A value-added network (VAN) is a private network provider (sometimes called a turnkey communications line) that is utilized to facilitate electronic data interchange (EDI) or provide other network services. These services include an Electronic Mailbox  which is available 24X7 to accept transmission to and from trading partners. With the arrival of the World Wide Web, many companies found it more cost-efficient to move their data over the Internet via AS2 communications instead of paying the minimum monthly fees and per-character charges found in typical VAN contracts.