mendelson OFTP2

mendelson OFTP2 is a platform-independent, Java-based solution for secure, automated data exchange using the Odette File Transfer Protocol 2 (OFTP2) — the trusted communication standard in the automotive and logistics industries.

Our software ensures robust and encrypted file transmission across various platforms including Windows, Linux, macOS, AIX, and more. Whether you're operating a small business or managing large enterprise integrations, mendelson OFTP2 delivers both flexibility and security.

You can start with the free community version to explore our solution without financial commitment. For mission-critical operations, the commercial version adds a client-server architecture, extended integration options and professional support via software maintenance.

OFTP2 is the industry-standard protocol for securely transmitting business-critical data over the internet. Through a mechanism of message acknowledgment and end-to-end encryption, it guarantees that your files arrive safely — and that you’re always informed about delivery status.

The mendelson OFTP2 solution supports a broad range of document types, including EDI formats (X12, UN/EDIFACT), XML, and Microsoft Office documents. It ensures data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with industry standards.

Whether as a standalone solution or tightly integrated into the mendelson business integration (mbi) suite, mendelson OFTP2 makes reliable partner communication seamless and efficient.

Built entirely in Java, mendelson OFTP2 runs cross-platform and can be deployed on premises, on virtual machines and in cloud environments.

The mendelson OFTP2 architecture is designed for high flexibility and performance. It uses a multi-threaded polling mechanism that monitors dedicated partner directories. Once a new file appears, the system automatically processes and sends it to the appropriate partner.

All transactional data is stored in a built-in database system, included out-of-the-box for convenience. For advanced use cases, an external PostgreSQL database can be used (Professional and Enterprise HA).

In commercial installations, the OFTP2 client and server components can be deployed on separate systems, enabling distributed environments and scalable deployment strategies.

OFTP2 Architecture Diagram

The mendelson OFTP2 solution is available in several editions to meet various requirements—from initial testing to enterprise-grade operations.

Choose between the free community edition for evaluation and smaller deployments (no professional support), or a commercial edition (Entry, Professional, or Enterprise HA) for advanced functionality, scalability, and professional support.

Below is a comparison between the community and commercial editions:

Community Edition Commercial Edition
Price Free Shop
Number of partners Unlimited Unlimited
Number of transactions Unlimited Unlimited
Architecture Desktop application Client-Server application
Functionality
Partner management ✔️ ✔️
Digital signatures, encryption ✔️ ✔️
TLS (up to TLS v1.3), TLS client authentication ✔️ ✔️
Data compression ✔️ ✔️
OFTP2 routing (gateways, substations, virtual identities) ✔️ ✔️
Multiple identities/local stations ✔️ ✔️
Key and certificate management ✔️ ✔️
Certificate exchange ✔️ ✔️
Multilingual support: Localized to de, en, fr, es, it, pl, pt ✔️ ✔️
Email event notification ✔️ ✔️ (OAuth2: Professional / Enterprise HA)
Access via XML API ❌ ✔️ (Professional / Enterprise HA)
Run OFTP2 server as background service ❌ ✔️
Supported database systems HSQLDB HSQLDB,
PostgreSQL (Professional / Enterprise HA)
Support
Community Forums (no professional support) ✔️ ✔️
Detailed documentation ❌ ✔️
Access to mendelson Support ❌ 💲
Access to phone Support ❌ 💲
Remote Support ❌ 💲
Updates and security updates (with software maintenance) ❌ 💲
License Type
Open Source License (GPL) ✔️ ❌
Commercial License ❌ ✔️

There are three commercial versions available: Entry, Professional, and Enterprise HA. Below is an overview of the features offered by each version.

entry professional enterprise HA
Included features
PostgreSQL ❌ ✔️ ✔️
Java API ❌ ✔️ ✔️
REST API ❌ ✔️ ✔️
XML API ❌ ✔️ ✔️
OAUTH2 for SMTP ❌ ✔️ ✔️
HSM (Hardware Security Module) ❌ ✔️ ✔️
High Availability (HA) cluster ❌ ❌ ✔️
Support
Detailed documentation ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Access to mendelson Support (only with SMP) ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Access to phone Support 💲 💲 💲
Remote Support 💲 💲 💲
Premium Support ❌ ❌ ✔️

For businesses with demanding availability or performance needs, the Enterprise HA edition includes high availability clustering and Premium Support. Learn more about features and licensing in our online store.

The Professional and Enterprise HA licenses of mendelson OFTP2 include the following components – no separate purchase required.

  • PostgreSQL Database – Replace the embedded HSQLDB with an external PostgreSQL system for scalability and remote hosting.
  • High Availability (HA, Enterprise HA only) – Cluster multiple OFTP2 instances for redundancy and performance scalability.
  • REST API – Integrate the server into modern web architectures via RESTful endpoints.
  • OAuth2 – Adds secure authentication for SMTP-based email notifications.


PostgreSQL Database

Externalize your database for better performance and remote access. Includes migration wizards. Compatible with cloud-based PostgreSQL services (e.g., AWS).

High Availability (HA)

Cluster multiple mendelson OFTP2 nodes for high availability and horizontal scaling. All nodes share one external database and run the same mendelson version. mendelson software updates are applied to all nodes together in a planned maintenance window.

HA Architecture Diagram

REST API

Allows integration with custom web applications and automation workflows through a modern REST interface.

OAuth2

Secures your email notifications (SMTP) using industry-standard OAuth2 authentication.

Easy Integration

The system offers a file-based interface that enables seamless integration into your existing infrastructure. Directory polling and flexible post-processing (scripts, commands, etc.) are supported. The commercial version enables direct server transfers via command line. Thanks to its pure Java architecture, it runs on all common platforms, including virtual machines and cloud environments.

Unlimited Partners & Transactions

There are no artificial limitations on the number of partners or message exchanges. Whether direct, gateway, or substation connections, you're free to scale without added costs. Try the free open-source version before committing.

Digital Signature & Encryption

Supports secure message signing and encryption using the latest OFTP2 standards:

  • Encryption: Triple DES (3DES), AES-256
  • Hashing: SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512
Key & Certificate Management

Built-in tools support the complete certificate lifecycle:

  • Import/export keys and certificates
  • Certificate signing and patching
  • Backup and detailed metadata inspection
Partner Management

Define partner-specific connection settings, security parameters, and identities through an intuitive interface.

Full OFTP2 Routing

Define gateways, substations, and virtual identities. Leverage OFTP2’s SSID/SFID routing for flexible and compliant message exchange.

Certificate Exchange

The system supports secure certificate exchange as outlined in OFTP2 implementation recommendations (where available).

Configuration Backup & Restore

Store your entire configuration as human-readable XML. Restore specific settings (e.g., individual partners) or entire environments—including multi-profile setups in the commercial version.

Integrated Notification System

Receive email alerts for critical events with fully customizable templates. Available in English and German. OAuth2 support is included in Professional and Enterprise HA.

Advanced Logging

Adjustable logging levels allow deep visibility into protocol details. View transfer summaries and technical insights directly within the interface.

Client-Server Architecture

Run the commercial version headlessly as a background service. Users from different platforms can connect to the server using the GUI client.

Server Control API

Automate configuration, partner management, and monitoring via command line or the Java-based XML API (Professional / Enterprise HA). Remote access support allows building web dashboards or headless integrations. A REST API is also included in Professional and Enterprise HA.