Why Interchange?

What is Interchange?

Interchange Capabilities: • Offers complete replacement of CommBridge point-to-point solution with a hub and spoke model. • Offers complete replacement of SFED secure file exchange and delivery (excluding secure email

functionality, which will be handled through the Sendmail interface). • Provides an easy to use interface for sending large files and the security to protect customer’s data.• Integrates existing applications, as well as future integration of new applications.• Uses secure reliable server technology combined with a wide range of application adapters to meet

customer’s needs.• Offers standard deployment patterns adhere to security and architecture standards.• Allows for communication with business partners outside the MAGNET network, where system and

policy constraints may require a specific implementation.

Interchange is Commonwealth's secure, efficient, cost effective and flexible service for supporting the

exchange of data between agencies of the Commonwealth and between agencies and their business partners.

Interchange Services Interchange File Transfer Service

File Transfer Service Description

System-to-System (S2S)

File transfer between two or more systems, including managing retries for files that cannot be delivered and a “dead file” directory for undeliverable files. The transfer can be achieved using MQ/FTE for internal higher volume connections, SFTP for lower volume or external interfaces and FTPS for agency’s mainframe connections. This works similar to the way CommBridge used to work by placing a file in an agreed upon folder on the senders machine and it will get delivered to the destination in an agreed upon folder. This is an automated process. It is called System-to-System because the intent is that "people" are not usually required in the process and jobs typically run and get triggered on a scheduled basis. This service will require software (Interchange Client) to be installed on the server. The Interchange Client is a small Java application that acts as a file folder watch, and triggers a call to start the transfer process to another endpoint.

System-to-Person (S2P)

A component that allows a file to be dropped in an agreed upon system folder and then an email is sent to a person to notify them that they have a file ready for download. The person uses a web-based interface to download a file to their local machine. This is a semi-automated process.

Person-to-System (P2S)

A component that allows a person to upload a file using a web-based interface and the file gets delivered to an agreed upon system folder. This is a semi-automated process.

Person-to-Person (P2P)

A web based system that allows a transfer of files up to 200 MB between two individuals. This is the simplest form of file transfer and doesn't require any additional software, just a web browser for both ends of a transfer. A Commonwealth employee can self-register for an account. This solution is called Person-to-Person since it is designed for more adhoc style "one-time" or "occasional" transfers from a person sending a file to another person. Interchange P2P File Transfer web site: https://ics.mass.gov/DynIC/

Interchange Features• Offers the use of open standards based protocols such FTPS and SFTP as well as the widely adopted IBM

MQ FTE protocol.• Allows for protocol mediation across multiple partners.• Uses a hub and spoke integration pattern providing greater flexibility in adopting and supporting changes to

the infrastructure.• Infrastructure core is centralized; allowing ITD to ensure software and versions are up to date.• Customers use client model rather than requiring MQ Servers and licenses at the customer site.• Compatible with supported IBM product (IBM FTE 7.x).

More Interchange Features

• Offers web based file transfer monitoring tool that allows customers to monitor and check the status of a file transfer within the Interchange system: https://ics.mass.gov/Monitoring/

• Fully documented solution reduces support limitations: https://ics.mass.gov/Help/ https://iam.state.ma.us/confluence/display/sai/Interchange+Welcome+Kit

CommBridge Limitations CommBridge is a legacy point-to-point file transfer system that offers limited functionalities and relies on aging technology:

– Relies on unsupported products of IBM (IBM MQ Server versions 5.x and 6.x) and Entrust.– IBM MQ Server versions 5.x and 6.x incompatible with newer versions of OS.– Requires use of custom coded executable (cbfxfr and cbfrcv) for file based interfaces.– Imposes limitations on files to be transferred (fixed record length, *.DAT, *.INF).– Requires IBM MQ to exist at both ends of any transfer– Customization of each implementation complicates and limits operational support

Summary of Differences

CommBridge Interchange Legacy service which will not be supported in FY’14 Fully supported service Relies on unsupported products of IBM (IBM MQ Server versions 5.x and 6.x) which are incompatible with newer versions of OS.

Compatible with supported IBM product (IBM FTE 7.x).

Requires MQ Servers to be installed and licenses to exist at both ends of any transfer.

Requires client-based Interchange software to be installed at the customer site.

Agencies are responsible for covering the cost of the MQ Servers license.

Agencies are not responsible for covering any infrastructure license related costs.

Supports MQ protocol. Supports open standards based protocols: SFTP, FTPS in addition to MQ FTE.

Requires an additional IBM product (IPT) to communicate with business outside the Commonwealth.

Allows easier integration for communication with business outside the Commonwealth.

Requires data file to be in the .dat format.

Allows files in any data format.

Slow performance on the high volume transfers.

Offer faster transfer times and better queuing of large files.

CommBridge and Interchange Cost Break Down FY’13

Service Offering FY 2013

CommBridge (unit 2704)

Interchange (unit 2702)

Notes

Direct Cost $200,885($190,000 is Salaries)

$1,152,917(including CommBridge Direct Cost)

Salaries, Software, Maintenance, Depreciation and Allocated Overhead

Infrastructure Cost $384,981 VM Guests, Linux Spt, Windows Spt, On-Line Storage and Data Backup and Recovery

Total Cost $1,537,898 Interchange Total Cost which includes CommBridge Cost.

In FY2013 the Cost Pool for CommBridge was added as a direct cost to Interchange.

Interchange Customer Support?

Need assistance from Interchange Support Team? • New service request; • Modification to an existing service; • Report an issue with a file transfer via Interchange

Contact Us!• Open a Service Request in ITD COMIT by visiting the site: https://

comit.state.ma.us/maximo/webclient/login/login.jsp– Guide for Opening an Interchange Service Request via COMIT:

https://wiki.state.ma.us/confluence/display/sai/InterchangeCOMitServiceRequestUG• No access to ITD COMIT system, No problem! Contact ITD Common Help Service Desk: 1-866-888-2808

or CommonHelpServiceDesk@massmail.state.ma.us and they will open a service request in COMIT on your behalf

• Email Interchange Support Team directly: ITD-DL-InterchangeSupport@massmail.state.ma.us