EDI Van Components |
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VANs are similar to timesharing systems – a "message switch" located usually in a large city is accessed by a proprietary network.
The EDI data is stored and switched from the messaging switching computer via the network front end. The network is what provides the communications flexibility.
All VANs have a back-end message switching system; some also own the network; while others lease networking services from a third party. The key is that VAN customers have local access but the message switching (backend computer system) is located elsewhere.
Large-scale VANs offer international access, and many vendors offer
800 number access.