before they are adopted as standards.
Internet service provider (ISP): An organization that provides access to the Internet.
invoice: The bill for services or products provided to a customer. The invoice includes all agreed to charges that are associated with the services or products provided.
ISP: See Internet service provider.
ITU: See International Telecommunication Union.

L

leased line: A continual physical connection over a telecommunications line between two computers or between a computer and a network.
line speed: The rate at which data is transmitted from one point to another over a telecommunication line.
load balancing: The even distribution of a load across several components of the system.

M

mailbag envelope: An EDI envelope that is created by a header and trailer for the purpose of tracking interconnected data.
mailbox: A storage location in a network to which messages for a user are sent.
mailslot: A subdivision of a mailbox that contains electronic data in different formats, and that is used to separate different types of documents or data from specific trading partners.
maintenance window: A time period during which system maintenance is performed and network processing is unavailable for customers.
MDN: See Message Disposition Notification.
message component: A message summary that contains information about the message such as the sender, receiver, subject, protocol type, and any attachments included with the message.
Message Disposition Notification (MDN): A receipt document that contains the message ID and status information from the original message.
message integrity check (MIC): A cryptographic hash of the EDI data contained in a message.
message transfer agent (MTA): A program that accepts mail from user agents, delivers messages to user agents, and forwards messages to other MTAs.
MIC: See message integrity check.
Microcom Network Protocol (MNP): An error correction protocol used between modems to transfer data over asynchronous communications.
MIME: See Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions.
MNP: See Microcom Network Protocol.
MQ Gateway: A message that uses the MQ protocol to support application integration by enabling the transfer of data across multiple platforms using queues, sending and receiving data as messages.
MQSeries Interface: A message queue using the MQ protocol that allows applications to exchange data through a common interface.
MTA: See message transfer agent.
Multiple Virtual Storage (MVS): An IBM operating system that accesses multiple address spaces in virtual storage.
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME): An Internet standard that allows different forms of data, including video, audio, or binary data, to be attached to email without requiring translation into ASCII text.
MVS: See Multiple Virtual Storage.

N

NCP: See Network Control Program.
Network Control Program (NCP): A program used for requests and responses exchanged between physical units in a network for data flow control.
node: A complete implementation of Sterling Commerce Center, which includes a Windows messaging server that is integrated with communications components, a processing engine, and primary and secondary systems.
noncustomer ID: See noncustomer identifier.
noncustomer identifier (noncustomer ID): A unique code that identifies a trading partner on another VAN.
noncustomer mailbox: On IBM Sterling B2B Integration SaaS, a mailbox set up for the trading partner of a customer.

O

Odette File Transfer Protocol (OFTP): A packet-oriented file transfer protocol that facilitates electronic data interchange between trading partners. The protocol supports both direct peer-to-peer communication and indirect communication using a VAN.
OFTP: See Odette File Transfer Protocol.

P

Pack attachments: The option is displayed for outbound connections when you configure the connection by using the HTTPS and other protocols. We can use this option to configure to send either the business payload or to pack attachments along with the business payload.

packet: A unit of data transmitted over a network. Large chunks of information are broken up into packets before they are sent across the Internet.
parse: To break down a string of information, such as a command or file, into its constituent parts.
Petroleum Industry Data Exchange (PIDX): A standards committee for the American Petroleum Institute that develops global energy business standards for the oil and natural gas industry and its trading partners.
PGP: See Pretty Good Privacy.
physical security: The protective measures that restrict access to a site, provide stability through hardware redundancy, and ensure network restoration in case of an outage or disaster.
PIDX: See Petroleum Industry Data Exchange.
PO: See purchase order.
POP3: See Post Office Protocol Version 3.
Post Office Protocol Version 3 (POP3): An application protocol that runs over TCP/IP and is used to retrieve electronic mail from a mail server.
Pretty Good Privacy (PGP): An electronic transfer protocol that allows for the private exchange of files or mail using public key encryption.
PRH: See private header.
private header (PRH): A record that marks the beginning of a private data interchange and, together with a private trailer, creates the private interchange envelope.
private key: In secure communication, an algorithmic pattern used to encrypt messages that only the corresponding public key can decrypt. The private key is also used to decrypt messages that were encrypted by the corresponding public key. The private key is kept on the user system and is protected by a password. See also public key.
private trailer (PRT): A record that marks the end of a private data interchange and, together with a private header, creates the private interchange envelope.
proprietary standard: An EDI standard that is developed for a specific company or industry.
protocol: A set of rules controlling the communication and transfer of data between two or more devices or systems in a communication network.
protocol connector: A dedicated transmission process that sends and receives messages using a specific protocol.
PRT: See private trailer.
public key: In secure communication, an algorithmic pattern used to decrypt messages that were encrypted by the corresponding private key. A public key is also used to encrypt messages that can be decrypted only by the corresponding private key. Users broadcast their public keys to everyone with whom they must exchange encrypted messages.
public standard: An EDI standard that is developed for use across one or more industries.
purchase order (PO): An authorized order to an external vendor or internal supplier.

R

RDN: See relative distinguished name.
real-time: Pertaining to a process in which output data is available at the same rate at which input data is processed.
relative distinguished name (RDN): An entity that builds the CA certificate name.
replication: The process of maintaining a defined set of data in more than one location. Replication involves copying designated changes for one location (a source) to another (a target) and synchronizing the data in both locations.
report: A formatted presentation of information. Reports can be viewed online, printed, or exported to various file formats.
report mailslot: A division of the mainframe mailbox on IBM Sterling B2B Integration SaaS that receives reports that are generated within the network.
restart: A process that resends an inbound batch through the network for complete reprocessing.
restore: To copy information from its backup location to the active storage location for use. For example, to copy information from server storage to a client workstation.
RFC 959: A generally accepted standard for FTP implementation. RFC 959 defines commands that must be accepted by FTP servers and contains a general set of rules that FTP clients and servers must follow.
Rivest-Shamir-Adleman algorithm (RSA): A public-key encryption technology developed by RSA Data Security, Inc, and used in the IBM implementation of SSL.
RosettaNet: A consortium of major computer and consumer electronics, electronic components, semiconductor manufacturing, telecommunications, and logistics companies that work together to create and implement industry-wide e-business process standards.
RSA: See Rivest-Shamir-Adleman algorithm.

S

script: A series of commands, combined in a file, that carry out a particular function when the file is run. Scripts are interpreted as they are run.
Secure FTP: An FTP protocol that uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol.
secure/MIME (S/MIME): A secure version of the MIME protocol that allows users to send encrypted and electronically signed mail messages, even if users have different mail programs.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL): A security protocol that provides communication privacy. With SSL, client/server applications can communicate in a way that is designed to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and message forgery. See also certificate authority.
segment: An EDI logical unit of information. EDI segments are made up of data elements and composites. Segments are delimited; their components are separated by a delimiter.
segment terminator: The character that marks the end of an EDI segment.
service level agreement (SLA): A contract between a customer and a service provider that specifies the expectations for the level of service with respect to availability, performance, and other measurable objectives.
shipper's export declaration: A document that accompanies international shipments from the USA, which is used as a record of US exports and to compile trade statistics.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP): An Internet application protocol for transferring mail among users of the Internet.
SLA: See service level agreement.
S/MIME: See secure/MIME.
SMTP: See Simple Mail Transfer Protocol.
SSL: See Secure Sockets Layer.
STP: See straight through processing.
straight through processing (STP): A series of uninterrupted electronic processes across and throughout an enterprise which (1) secures an initial transaction as an electronic message, (2) transforms and transports it to its initial execution/processing location and (3) passes it through the processing cycle with little, if any, human intervention.
subelement: In UN/EDIFACT EDI standards, an EDI data element that is part of an EDI composite data element. For example, an EDI data element and its qualifier are subelements of an EDI composite data element.

T

TCP/IP: See Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.
trailer segment: The last EDI segment in an envelope that consists of a unique control number and the number of segments in the envelope, and matches the control number in the header segment.
transaction set: The basic business document in EDI data. Transaction sets are enclosed in an envelope that separates one transaction set from another. Groups of transaction sets that are functionally related are enclosed in a functional group envelope.
transaction set envelope: The section in an EDI transmission that surrounds a transaction set and is made up of transaction set header and trailer segments.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP): An industry-standard, nonproprietary set of communication protocols that provides reliable end-to-end connections between applications over interconnected networks of different types.

U

UTC: See Coordinated Universal Time.

V

value-added network (VAN): A network that provides services and capabilities to its subscribers that are not readily available on public networks. For example, a value-added network might offer protocol conversion or access to a specialized database.
VAN: See value-added network.

W

WAN: See wide area network.
wide area network (WAN): A network that provides communication services among devices in a geographic area larger than that served by a local area network (LAN) or a metropolitan area network (MAN).

X

X.400: A CCITT Recommendation for international electronic mail (messages).
XML: See Extensible Markup Language.