Over the past two years OFTP2, the new file transfer protocol developed under the auspices of the Odette Technology Committee, has reached maturity and is swiftly being incorporated into all types of data exchange solutions. Customers using these solutions can now communicate, via the internet, in a completely secure way, throughout the world.

GALIA, the Odette National Organisation in France, has taken a look at the implementation of this new protocol with the leader of the OFTP2 deployment project at PSA.

GALIA: Xavier Leclercq, you are the new project leader in charge of the implementation of OFTP2 at PSA PEUGEOT CITROËN. Introduce yourself briefly to the GALIA readers.

X.Leclercq: After studying for my diploma as an IT Engineer, a rich experience in various economic sectors, I have worked for PSA for more than 8 years. Within the framework of the extended enterprise I lead several missions. One of these is specifically related to supporting the deployment of the solution of data exchange over the internet using the OFTP2 protocol.

The OFTP2 protocol allows the transfer of data over the public internet in complete security thanks to the technology of encryption and the use of certificates.

GALIA: What is your view, up to now, of the implementation of OFTP2 at PSA PEUGEOT CITROEN?

X.Leclercq: For PSA PEUGEOT CITROEN, the implementation of OFTP2 has a double objective.

• Firstly, anticipate the announced withdrawal of the ISDN service, whilst conserving the advantages of a professional and robust solution ensuring an optimal quality of service.
• Secondly, facilitate our exchanges in an international context by using the internet.

PSA PEUGEOT CITROEN has therefore deployed the necessary internal infrastructure to support an internet solution using OFTP2. This solution responds to the demanding criteria of robustness and security which are necessary in a context as sensitive as the exchange of technical data.

As PSA PEUGEOT CITROEN runs its own PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), we can ensure the generation, renewal and revocation of certificates.

Now, PSA PEUGEOT CITROEN proposes to its suppliers that they should migrate from ISDN – OFTP to INTERNET - OFTP2 (Mailing and publication on our B2B portal.

A first status report at mid 2009:

Eleven suppliers have migrated and are today declared to be using OFTP2 technology

• Geographical split: 1 in Brazil, 10 in France
• Number of transfers from ISDN to OFTP2 over Internet: 9
• Number of transfers from EDTI WEB to OFTP2 over Internet: 2

In line with our expectations, the suppliers who have migrated were previously using ISDN and/or Internet outside Europe. However, we have not reached our initial objectives: we had forecast a massive movement of 250 to 300 suppliers from now to the end of 2009.

We attribute this lack of enthusiasm to:

• The economic crisis: minimal outlay of CASH.
• Suppliers waiting for a new technology rather than a solution which is onerous albeit proved.
• A migration process which is voluntary.

What is the divergence observed? Several suppliers have turned to our EDTI WEB solution available via our B2B portal. This solution has been designed to respond to temporary need to exchange small volumes of data. EDTI WEB does not include restart, security or encryption functionality.

In comparison with this approach, PSA PEUGEOT CITROEN’s action plan is based on communication. We will shortly be organising a round table with all of our internal interested parties The objectives will be to promote OFTP2, to limit the use of EDTI WEB, to formalise a calendar of disengagement from ISDN during 2010 - 2011. We will ensure an individualised approach towards each supplier in order to direct them towards the most appropriate tool for their needs.

(extract from the Galia newsletter)

Learn more about OFTP2

Check the list of Interoperability Tested Software