X.400

Overview

X.400 is an alternative to "classic" Internet e-mail. There are different protocols and procedures: 

  • P1 protocol: requires a connection partner to operate a message transfer agent (MTA), which is usually only available at larger companies or at VAN providers due to its acquisition costs. However, P1 is the most secure e-mail protocol with international standardization. The P1 protocol is usually used via TCP/IP (via ISDN or Internet). 
  • P7 protocol: the inexpensive alternative to P1. To connect to the clearing cen-ter, the user only needs a so-called P7 client, an inexpensive X.400 mail software.

As a rule, e-integration provides the customer with an electronic mailbox with EDI functionality to support electronic data exchange with the following usage options based on the ITU-T recommendations of the X.400 and F.400 series:

  • Receiving messages for addressing and forwarding within the e-integration X.400 coverage area.
  • Addressing and transmitting messages to mailboxes within the e-integration X.400 service area.
  • Collection, reading, deletion and storage of messages.
  • If required: information on the successful delivery or non-delivery of the sent message.

Suitable access software is provided for access to the e-center. Optionally, communication can be agreed as follows: 

  • Mailbox operation: The connection partner sends the data intended for his business partners to the e-center and collects the data provided for him in his mailbox. As a rule, the connection partners bear the communication costs as they initiate the connection to the e-center. 
  • Throughput operation: The connection partner sends its data to the e-center from where it is forwarded directly to the recipient. The communication costs for data delivery and data forwarding are usually borne by the sender. 
  • Mixed operation: The sender delivers the data to the e-center via any protocol at its own expense. After processing in the e-center, the data is delivered to the recipient. 

The standard routing provides X.400/P7 access for sender and receiver. However, all protocols supported by the e-center can also be combined with each other as required. Certified interfaces are available for connections with other providers such as BusinessMail 400 (formerly Telebox 400), IBM Exchange, GEIS or other public X.400 service areas (ADMD, Administrative Management Domains). 

e-integration parameters

X.400 address​
 C (Country) = DE
A (ADMD) = VIAT
P (PRMD) = E-INTEGRATION
O (Organisation) = EDICC
S (Surname) = EDICC2
Remarks
 ​EDI data will be sent and expected as attachments of the X.400 mail.
By the way: There are several possibilities to connect directly to
e-integration (FTP, S/FTP, AS2).

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