Data movement discussion

[sicranmer]

All,

I am currently writing a PHP application for off-line processing of ecommerce orders and stock management. One of the facilities I am writing is to automatically update on-line data when it is adjusted off-line. Specifically sales order information that may be changed, status and product quantities.

Since the on-line site is popular I am foreseeing updating this information in short bursts. My initial idea is to have a CRON job on one side create EDI flat transactions and secure FTP them. Then another CRON job to unpack them and apply the changes at the other side. Do you think this is the best / secure method or would using a web service (or another method) be more efficient / secure.

Thanks for you thoughts.

Simon.

[sicranmer]

So does the lack of response mean I am on the right track or talking crap?
Someone else out these must have had to do this sort of thing.

Si.