Changes in the interchange agreements

Abstract

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is an indisputable economic success for businesses which are technologically oriented and have implemented it already. Traders realise the benefits which EDI can bring in for a company if incorporated into its daily transactions and they want to take advantage of it. Meanwhile, new applications have been developed such as open systems and interactive EDI. These applications can make it easier for new entrants to participate in the electronic transactions and can help businesses apply new ways of communication. The implementation of EDI, however, comes at a cost. Additional new applications in trade methods can hide several legal pitfalls. Pointing them out can help users to enjoy fully the advantages of EDI and help its circulation. There are certain EDI users who react positively to the measurable as well as the less notable advantages of EDI. However important EDI may be for modern businesses, the vast majority of its potential users do not seem to be very enthusiastic. The overall number of users around the globe lags far behind the expectations of the experts. Users hesitate to change their trusted and well tested practices and make a move towards a new means of business communications. In the early days, EDI emerged as a novel way of business communication between large users. The implementation cost was prohibitive for the average small user who would have liked to participate. The globalisation of trade, however, makes it easier for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in commercial transactions at a global level. Additionally, the wide availability of technology has lowered the cost barrier considerably. However, according to a report [71] only 70000 businesses around the world use EDI for their transactions. The number is indeed very discouraging, because it means that EDI has so far failed to penetrate global trade practices. If EDI is to succeed it is quite important that it does not remain confined to a large users club but that it becomes a tool whichwill ultimately facilitate everyday transactions. In Europe in particular, where a large part of the economic activity is owed to the