What is it?
OrderPartner is a system for the exchange of digital messages securely over the Internet,
translating data formats and transmission protocols as necessary to allow incompatible systems
to communicate.
Show/hide more detail +
The system is a framework of services which are configured to receive, convert, process
and send digital messages in a wide range of formats and over many different internet protocols.
It is hosted on a resilient platform of virtualised servers across two secure UK data centres
and supported by our team of dedicated IT professionals.
Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) are recent terms which
describe the process of integrating different systems through protocol and format manipulation,
and these are gradually being adopted within computing environments. OrderPartner's design follows
a similar pattern but operates in the space between enterprises. It provides an investment-free,
pay-per-use service for data exchange which we think delivers real value to our clients.
How does it work?
When messages are received they are converted to an internal format and written to a secure
message store, from where an outbound process reads, converts and sends them to the
recipient using their preferred format and protocol. Both inbound and outbound messages are
handled by chains of objects that are constructed using configurable rules defined by the traders.
Show/hide more detail +
Traders create interfaces over which they can exchange messages with other traders.
Each interface has a clearly defined purpose and a set of rules which define a processing
chain to handle the expected content. Documents are received into the system through an
inbound interface and processed by an associated inbound chain, and sent out from the system
by an outbound chain. The chains are constructed from rules and data defined for this combination
of traders, message type and interface, to provide a very flexible method of linking previously
incompatible systems.
An inbound message processing chain :-
- Converts a message from its received format to the internal OrderPartner format
- Populates any missing data using stored defaults
- Applies inbound business rules to the standard message
- Writes the standard message to the secure message store
An outbound message processing chain :-
- Reads a message from the secure message store
- Converts it from its internal OrderPartner format to the recipient's expected format
- Applies any outbound business rules to the converted message
- Sends the converted message to the recipient using their preferred protocol
- Handles acknowlegements (where these are supported by the sending/receiving protocol)
A range of trading information is provided to both sender and recipient through a secure
web application, including graphical representations of their trading relationships that can
be filtered by trader, message type, interface and time period.
Can I see a diagram?
Show/hide diagram +
Is it right for my organisation?
OrderPartner helps to prevent the proliferation of interfaces by acting as a buffer
between your organisation and your trading partners. When new data exchanges arise
we can translate the format and protocol as required, delivering compatible content
in either direction. In providing this service we offer a viable alternative to
hosting your own interfaces, removing the associated investment in infrastructure and
personnel, and we think that this could have a startling effect on your next IT budget.
Show/hide more reasons +
- OrderPartner is an alternative to investing in infrastructure and developing, hosting and
supporting your own trading interfaces.
- We develop your interfaces for free, then host and operate them on your behalf at per-transaction cost
which we do not believe could be matched in-house .
- We implement your business rules and apply them to messages in real time.
- We handle all the security and routine administration of your interfaces.
- We provide 24-hour support on all hosted interfaces.
- Our system is built on a resilient, virtualised platform across two secure UK data centres, each
with redundant power and high-speed internet links.
- We provide a web application for 24x7 access to real-time reports, graphs and queries on data exchanges.
- We handle all change requests to your trading interfaces and have a test environment to verify.
- In the development of interfaces we will liaise with your trading partners directly if you request it.
- Any sudden growth in throughput can be handled - our systems can also grow capacity on demand.
- The OrderPartner team have a broad range of experience and knowledge in this field.
- If you want additional features - please get in touch. We are happy to consider any request that does
not compromise security or framework design.
As an analogy, if you required a ~230V AC power feed into your building you have two main choices. You
could invest in a diesel generator, fuel tank and a team of maintenance staff or you could ask the local
electricity company for a quarterly-billed feed from their existing grid infrastructure. For most uses the
second option is the far more affordable, flexible and sensible choice. You can outsource your data
interfaces to OrderPartner in exactly the same way that you outsource your power requirements to the
electricity company. One reasonable monthly bill covers all development, security and support costs.
Can you really develop for free?
We aim to develop all trading interfaces for free and to recoup our investment and a modest operating
profit over the useful lifetime of the interface, but there will clearly be some circumstances where,
for example, a very low traffic volume means that this pricing model will not work. For each new
requirement we will agree with you a reasonable charge per-transaction based on your planned and actual
usage, data size, volume and frequency and our charges DO NOT depend upon the value contained within your
messages. We think this is a fair way to conduct our business.
