GM-Covisint Mailbox System

For Compressing Time to Market....with GM and the Covisint Mailbox System using LexiCom Software --- Cleo Software and CTI Communications have once again solved EDI communication for mission critical file transfers.

Where We Are

The automotive networks are beginning another series of transitions in EDI over Internet. Cleo solutions command a preferred position with the prime movers Chrysler and Covisint, who look to Cleo/CTI and its Partners to support the network conversion.  Doing EDI over the Internet is easy and inexpensive with LexiCom and VLProxy.

Covisint Connect to/from GM

The first conversion is at GM, moving from EDS and various VANs to Covisint Connect.  Covisint Connect does not accept async, BiSync 3780 or interconnect from VANs.  Interconnect to/from VANs is technically feasible, though at up to 3x the charges, something suppliers want to avoid.  You are advised that Covisint Connect does not accept anything but connection from an approved On Ramp provider.  GM will pay setup, mailbox, and to/from transmission charges for supplier trading partners.

Cleo, with its LexiCom package, and BCE Emergis are the only qualified On Ramp providers to Covisint Connect.  Cleo certified with Covisint in Q403 in HTTP/s, with plans to ultimately implement ebXML.  A Covisint Connect host for LexiCom is already available.  Supplier trading partners will find Cleo's LexiCom software package uniquely positioned in function, performance, support, price, and extensibility relative to all other solutions.

Since GM receives its EDI data in XML BOD format and most suppliers transmit in existing formats, Covisint offers suppliers translation services to suppliers.  Some EDI Translator products will offer XML BOD translation, some won’t, in which case Covisint will perform the service.  Stay tuned for further developments in XML BOD, including solutions from your CTI Communications.

A model for the first time EDIINT connect at suppliers with async, BiSync, or dialup is LexiCom, Support, VLProxy.  A preferred model for existing LexiCom customers is to maintain the existing connection and purchase an additional host connection and VLProxy to reach Covisint Connect; then, when Covisint Connect is up and running, the base connection can be used for backup or to connect to other existing or new EDIINT customers.  VLProxy can add an additional measure of internet security for those who are interested.

GM deadlines are:

• 7/1/04 to be off 3780 BSC (Bi-Sync Communications);
• Complete network conversion by year 2004 end.  The GM conversion includes roughly 1200 suppliers with 3780 BSC or first EDIINT connection, another 750 suppliers using some form of EDIINT.

The Future of Automotive Networks

• Covisint is planning to be the single point of contact automotive network of the future.  They have agreements with GM, Lear, and Johnson Controls to start, and expect to develop other networks including Ford, Visteon, Delphi, and others.
• Chrysler will be conducting a trial with Detroit Diesel in their direct connect network.  Target networks conversions beginning in July include Freightliner, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi.
• Honda is currently looking to convert to FTP/s using solution providers like Cleo.

Also, at www.cleo.com/covisint, you will find:

• Details on what suppliers need to do to comply ---
• LexiCom value proposition with links to the data sheet and system requirements
• Supplier FAQs
• Links to the GM mandate letter and the Covisint letter to suppliers
• Links to relevant pages on the Covisint website

We encourage you to make contacting your automotive customers a high priority. As new information becomes available we will update you by email promptly. We will contact you directly in the next two weeks to follow up on your customers’ interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a non-certified EDI Communication product to connect to Covisint?
  No, you can only use certified on-ramp provider. Cleo's LexiCom is a scalable solution, certified with Covisint.
• Will Covisint support BiSync or Async communications?
  No, only Internet communications will be allowed.
• Can I use my existing VAN to connect to GM?
  Suppliers will save money by going direct to Covisint. All EDI to GM must go through Covisint. For details visit the Covisint website.
• Does LexiCom offer a preconfigured host for Covisint?
  Yes, Cleo offers a preconfigured host to save you setup time.
• I'm already a LexiCom user, what do I need to do?
  Simply contact Cleo to purchase a pre-configured host for Covisint.
• I'm already a LexiCom user with an existing host connection to GM via another VAN, what do I need to do?
  To avoid down time, purchase a pre-configured host for Covisint. Cleo will get you up and running with Covisint before you decommission your existing connection, thus saving you from missing any transactions. After you are up and running, you will have the extra host for future use or back up.
• I'm not yet a LexiCom Customer. Why should I choose LexiCom?
  • Easy to Use: Set up in just 30 minutes
  • Full Support: Expert assistance, 8 to 5, coast to coast.
  • Guaranteed: 30 day performance guarantee, one-year warranty
  • Tightly Integrated with leading EDI translators including Sterling’s GenTran, Inovis’ TrustedLink, EDS’ EDI Asset, and many others.
  • Quick ROI and low fixed cost implementation.
  • Complete Solutions with back up connections.
  • Scalable to Trading Partners including GM, Chrysler, Ford, BMW, Johnson Controls, Lear, Freightliner, Detroit Diesel, and other automotive networks.
  • Secure: Behind the firewall options