Using X.400 Mailbox via AS2

X.400, a standardized protocol for e-mail exchange, was developed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), originally as an alternative to Internet-based e-mail traffic. It defines rules and procedures for the exchange of EDI messages, including addressing, transmission and delivery. X.400 provides features such as prioritization, acknowledgement of receipt and encryption. Although X.400 was more widely used in the past, it is still used today in many industries to transmit business EDI data, particularly in the European grocery trade.

Using X.400 requires an X.400 mailbox, similar to Internet-based e-mail. The largest German provider of X.400 mailboxes is Deutsche Telekom, which offers them under the name "BusinessMail X.400." Telekom also offers a client program called "Filework", which can be used to send and receive messages via one's own mailbox. Filework can be controlled via a script interface, but this can be quite complex and does not provide central logging of the dispatch, which makes problem analysis difficult.

X.400 connection via AS2 gateway

As an alternative to the X.400 client, Telekom offers various gateways that enable the mailbox to be used via other protocols. One such gateway is the "BusinessMail X.400 AS2 Gateway", which enables the exchange of data between AS2 applications and X.400 partners inside and outside the BusinessMail X.400 system. AS2 stands for "Applicability Statement 2" and is a standard protocol for the secure exchange of business documents over the Internet, which is used much more frequently worldwide than X.400. The AS2 Gateway ensures the conversion of data into X.400 messages as well as the generation of delivery and read confirmations, enabling end-to-end reporting from the AS2 partner to the X.400 mailbox.

With the AS2 module !MC5 supports data transmission via AS2. In combination with an AS2 gateway to X.400, such as the "BusinessMail X.400 AS2 Gateway", the connection of business partners requiring X.400 can be realized easily, quickly and securely. The AS2 module is fully integrated in !MC5, together with other transmission modules. This means end-to-end logging, full automation and integration with EDI processing using the EDI module.

Alternatively, using the EP Scripting add-on, !MC5 can control the Filework software via its scripting interface to send or receive EDI messages and files (automated) via X.400. This add-on was developed specifically for use with Filework and therefore provides a customized solution. However, due to better integration and easier operation, it is recommended to use X.400 over AS2.

Despite the cost and proliferation of other protocols, X.400 still has its place. However, by integrating X.400 mailboxes with AS2, companies can take advantage of both protocols and ensure secure and reliable data exchange. To facilitate communication with customers using the X.400 protocol, the !MC5 software offers customized solutions.

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