September 2009 – PSA Peugeot Citroën deploys OFTP2
Interview by Alexandre Loire, GALIA
GALIA: Xavier Leclercq, you are the new project manager responsible for OFTP2 implementation at PSA Peugeot Citroën. Introduce yourself briefly to GALIA members.
X. Leclercq : I received my degree in computer engineering and gained experience in various economic sectors, before coming to work for PSA Peugeot Citroën 8 years ago. I have several duties within the scope of the extended enterprise. One of them is to support the implementation of data exchange over the Internet using the OFTP2 protocol (Odette FTP version 2). The OFTP2 protocol allows secure data transfer over the public Internet through the use of cryptography and certification technologies.
GALIA: What do you think about OFTP2 implementation to date at PSA Peugeot Citroën ?
X. Leclercq : For PSA Peugeot Citroën, there are two main purposes of OFTP2 implementation.
- One: plan for the announced phase out of the ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network) network while keeping the benefits of a resilient and professional solution that guarantees optimal quality of service.
- Two: make international exchanges easier by using the Internet.
PSA Peugeot Citroën internally rolled out the infrastructure needed for an Internet over OFTP2 protocol solution. This solution meets the resiliency and security requirements necessary for technical data exchanges.
Since PSA Peugeot Citroën is a PKI organization (Public Key Infrastructure), we issue, renew and revoke certificates.
PSA Peugeot Citroën is currently asking its suppliers to migrate from ISDN-Internet to Internet-OFTP2 (emails and documents on our website http://b2b.psa-peugeot-citroen.com).
Initial progress report in mid-2009
- Eleven suppliers have migrated and state that they are currently using OFTP2 Their geographic locations : 1 in Brazil and 10 in France
- Number of transfers from ISDN to Internet OFTP2 : 9
- Number of transfers from EDTi Web to Internet OFTP2 : 2
In accordance with our expectations, suppliers that migrated were using ISDN and/or Internet technologies outside of Europe. However, we have not reached our initial objectives : we predicted a large-scale switchover by 250 to 300 customers by the end of 2009.
The lack of enthusiasm can be attributed to :
- The economic crisis – minimal cash outlays.
- Suppliers who are waiting for a new technology rather than an expensive, but proven solution.
- The volunteer-based approach.
What are the results? Some suppliers are turning to our Web EDTi solution available on our B2B portal. This solution was designed to fulfill a temporary need to exchange low volumes of data. Web EDTi does not provide error recovery, security or encryption functions.
PSA Peugeot Citroën’s action plan is based on communication. We will soon hold a round table with all our internal stakeholders. The goals will be to promote OFTP2, regulate Web EDTi use and create a set schedule for the switchover from ISDN in 2010-2011. We give each supplier personal support to help them find the tool that best suits their needs.
