B2B Data Integration and Transformation Blog

This article will explore three topics. First, the benefits of migrating your EDI infrastructure to the cloud. Second, identifying and preventing the potential risks of a move with so many strategic considerations and critical connections. And thirdly, why some organizations feel it makes sense to keep their EDI/B2B infrastructure on-premises.

Increasingly, digital transformation and Industry 4.0 dominate the modern business landscape. That means seamless data integration has become a critical piece of organizations’ growth strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• The automotive industry spearheaded EDI as a way to address the inefficiencies of paper-based processes and support just-in-time manufacturing.
• Integrating EDIs with APIs allowed previously unprecedented real-time access to data.
• Transitioning to a cloud-based EDI solution eliminates the need for on-prem infrastructure and improves security measures.

We have confirmed that IBM has announced that the end support date for IBM Sterling B2B Integrator 6.1.x and IBM Sterling File Gateway 6.1.x is now April 30, 2026. 

If you're planning to upgrade to the current versions of these products, we urge you to begin planning as far in advance as possible. Failing to upgrade in time can be seriously problematic; risks include being ineligible for IBM support and exposure to security vulnerabilities.

Over the past few years, APIs have continued to gain traction as an important technology in business integration. Some have speculated that APIs might eventually replace Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems, but the reality is far more nuanced. APIs and EDI are not mutually exclusive; in fact, businesses can benefit from using a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both systems.