ELECTRONIC TRADING - THE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE SERVICES FOR BRITISH-TELECOM

Electronic data interchange (EDI) has emerged from a long gestation period to be a key tool for the management of British Telecom and a significant trigger for the growth of managed data networks with design implications for a broad range of telecommunications services. EDI message switching facilities and applications are described together with an assessment of the project management skills that are key to effective implementation. The article outlines BT's approach to meeting the EDI needs of its own 'trading community' and those of its major customers around the world.