What is AS4?
AS4 (Applicability Statement 4) was developed for ebXML messaging services by OASIS (the Organisation for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards) in 2013 and is also sometimes referred to as EDIINT AS4. It is a communication protocol that has been designed specifically to facilitate the secure exchange of business data over the internet.
AS4 is a superset of AS2 which is now based on SOAP and Web Services to provide greater interoperability with the wider B2B market.
The technology is HTTP-based. That means it runs as a web server and web client using the HTTP protocol. What differentiates this from using a standard web server is the formatting of the message that is transferred. Many AS4 applications run on top of a standard web server. It can also run over HTTPS (SSL).
2013
AS4 becomes an OASIS standard for secure and payload-agnostic document exchange using Web services.
2015
Drummond Group publishes an AS4 FAQ on the Wayback Machine.
2016
PEPPOL adopted AS4
2020
AS4 becomes an ISO standard.
What is the difference between AS2 and AS4?
AS4 was inspired by AS2 which has already proved to be a successful communication protocol in many industries and countries. The development of standard AS4 was built using common web standards such as Web Services and SOAP which instantly improves it’s usability and ease of adoption. The technology also features substantially improved security features that protect the data at every stage of the journey and optimised visibility through the use of send, receipt and error notifications.
How secure is AS4?
AS4 messages include a number of security benefits which ensure the data passed through it is protected at each stage of the journey.
- Password Authentication ensures access is limited to secure users.
- Digital Signatures provide proof that messages originated with verified sources.
- A range of Encryption protects the data throughout the process.
- TLS Transport Security confirms the authenticity and integrity of the data in transit.
- XML signatures and MDN receipts ensures non-repudiation.
- X509 Security Tokens bind a users identity to a public key using a digital signature.
What are the benefits of AS4?
AS4 provides a range of benefits over alternative communication protocols, the most obvious being the ability to use modern web services such as SOAP to transfer the data. This use of web services instantly make this communication protocol more accessible to business who already use web services for a range of other applications. This also makes the use of this communication protocol more accessible to developing countries where skills for older technology platforms aren’t available.
As documented above, AS4 also provides robust security around the transfer of data. The use of AS4 often facilitates the movement of sensitive trading documents so this additional security is crucial.
Standard AS4 provides the visibility and audit trail required to track data through the network and confirm the send and receipt of a message. Many alternative communication protocols rely on multiple networks to transmit a message which often causes issues when a message fails.
Lastly, the technology supports large file compressions which provides greater flexibility for businesses who need to exchange complex files and rich datasets.
Why choose Celtrino for your AS4?
Where can AS4 be used?
AS4 can be used by any organisation that wants to send and receive documents electronically in safe, secure and encrypted transmissions.
Suppliers in the public sector and Peppol network would find it particularly useful as Peppol only supports AS4 now.
Increasingly used in markets that use a service-oriented architecture for B2B messaging, for example utilities, retail and health sectors.
AS4 can be a replacement for customers that currently uses AS2/SFTP/FTP clients.
Advantages of AS4?
Designed to push and pull data securely and reliably over the internet
24 x 7 availability, fast and reliable connecivity
Encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can view the data
Digital signatures ensure authentication so only messages from authorised senders are accepted
Support for large file compressions
Why Choose Celtrino?
We have over 30 years’ worth of experience exchanging electronic documents
We collaborate and share data safely outside your own company
We simplify security to allow you access data for improved efficiency
We offer unparalleled support & customer satisfaction
Get in Touch
Do you have a question or query you’d like to discuss with us? Contact our dedicated team today.
