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European E-Invoicing Guide for SMEs
E-mail: A generally unencrypted method of exchanging messages and attachments within or across networks
including the Internet. Based on SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) and MIME (Multi-purpose Internet
Mail Extensions).
S-HTTP: Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol is a message-oriented communications protocol to protect
sensitive data. It is used commonly for e-Invoicing web applications.
NOTE: The term EDI is often associated with the exchange of structured files over value added networks
while the term XML is often associated with file transfer protocols over the Internet. These associations are
historical and have become increasingly invalid. The method of file transfer that you choose is entirely
unrelated and separate from the decision to use structured files based on EDI or XML standards (for
clarification, please see the legal definition of ‘EDI’ in Section 4 of this Guide).
EBL INSIGHT
Individual businesses need to decide which method of file transfer fits best with their activities.
Companies who exchange data with large numbers of trading partners often opt for software or services
that organise, track, and report on all activities, including non-events such as ‘files not received’ from a
customer within a given time frame. Companies with more manageable levels of activity may choose to
use more cost effective or simpler methods.
In either case, there are varying levels of security available whether within the file transfer method itself
or as an additional step in the file transfer process (see Section 2: Electronic Signatures).
Businesses first must decide whether they consider their data:
A) to be at low risk because they and their partners have the appropriate business controls in place;
B) to be extremely sensitive or confidential (for example if their pricing is not published in the
public domain), in which case, they may want to consider using a ‘closed network’ solution.
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STANDARDS