Replacing a legacy interface

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Hi Guys,

Anyone have any thoughts on the best way to replace a legacy outbound interface from SAP. Current scenario is :

ABAP program extracting data (lets say its customer master data), writing to a file which is then FTP'd.

Implementing this via XI I believe options are :

Option 1. Don't use XI. Continue with current process. Benefits of this - cost. Drawbacks - Political, as this would go against the new integration strategy which is to use an integration hub solution.

Option 2. Use exactly the same process to produce the file. FTP the file to XI and get XI to despatch it.

Benefits - Limited cost implications, Satisfies political initiatives. Drawbacks - Are we complicating things just for the sake of using XI.

Option 3. Replace the writing of the file with a IDOC/BAPI/Proxy call to XI which is converted to file and dispatched. Benefits - utilising XI as it should be used. Drawbacks - Unnecessary cost and risk. Why replace a perfectly functioning process?

Any thoughts, greatfully received.

Thanks

Nigel