Type X Messaging Service

Increased flexibility on messaging size and format

SITA Type X Messaging Service is an operational messaging service which leverages open XML standards and Web services. It provides a route to open technology environments by facilitating cost-effective communications between messaging protocols.

Type X Messaging Service has the potential to transform business-to-business communications in the air transport industry (ATI). It removes the limitations of existing or legacy systems, while still allowing you to communicate with customers not using Type X / XML systems.

Overview

There are often high levels of interdependence between business partners within the ATI - for sales, distribution and day-to-day operations. The secure, reliable, cost-effective exchange of messages is key to ensuring that airline functions such as flight operations, passenger services and aircraft maintenance run efficiently.

Type X Messaging Service enables the sharing of information across platforms and programming languages, greatly improving the competitiveness and efficiency of operational messaging for the ATI.

Type X Messaging Service is available worldwide. Accessed through a private SITA IP network or an Internet connection, it is a cost-effective resource for your business communication needs.

Benefits

Type X Messaging Service provides the following benefits.

Increased business agility

XML is a widely accepted, open standard so the SITA Type X Messaging Service does not have the technical limitations of older messaging services. Business solutions that were previously unviable are now achievable.

Messaging flexibility

Unlike traditional message formats, such as Type B and Type A, SITA Type X Messaging Service enables increased flexibility in message size and format. This is of particular benefit with the introduction of initiatives such as Advance Passenger Information Systems (APIS) and e-ticketing.

Reliable, secure, aviation-grade communications

Based on industry-defined standards and implementation specifications.

Lower software development and maintenance costs

Easy to use programming tools, the automated nature of XML code development and the ability to reuse significant amounts of code mean reduced development time and cost of integrating business applications.

Security

The Type X standard includes the use of digital signatures and encryption to deliver the level of authentication, non-repudiation and confidentiality required even over Internet connections.

Less complex IT environments

Infrastructure dedicated to legacy message processing can be reduced.

Increased ROI on existing XML-based development tools

Many airlines already use XML-based tools to develop internal interfaces. With this service, these can be leveraged to create external interfaces.

Flexibility to meet future needs

Meets current business messaging needs and is flexible enough to adapt to future requirements.

Features

Type X Messaging Service includes the following features.

XML-based

Based on XML and Web services, the SITA Type X standard is being adopted as an IATA standard.

By accepting and delivering messages in XML format it enables the easy sharing of information between ATI business partners while maintaining the security and reliability required for mission-critical information.

Using XML-based messaging and Web Services also improves the adaptability of applications. Message formats are not hard coded into the application so changes in message format do not have as great an impact as they would with traditional messaging solutions. This is particularly beneficial in typical many-to-many Type B communications environments.

An ATI-focused service

The service has been developed with ATI needs firmly in mind. It is designed to communicate with systems that use Type B protocols as well as a wide range of other common industry-messaging domains, including X.400, SMTP and AFTN.

Security and reliability

SITA Type X Messaging Service provides end-to-end control from message sender to recipient. All addresses specified in a message, and the format of the message, are validated.

An address database keeps track of subscriber addresses to ensure that messages are only sent to valid recipients.

To ensure comprehensive audit trails, all traffic passing through the SITA Type X Messaging Service is logged and documented.

The service monitors all connections, helping SITA re-establish connectivity quickly in the event of an unintentional connection closure.

Prevalent skill base

The broad IT industry support for XML has led to a skilled labour force able to make the most of the technology.