Silverline will use VSNL's existing infrastructure for EDI services within the country to offer customised front-end solutions to Government agencies like ports, customs, excise and industries in areas of automotive and engineering in the initial phase, said a VSNL press release.

According to VSNL acting chairman and managing director Amitabh Kumar, the arrangement with Silverline will help the company to broadbase the utilisation of existing infrastructure.

EDI simplifies and streamlines business procedures and helps organisations to control costs, increase efficiency and improve customer service levels, the release added.

Use of EDI in an organisation requires restructuring of business operations to make the information flows paperless and requires a processre-engineering of the information systems, the release added.