ATIS TCIF-98-006-3.2

The TCIF has recommended the use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) as a method of supporting interconnection between carriers. Traditionally, EDI transmissions have been exchanged between trading partners using a Value Added Network (VAN) or a direct connection, as outlined in Section 6, Communications, of the TCIF/EDI Guidelines. TCIF recognizes that for some business transactions, e.g., procurement of material using an 850 Purchase Order, a VAN or direct connect may still be used because the orders are normally stored and forwarded on a daily basis. The IA with TCP/IP using TLS is recommended for use with Local Service Orders, and can be used with all EDI transactions if a company so desires. To functionally implement this recommendation the Interactive Agent (IA) has been developed. This document defines the technical specifications for the development, architecture, design, structure, and process-flow of the (IA).