EDI Using Informix

>> We're interested in implementing "classical" EDI ... >> Has anyone use or written Informix code for this purpose? By "classical" EDI, do you mean ANSI X12? We use a translator which I wrote in ESQL/C for ASC X12 EDI, release 3010. However, it is customized for a unique application and only makes use of the 858 and 997 transaction sets. I set up files in my SE database which keep track of the ISA, GS, and ST sets received for purpose of audit trails and producing 997s. Using ESQL/C, I load valid shipment data directly into my SE database as I am translating it. ESQL/C works great for this. Admittedly, a custom application limits the portability of the code. However, the real work in EDI is processing the flat files produced by the translator to and from your unique database. In addition, commercial translators only check for EDI syntax and don't provide edits on any unique conventions you may have worked out with your trading pardner. We tried a commercial translator and then discarded it. After you get the hang of ANSI X12, it's just as easy to read the EDI transaction set as it is to translate it and then read the flat file. If you are only dealing with one or two trading pardners and your data transfer needs are relatively simple, I personally would not recommend ANSI X12. It was designed by a committee and the government is pushing it. That should tell you something.