IFX Framework Features and Benefits

Consistently applied set of architectural rules (naming, data formats, usage guidelines, hierarchy, object definitions) and standardized syntax make the IFX Specification a readable document.

This significantly lowers the learning curves needed to understand IFX and subsequently speeds up implementation.

IFX Methodology allows for addition of services, messages, and objects in a "plug-and-play" manner.

IFX allows for implementation of the most complex business requirements while maintaining strict requirements for global compatibility.

The IFX Framework allows for flexible expression of data within the architecture. Some examples include the support for complex amount due or extensive customer profile.

Additionally, the IFX Framework defines the implementation of a rich set of standard methods. Add, Delete, Mod, Inc, Audit, Sync methods support the strictest processing rules.

The IFX flow control feature allows for very large, data intensive complex transactions to be communicated with greater reliability. This allows for scalable performance of the system as the transactions grow.

IFX is designed to allow users to conduct business in a manner appropriate to their environment and does not dictate how the processing is to be accomplished.

The design of request and response messages in IFX is for use in either batch or interactive style of communication.

Additionally, IFX provides for applying a single authentication context to multiple requests in order to reduce the overhead of user authentication.

IFX is designed to supply financial services throughout the world. It supports multiple currencies, country-specific extensions, and different forms of encoding such as UNICODE.

IFX is independent of the data communication protocol used to transport the messages between the client and server computers.

IFX supports a broad range of front-end applications, including Web-based applications, covering all types of financial activities running on all types of platforms.

The use of data synchronization to support multiple clients is a key innovation in IFX that allows for multiple clients to access the same transactions while maintaining data integrity.

Backward compatibility within a revision family (all 1.x compatible, all 2.x compatible to each other) minimizes long-term technology investment and maximizes long-term value of current investment.

One of the basic design principles of the IFX Framework is the recognition that everyone who follows the spec will be able to connect to every one else who also follows the spec.

Universal connectivity is designed to eliminate any application specific customizations so that implementation of the standard is uniform throughout.

Assuring users that transactions are executed and information is correct is crucial. IFX provides robust protocols for error recovery such as mandatory DTD validation and In-band negotiations.

Mandatory DTD validation guarantees the integrity of the data before it is transported.

In-band negotiation results in less error messages and bounced requests.

IFX is designed with security in mind. IFX Security encompasses authentication of the parties involved, as well as secrecy and integrity of the information being exchanged. IFX is also security model independent.