1. What is IBM Sterling?
o Answer: IBM Sterling is a suite of software solutions designed to manage supply
chain operations. It integrates order-to-cash processes, inventory management,
shipping, invoicing, and advanced analytics1.
2. What is IBM Sterling B2B Integrator used for?
o Answer: It’s a powerful B2B integration platform for secure data exchange with
trading partners. Features include document lifecycle management, secure file
transfer, transformation, workflow automation, and real-time monitoring1.
3. How does a business partner connect to IBM Sterling B2B Integrator?
o Answer: Business partners use an SSL-enabled web server for secure
connections. They also need IBM Sterling Connect:Direct software for secure file
transfers1.
4. What is Sterling File Gateway?
o Answer: It’s a component of IBM Sterling B2B Integrator that facilitates secure
file transfer, transformation, and routing within an organization’s IT
infrastructure2.
5. What are the key benefits of using Sterling File Gateway?
o Answer: Benefits include secure file exchange, simplified partner connectivity,
automated workflows, and real-time monitoring2.
6. What is the difference between IBM Sterling B2B Integrator and Sterling File
Gateway?
o Answer: Sterling B2B Integrator is a comprehensive platform for managing B2B
processes, while Sterling File Gateway focuses on secure file transfer and
communication.
7. How does IBM Sterling B2B Integrator handle complex routing and
transformation?
o Answer: It uses process definitions (maps, business processes, and services) to
route and transform messages based on business rules and partner agreements.
8. What is the role of Sterling Secure Proxy in B2B communication?
o Answer: Sterling Secure Proxy provides secure communication between external
partners and Sterling B2B Integrator. It acts as a reverse proxy, protecting internal
systems from direct external access.
9. What is AS2 (Applicability Statement 2)?
o Answer: AS2 is a widely used B2B communication protocol that ensures secure
and reliable data exchange over the internet. It uses digital certificates and
encryption for message integrity and confidentiality.
10. How can you monitor B2B transactions in real time using IBM Control Center?
Answer: IBM Control Center provides dashboards, alerts, and reports to monitor B2B
transactions. It helps track performance, identify bottlenecks, and ensure compliance.
11.What is the purpose of IBM Sterling Control Center?
o Answer: Sterling Control Center provides centralized monitoring, alerting, and
reporting for B2B processes. It helps track performance, manage exceptions, and
ensure compliance.
12. How does IBM Sterling B2B Integrator handle EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
transactions?
o Answer: It uses EDI maps to translate data between different formats (e.g., X12,
EDIFACT). These maps define how to convert data from partner-specific formats
to internal representations.
13. What is the significance of certificates in B2B communication?
o Answer: Certificates (such as SSL/TLS certificates) ensure secure
communication by verifying the identity of communication partners and enabling
encryption for data privacy.
14. How can you configure partner profiles in Sterling B2B Integrator?
o Answer: Partner profiles define communication parameters (protocols,
certificates, routing rules) for each trading partner. They ensure consistent and
secure interactions.
15. What is the role of Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) in Sterling B2B
Integrator?
o Answer: BPMN is used to model and automate business processes within Sterling
B2B Integrator. It visually represents workflows and orchestrates tasks.
