Following the launch of the new OFTP2 implementation guidelines at the end of last year (click here for the story), VOLKSWAGEN AG has decided to ‘go live’ with OFTP2 and is inviting suppliers to start EDI data exchanges via OFTP2. Pilot tests are also being carried out between a number of other OEM-Supplier partnerships.

We believe that it is very important to our members that we ensure interoperability of OFTP2 systems and a good choice of OFTP2 software in the future. We are therefore introducing a process of homologation to validate the compliance of OFTP2 software to the Odette specifications.

As soon as the internal testing between companies in the project team is completed we will make the homologation service available to any potential provider of OFTP2 software. The testing will include the test cases laid out in the document entitled OFTP2 Interoperability Tests which can be found at:
https://forum.odette.org/support/oftp-oftp2.

Upon satisfactory completion of the homologation process the vendor will be issued with a certificate, their name and product will be listed on the Odette website and they will be able to use the special Odette OFTP2 logo on their product and in their marketing.

Companies, which are currently participating in the homologation process, are
Axway Inc., Data Interchange Plc., Numlog, Seeburger AG, SSC-Services GmbH, Trubiquity GmbH, T-Systems Enterprise Services GmbH and Xware AB.

At the leading edge, the Swedish Automotive Industry is about to implement OFTP2. It has been announced in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries that the ISDN service is to be stopped in 2010 and therefore a replacement of the large number of existing OFTP connections has become a vital task. To support this migration, Odette Sweden is providing training and support to companies in the region. The next course in English will be held in May in Stockholm. For more information please click here.

Companies wishing to request OFTP2 software homologation or who need more information should contact: oftp2@odette.org.

The release of OFTP2 and the SCX recommendation gives an ideal opportunity for Odette to be involved as a Certification Authority (CA) in its own right. The aim is to provide highly secure certificates to the automotive industry which can be used with OFTP2 exchanges, as well as a number of other applications.

Downloadable electronic certificates will be offered in the first instance to safely recognise individuals, departments in companies etc. Eventually smart-cards and USB dongles (which carry digital certificates) may be offered.

This new service completes a suite of tailor-made offerings, which together provide a single access ‘one-stop-shop’ for security protocols, guidelines and related certificates and codes for the automotive industry. Users will be able to have full confidence in dealing with an independent non-commercial organisation like Odette, supported by European vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.

The on-line automated Certification Authority service will be launched during April 2009.

For more information go to: info@odette.org