Azure Logic Apps and EDI integration
In this podcast, host Dan Bass spoke with Bill Chestnut, a Microsoft MVP from Australia, about his career journey and the evolution of integration. The conversation traced Bill’s path from mainframe programming in the United States to becoming a leader in enterprise integration, EDI, and Azure Logic Apps.
From Mainframes to Microsoft MVP
Bill began his career working for the U.S. government, programming mainframe systems at a time when large-scale computing was still in its early stages. After moving to Australia in 2000, he discovered a niche in the integration community. By 2004, he was recognized as a Microsoft MVP, and his work with BizTalk and Logic Apps became central to his career. His progression reflects how integration has matured from heavy mainframe systems to cloud-native platforms.
Why EDI Still Matters in 2025
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) remains a cornerstone of global business even in the era of cloud computing. Standards such as X12, EDIFACT, and AS2 continue to drive transactions in industries like supply chain and finance. While often overlooked compared to newer technologies, EDI remains essential for reliable, large-scale data exchange. Bill’s experience shows how these standards have evolved but still underpin critical business processes.
Open-Source EDI Framework for Azure Logic Apps
To address the limitations of legacy approaches, Bill has developed an open-source EDI framework for Azure Logic Apps. This framework enables organizations to process EDI transactions directly in Azure without relying on costly Value Added Networks (VANs). It provides scalability for high-volume integrations, reduces costs, and offers a more flexible, cloud-first approach for businesses that still depend on EDI.
Integration Lessons and the Role of AI
Bill’s career also highlights broader lessons in integration. One ongoing challenge is the imbalance between development and support, where developers often carry too much of the support burden. Modern integration platforms can help shift this responsibility to operations teams by simplifying monitoring and automating routine tasks. Artificial intelligence is also beginning to play a role in integration, particularly in mapping, where it can accelerate and streamline processes that previously required extensive manual effort.
Advice for Aspiring Integration Developers
For developers entering the integration field, Bill emphasized the importance of understanding business processes as much as technology. Success in integration depends not only on coding skills but also on knowing how organizations exchange data and how systems interact to deliver business value. This combination of technical and business knowledge creates a stronger foundation for long-term growth in the field.
Closing Thoughts
Bill Chestnut’s journey from mainframe systems to Azure and his work on an open-source EDI framework demonstrate how integration continues to evolve while retaining its critical role in business operations. His career reflects both the enduring relevance of standards like EDI and the opportunities created by cloud-native platforms.