The OFTP (ODETTE File Transfer Protocol) provides a
standardised way for separate computer systems to communicate
with each other.
The OFTP is a high level protocol. It is applied to
the way messages are sent rather than the physical communications line
across which they travel. The basic physical connections are also standardised
but these are covered by other protocols such as X.25, TCP/IP and ENX
extranet.
OFTP uses X.25, the standard which defines the physical
connections over which other file transfer protocols and emulators can
run. The OFTP is computer hardware and software independent, requiring
no knowledge of the hardware or software which your partners have implemented.
.
The ODETTE Steering Committee has also approved the ISDN/OFTP
standard which allows companies to take advantage of the benefits associated
with the OFTP with the added benefit of using cost-effective, high speed
ISDN services. For those companies wishing to take advantages of X.25
and ISDN from a single host, switch boxes are available enabling a common
communications interface to two differing technologies. Communications
adapters are available for PCs supporting both ISDN and X.25.
.
The latest extension of the OFTP standard, is how it can be used on
TCP/IP. Extranet ENX is an illustration, making
it possible to combine the use of protocol OFTP with other
applications based on IP.
