What is an MDN in AS2?

Message Disposition Notification — the automatic, digitally signed confirmation that a message was received intact. It provides non-repudiation: proof the partner received the message, essential in contractual relationships.

AS2 or VAN — which do I choose?

AS2 is a direct connection with no per-transaction cost but needs technical setup per partner. A VAN is an intermediary with per-message cost but simpler to connect to many partners. The choice depends on volume and partner requirements.

Yes. It combines content encryption, digital signature (identity and integrity) and the MDN (delivery receipt), providing a secure channel with delivery proof over the public internet.

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Operations Glossary
AS2 (EDI transmission protocol)

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Category: Tehnologie · Acronym: AS2

AS2 (EDI transmission protocol)

Quick answer: A secure protocol for transmitting EDI messages directly over the internet, with encryption and delivery receipt (MDN).

Key takeaways

Encryption — content is encrypted (digital certificates)
Digital signature — guarantees sender identity and integrity
MDN (Message Disposition Notification) — a signed delivery receipt proving delivery (non-repudiation)

What AS2 is

AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) is a communication protocol for securely transmitting EDI messages directly over the internet between trading partners, without a VAN intermediary. Heavily used by large retailers (e.g. Walmart mandated AS2 for its suppliers).

How it ensures security

Encryption — content is encrypted (digital certificates)

Digital signature — guarantees sender identity and integrity

MDN (Message Disposition Notification) — a signed delivery receipt proving delivery (non-repudiation)

AS2 vs VAN

A VAN (Value Added Network) is an intermediary routing messages (per-transaction cost). AS2 is a direct point-to-point connection (no per-message cost) but requires technical setup between partners.

How Azuvio helps

Azuvio supports AS2 for secure direct connections with partners that mandate it, managing certificates, encryption and MDNs — reliable EDI transmission and delivery proof, without per-transaction VAN costs.

Frequently asked

What is an MDN in AS2?: Message Disposition Notification — the automatic, digitally signed confirmation that a message was received intact. It provides non-repudiation: proof the partner received the message, essential in contractual relationships.
AS2 or VAN — which do I choose?: AS2 is a direct connection with no per-transaction cost but needs technical setup per partner. A VAN is an intermediary with per-message cost but simpler to connect to many partners. The choice depends on volume and partner requirements.
Is AS2 secure?: Yes. It combines content encryption, digital signature (identity and integrity) and the MDN (delivery receipt), providing a secure channel with delivery proof over the public internet.

Where Azuvio fits

Related terms

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) — Structured exchange of commercial documents between B2B partners, without emails or manual data entry.
OFTP2 (Odette File Transfer Protocol) — The standard EDI transmission protocol in the European automotive industry, for secure file exchange over the internet.
VAN / SFTP (EDI transmission networks) — Methods of transporting EDI messages: VAN (value-added intermediary network) and SFTP (secure file transfer).
Webhook — HTTP push notification sent automatically on event — the opposite of „polling”.

Last updated: 2026-07-06