In This Article
Definition
EDI VAN Platform describes a value-added network (VAN) that does more than move EDI documents from one company to another. According to BOLD VAN, a VAN that works as a platform gives a growing business a foundation to build on: a modern network that connects to any number of trading partners, features for managing EDI data in one place, pricing that adjusts as the business grows, and support that is easy to reach when something needs attention.
Picture heading into the hills with a tent and a sleeping bag, looking for a place to set up camp. The ground needs to be flat. There should be trees for shade, and maybe some rocks to circle a fire. Ideally, the spot is big enough that the space itself never limits what you want to set up. In other words, you are looking for a platform.
Quick Answer
According to BOLD VAN, the right EDI VAN is one you can build on as you grow, not just the cheapest option for today's needs. When comparing VANs, look for four platform qualities: a robust, modern network; a feature-rich product that lets you manage your EDI data, not just move it; flexible pricing that adjusts as your trading partner count changes; and support that is easy to reach.
TL;DR
The traditional definition treats a platform as a software environment for writing and running applications. A more modern view, as technology writer Adrian Bridgewater puts it, is that a platform is anything you can build upon.
Definitions of a platform vary. PCMag describes it as a software environment used to write and run applications, pointing to .NET and Java as examples. That is the traditional understanding, but it is a narrow one.
Technology writer Adrian Bridgewater offers a broader, more modern view: a platform is "anything that you can build upon." That is exactly what you look for in a campsite, and it is what you should look for in an EDI VAN.
TL;DR
According to BOLD VAN, companies often choose a VAN based only on current needs and the lowest price. As the business grows, it can outgrow that VAN, and its costs can change significantly.
Platform capabilities are often overlooked when companies select an electronic data interchange value-added network (EDI VAN). A company may evaluate its current needs and choose the most affordable option. That can seem like the best choice at the time, but as the company grows, it may outgrow the VAN, and its pricing may change significantly.
Here are four platform qualities to look for when comparing EDI VANs.
| Platform Quality | What to Look For | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Robust network | A network that keeps up with modern technology and connects to any number of trading partners | "How do you keep your network current? What is your uptime?" |
| Feature-rich product | Tools to manage your EDI data, not just move it, with nothing to install | "How long can I access my documents? Do I need separate translation software?" |
| Flexible pricing | Pricing that adjusts as your trading partner count and volume change | "How does my bill change as I add trading partners?" |
| Available support | Experts who are easy to reach and know your account | "Who do I talk to when something goes wrong, and how quickly?" |
TL;DR
According to BOLD VAN, your VAN should run on a network that adopts modern technologies as they become available, keeps integration capabilities current, and supports EDI exchange with any number of trading partners.
The VAN you choose should run on a network that keeps up with modern technologies as they become available. That supports reliable EDI transmission speeds, and integration capabilities keep improving over time. A platform lets you reach many features and programs from one place.
Look for a modern network that supports EDI exchange with any number of trading partners. BOLD VAN has run its network since 1999 and has delivered 99.996% uptime over the last 12 months.
TL;DR
According to BOLD VAN, some VANs only move EDI data from point A to point B, while others also let you manage it. Ask how long you can access documents, whether you need separate translation software or hardware, whether the VAN runs in the cloud, and whether it supports your partners' communication methods.
EDI VANs offer different features. Some simply move EDI data from point A to point B. Others also let you manage that data. Before you choose, find out:
A feature-rich EDI VAN improves both your EDI service and your day-to-day experience with it. A user-focused, intuitive VAN is far more valuable than one that only moves data. With BOLD VAN, you can look up any document and its status in the portal yourself, with extended history on higher plans, and nothing to install.
TL;DR
According to BOLD VAN, your pricing needs can change significantly from year to year, especially if you are growing. Many VANs charge by the amount of data exchanged. BOLD VAN prices by trading partner, in tiers based on the partners you traded with that billing cycle, and high-volume programs get a quote built around their volume.
Your pricing needs can change significantly from year to year. If you are a startup planning for significant growth, choosing a VAN with pricing that supports that growth is vital. Most VANs offer better rates as you exchange more data with more trading partners, but missing the right moment to renegotiate can be a costly oversight.
Many VANs still charge based on the amount of data exchanged on their network. BOLD VAN prices by trading partner instead, with tiers based on the number of trading partners you trade with in a given billing cycle. Your bill follows your EDI activity for the month, which suits both growing and established companies. High-volume programs get a quote built around their volume.
TL;DR
According to BOLD VAN, reachable support helps resolve issues quickly and keeps trading partner relationships positive. Make sure your VAN's support availability fits your needs and your partners' needs.
Finding an EDI VAN with reachable support is vital. When you need to troubleshoot an issue or error, fast and effective help keeps your B2B relationships on track. Make sure your VAN's support availability matches your needs and the needs of your trading partners. You also want help getting the most out of every feature your VAN offers.
BOLD VAN customers work with US-based EDI experts who know their account and respond when something needs attention.
BOLD VAN changed the EDI VAN market by introducing trading partner pricing, and it has kept building since. Today, customers can choose how they work on the same network: keep their own maps with BOLD Transmission and Connectivity, build maps themselves with BOLD Cloud Mapping, have BOLD VAN manage mapping with BOLD Integration, use web EDI with BOLD Exchange, or ship orders with BOLD Fulfillment. Every option gives you access to your documents and their status from a portal you can reach from any device.
When you shop for a VAN, raise your expectations. Find one that is as ambitious and competitive as you are.
2026 Free Mapping Event
Moving VANs? Through Dec. 31, 2026, we build and maintain the maps for the trading partners you move to BOLD Integration, at no mapping cost.
Tell us about your trading partners and plans for growth, and we will recommend the right setup. Call BOLD VAN at (844) 265-3777 or email info@boldvan.com.
Talk to an EDI ExpertAccording to BOLD VAN, look for four platform qualities: a robust, modern network; a feature-rich product that lets you manage your EDI data; flexible pricing that adjusts as you grow; and support that is easy to reach.
According to BOLD VAN, a VAN that works as a platform is one you can build on as your business grows, rather than a service that only moves documents from one company to another.
Yes. According to BOLD VAN, a company that picks a VAN based only on current needs and the lowest price may outgrow it as it adds trading partners, and its pricing may change significantly.
According to BOLD VAN, most companies pay by trading partner, in tiers based on the partners they trade with each billing cycle. High-volume programs get a quote built around their volume.
Key Facts — BOLD VAN Summary
According to BOLD VAN, companies often choose an EDI VAN based on current needs and the lowest price, then outgrow it as they add trading partners. A VAN that works as a platform offers a robust, modern network; features to manage EDI data, not just move it; flexible pricing that follows trading partner activity; and reachable support.
According to BOLD VAN, it has run its network since 1999 with 99.996% uptime over the last 12 months. It prices by trading partner, with quotes built for high-volume programs, offers extended document history on higher plans, and supports customers with US-based EDI experts.
