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    B2B communication protocols

    WebDAV file exchange over HTTPS

    WebDAV extends HTTP so files and folders can be managed on a web server: uploaded, downloaded, listed, moved and locked. Some document platforms and partners exchange files this way. ECOM connects to WebDAV servers over HTTPS and brings their files into your integration flows.

    Specification
    IETF RFC 4918
    Transport
    HTTP, normally HTTPS
    Operations
    PUT, GET, PROPFIND, MKCOL, MOVE, LOCK
    Used by
    Document platforms, file services, partners
    Talk to an EDI/API Expert
    Where WebDAV fitsA hub diagram: document platforms, partner servers and file services exchange files by WebDAV over HTTPS with the ECOM B2B gateway, which lists, downloads, uploads and archives files and passes mapped data to your systems.Where WebDAV fitsPartners, the ECOM gateway and your systemsWEBDAV SERVERSDocument platformsPartner serversFile servicesYOUR SYSTEMSERPWarehouse (WMS)FinanceOther partnersECOM B2B gatewayWebDAVHTTPS and authList, get, put, moveArchive processed files
    Where WebDAV fitsA hub diagram: document platforms, partner servers and file services exchange files by WebDAV over HTTPS with the ECOM B2B gateway, which lists, downloads, uploads and archives files and passes mapped data to your systems.Where WebDAV fitsPartners, the ECOM gateway and your systemsWEBDAV SERVERSDocument platformsPartner serversFile servicesECOM B2B gatewayWebDAVHTTPS and authList, get, put, moveArchive processedfilesYOUR SYSTEMSERPWarehouse (WMS)FinanceOther partners

    The gateway reaches WebDAV folders securely and brings their files into your flows.

    Expand diagram Download SVG

    Overview

    What WebDAV is

    WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) adds methods to HTTP for working with files and folders on a server. A client can list a folder's contents with PROPFIND, upload with PUT, create a folder with MKCOL, and lock a file while editing it.

    Because it runs over HTTPS, it passes through most firewalls and uses the same TLS and authentication as other web traffic.

    Where businesses use it

    • Document platforms

      Content and collaboration platforms that offer WebDAV access.

    • Partner file exchange

      Partners that publish files on a WebDAV server.

    • Shared folders over the web

      Exchanging files where SFTP is not available.

    How it works

    How WebDAV exchange works

    The client authenticates over HTTPS, uses PROPFIND to list new files, GET to download them and MOVE or DELETE to archive them. To send, it uses PUT, often to a temporary name followed by MOVE, so the receiver never sees a partial file.

    Locks prevent two clients from changing the same file at once; properties carry metadata such as size and modification date.

    Collecting files from a WebDAV folderA sequence diagram: the client lists a folder with PROPFIND, downloads a new file with GET, moves it to an archive folder with MOVE, and uploads a reply with PUT.Collecting files from a WebDAV folderList, download, archiveECOM gatewayWebDAV serverPROPFIND /inbound (list)File list with propertiesGET /inbound/orders.xmlMOVE to /archive/PUT /outbound/ack.xml
    Collecting files from a WebDAV folderA sequence diagram: the client lists a folder with PROPFIND, downloads a new file with GET, moves it to an archive folder with MOVE, and uploads a reply with PUT.Collecting files from a WebDAVfolderList, download, archiveECOM gatewayWebDAV serverPROPFIND /inbound (list)File list with propertiesGET /inbound/orders.xmlMOVE to /archive/PUT /outbound/ack.xml

    Listing, downloading and archiving are separate HTTP requests over the same secure connection.

    Expand diagram Download SVG

    In depth

    WebDAV in practice

    • HTTPS only

      WebDAV is used over HTTPS so credentials and files are encrypted in transit.

    • Authentication

      Basic over TLS, tokens or client certificates, as the server requires.

    • New-file detection

      Folder listings and modification dates identify new files; processed files are moved to an archive.

    • Locking

      Locks prevent conflicts when several systems use the same folder.

    • Large files

      Timeouts and chunked transfer are set for large files.

    • Server differences

      Servers implement WebDAV slightly differently; each connection is tested against the real server.

    In practice

    Example: exchanging files with a document platform

    A partner places catalog files on a document platform that offers WebDAV.

    Example: exchanging files with a document platformFive steps: connect over HTTPS, list the folder for new files, download and archive them, map the catalog data, and upload a confirmation.Example: exchanging files with a document platformA practical example, step by step1ConnectThe gatewayauthenticates to theplatform overHTTPS.Step 12Find new filesThe folder is listedon a schedule.Step 23Download andarchiveNew files aredownloaded andmoved to anarchive.Step 34MapCatalog data ismapped for yourproduct system.Step 45ReplyA confirmation fileis uploaded if thepartner expects one.Step 5
    Example: exchanging files with a document platformFive steps: connect over HTTPS, list the folder for new files, download and archive them, map the catalog data, and upload a confirmation.Example: exchanging files witha document platformA practical example, step by step1ConnectThe gateway authenticates to theplatform over HTTPS.Step 12Find new filesThe folder is listed on a schedule.Step 23Download and archiveNew files are downloaded and moved toan archive.Step 34MapCatalog data is mapped for your productsystem.Step 45ReplyA confirmation file is uploaded if thepartner expects one.Step 5

    WebDAV works like a shared folder, reached securely over the web.

    Expand diagram Download SVG

    Connections

    How WebDAV connects your business

    • Partners and platforms

      Files on WebDAV servers reach your flows.

    • Translation

      Files are translated and mapped like any others.

    • ERP and product systems

      Data reaches your applications.

    • Monitoring

      Failed connections and missing files raise alerts.

    ECOM

    How ECOM supports WebDAV

    ECOM supports WebDAV with dedicated implementation, mapping, communication and support teams, and with specialists who know the industries your partners work in.

    • Implementation team

      Plans the WebDAV setup with you, configures it on the gateway and runs the tests with your partners and systems.

    • Mapping team

      Builds and maintains the maps, code conversions and validation rules between partner data and your applications.

    • Communication team

      Sets up and monitors partner connections, certificates, keys and credentials, and coordinates changes with each partner.

    • Support team

      Watches the flows, investigates failed or missing documents, and works the issue through with you and your partner.

    For WebDAV in particular

    • WebDAV client connections over HTTPS, with folder, naming and archive rules.
    • Partner onboarding for WebDAV: exchanging connection details, testing in both directions and confirming the go-live date with each partner.
    • Monitoring of every connection, with alerts for failed, missing or unacknowledged transfers.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is WebDAV secure?

    When used over HTTPS, yes: the connection and credentials are encrypted with TLS. WebDAV over plain HTTP should be avoided.

    How is WebDAV different from SFTP?

    Both exchange files with a server. WebDAV runs over HTTPS and passes easily through web firewalls; SFTP runs over SSH. The partner's server usually decides.

    Can the gateway detect new files on a WebDAV server?

    Yes, by listing the folder and comparing names and dates, then moving processed files to an archive.

    Does every server behave the same?

    Not exactly. Each connection is tested against the actual server.

    Related pages

    Talk to an EDI/API Expert

    Tell us which partners, systems and WebDAV requirements you are working with. An ECOM specialist will review them with you and outline the setup, the maps and the tests.

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