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As there is little standardisation or restriction surrounding how APIs should be created
and used, however, using APIs for B2B data exchange can become difficult the more
partners your business has as you effectively have to reinvent the wheel for each
connection. Unlike with AS2 or OFTP2, which adhere to predetermined standards,
APIs can be used in different ways. For example, one trading partner could request to
pull the files, one only accepts pushing files onto his server and yet another a mix of
both approaches. Similarly, the semantics of the data being exchanged is also not
standardised with data exchange via APIs. Whereas traditional EDI protocols rely on
universally accepted document standards (e.g. EDIFACT), this is not the case with
APIs, meaning each connection requires additional work.
REST, which stands for Representational State Transfer, is not a protocol itself, but
rather a common method of writing API. APIs themselves lack a uniform structure.
Instead structure is created through messaging formats such as JSON. Like AS2, REST
relies on HTTP(S).

Advantages of REST API
 Flexible data exchange either by pulling whenever ready or receiving data
immediately via POST
 Widespread knowledge for implementation not limited to EDI users of specific
industries, but generally web developers, therefore e.g. enabling could ERP
users to directly exchange messages

Disadvantages of REST API
 Lack of standardisation
 Becomes increasingly inefficient as an EDI method the larger your partner
network, and often requires an API management layer
 Web programming expertise required if handled in-house

What is the easiest way to send EDI messages via these protocols?
For small and medium-sized suppliers, by far the easiest solution for trading EDI
messages is to use an EDI service provider – or VAN (Value Added Network).
Unfortunately, setting up point-to-point EDI connections is a complicated process and
requires a great deal of technical expertise. In addition, although certain protocols are
favoured by particular industries, as your supply chain grows you will undoubtedly
encounter requests to conduct EDI over different exchange channels.
By selecting a fully managed EDI solution all connection issues are taken care of by
your provider. With just a single connection to ecosio’s Integration Hub, your business
will be able to send automated messages to your entire partner ecosystem… and any
future partners. In addition to allowing you to experience the cost benefits of fully
automated EDI, this approach completely removes the responsibility for establishing,