Tech Data has just enhanced your suite of e-commerce tools with the availability of XML Service - a new integration tool that provides you with a more accurate and efficient way of conducting business. With minimal setup and no up-front costs, our XML Service allows you to check product availability and pricing, place an order, and check on its status - in about the time it takes to type in a part number.
Proven technology
Thousands of organizations worldwide find XML to be a reliable, cost-effective means of exchanging mission-critical business transactions. Tech Data has implemented hundreds of trading partner relationships in the past two years via XML, ensuring a smooth transition for your business. Setup is so easy many customers are able to begin sending valid test-XML transactions within 24 hours of receiving Tech Data's XML Guidelines. Implementation of a trading partner relationship using XML is usually measured in days.
Benefits of Tech Data's XML Service include:
Cross-platform compatibility
XML can be used on many of today's system platforms such as UNIX, Linux, Solaris, Microsoft Windows/NT/XP, Mac, and mainframe systems.
Data integration
XML is a service enabling data to be provided immediately in response to a request. Pricing, inventory availability and product attributes are all current at the time the request is made.
Low-cost solution
Tech Data's XML Service carries no transactional charges. Expenses typically associated with data transfer are eliminated since XML transactions occur over the Internet. Plus, like all other Tech Data e-commerce solutions, the XML option has a low implementation cost. Simple XML-parsing software is required to convert (translate) an XML transaction. Access to free parsing software packages is readily available from several companies such as IBM® and Microsoft® thereby eliminating the need to develop software in-house.
Transactions available through XML currently include:
- Availability
- Price & Availability
- Order Submit
- Order Status
- Price List
- Invoice Detail by PO
- Open Order Lines
- GetQuote
- Quote List
- Required EUI (End User Information)
- Multiple Item Price & Availability
XML communicates with the same server system that powers the Tech Data Web site, so it operates only during our normal Tech Data Web site hours
Getting started
To begin using XML, please follow these steps:
1. Access the online Guide to XML Integration by clicking HERE.
Then have your technical staff review the guide to evaluate the feasibility of integrating with Tech Data via XML.
2. Review, complete, and sign the XML Customer Profile & Trading Partner Agreement (PDF) by clicking HERE.
Send the completed form back to us, using the email and/or fax number provided at the bottom of the form. EC Support will contact you shortly with further instructions and documentation.
Security Requirement
Payment Card Industry (PCI for short) Compliance requires merchants (both Tech Data and yourself) meet certain minimum requirements in order to process credit cards.
Section 4 of the PCI DSS Requirements requires the following:
Use strong cryptography and security protocols such as SSL/TLS or IPSEC to safeguard sensitive cardholder data during transmission over open, public networks. In order to leverage our XML service, users need to user SSL v3 128 bits or greater by 03/30/2010. As of this date, we will no longer support connections using the SSL v2 standard.
Additional information
For further information about XML, please contact us in any of the following ways:
Phone: (800) 222-7926
ecsupport@techdata.com