Benefits For many businesses, the use of AS2 and electronic data interchange (EDI) is not a choice so much as it is a requirement of doing business with a large customer or partner. That said, AS2 is a universal protocol that provides many benefits, from both business and technology vantage points. Business case Cut costs by using the web for EDI file transfers, AS2 reduces the cost of transactions from expensive VANs. Extend EDI to more partners; with lower costs and universal web connectivity, AS2 allows organizations to implement EDI with partners worldwide that have little EDI infrastructure. Save time by eliminating the need to manually process orders. Eliminate errors by turning manual processes into automated processes. Universal solution — AS2 is established and tested, so no one has to re-invent the wheel. Technological advantages Leverage the web: if an organization can share data securely via the web, they already have much of the infrastructure for AS2. Unlimited EDI data — there are no practical limitations on transaction sizes via the web, and AS2 includes features for managing large transfers. Payload Agnostic — AS2 can be used to transport any type of document. While EDI X12, EDIFACT and XML are common, any mutually agreed-upon format may be transferred. See also AS1 AS3 AS4 References External links - AS2 specification AS2: Part 1 - What Is It? AS2 series by Loren Data Corp. AS2: Part 2 - Best Practices AS2 series by Loren Data Corp. AS2: Part 3 - Certificates AS2 series by Loren Data Corp. Computer networks Cryptographic protocols Internet Standards