An AS2 connection requires two locations to be configured to send and receive messages to and from each other — and if one of these locations is not available, the message can be missed. The technical competency required to set up and maintain an AS2 connection can be too great for many companies, with constant connectivity needed to ensure no messages are missed. Many companies therefore choose to outsource their requirements to a specialist EDI provider who can ensure 24/7 connectivity. Outsourcing also means that companies do not need to invest in dedicated hardware and software.