• Async - Asynchronous transmission is defined as a transmission that is synchronized by the sending and receiving Data Transmission Equipment (DTE) before each character is sent. Each character has a start and stop bit to indicate beginning and end of each/character. The start and stop bits are the mechanism by which synchronization is established. Typical asynchronous communications accommodated by microcomputers transmitted at a baud rate ranging between 300-4800 bits per second (bps). See ASC X12S/89438 July 1989 draft publication: "EDI Asychronous Guideline / UNSM Purchase Order Message"Asynchronous transmission is defined as a transmission that is synchronized by the sending and receiving Data Transmission Equipment (DTE) before each character is sent. Each character has a start and stop bit to indicate beginning and end of each/character. The start and stop bits are the mechanism by which synchronization is established. Typical asynchronous communications accommodated by microcomputers transmitted at a baud rate ranging between 300-4800 bits per second (bps). See ASC X12S/89438 July 1989 draft publication: "EDI Asychronous Guideline / UNSM Purchase Order Message"
  

• Bisync - Binary-synchronous transmission is different from asynchronous in that bit synchronization is established for a much longer duration, usually for the time it takes to transmit several thousand bits. This results in less transmission overhead but requires more complex circuitry. Typical binary synchronous communication is supported by a mainframe or communications front end processor transmitted at a baud rate ranging between 2400-9600 bps. See ASC Xl 2/88035 May 1987 guideline: "Transfer of ANSI Xl 2 Data Using Asynchronous or Binary Synchronous Communication Protocol". Binary-synchronous transmission is different from asynchronous in that bit synchronization is established for a much longer duration, usually for the time it takes to transmit several thousand bits. This results in less transmission overhead but requires more complex circuitry. Typical binary synchronous communication is supported by a mainframe or communications front end processor transmitted at a baud rate ranging between 2400-9600 bps. See ASC Xl 2/88035 May 1987 guideline: "Transfer of ANSI Xl 2 Data Using Asynchronous or Binary Synchronous Communication Protocol".

• Middleware - Middleware is computer software that connects software components or some people and their applications. The software consists of a set of services that allows multiple processes running on one or more machines to interact. This technology evolved to provide for interoperability in support of the move to coherent distributed architectures, which are most often used to support and simplify complex distributed applications. It includes web servers, application servers, and similar tools that support application development and delivery. Middleware is especially integral to modern information technology based on XML, SOAP, Web services, and service-oriented architecture.

• ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is an integrated computer-based system used to manage internal and external resources, including tangible assets, financial resources, materials, and human resources. Its purpose is to facilitate the flow of information between all business functions inside the boundaries of the organization and manage the connections to outside stakeholders. Built on a centralized database and normally utilizing a common computing platform, ERP systems consolidate all business operations into a uniform and enterprise-wide system environment.