ALK Technologies releases PC*MILER Web Services 22

PC*MILER Web Services users include carriers, third-party logistics providers and shippers.

The Trucker News Services

6/19/2008

PRINCETON, N.J. — ALK Technologies Inc., a worldwide developer of routing, mileage and mapping software, has released PC*MILER Web Services 22.

The hosted service delivers the latest PC*MILER data over the Internet to customers with virtually any kind of computer platform or operating system to multiple PC*MILER versions, according to Michael Bodden, chief technology officer.

PC*MILER Web Services users include carriers, third-party logistics providers and shippers.

Bodden said Web Services are particularly helpful to companies with multiple locations, multiple versions of PC*MILER or mixed computer systems.

For example, he said Web Services shipment data can pass through an AS/400-platform corporate server to a Windows or even Linux-based work station via the world class Level 3 servers that host the service.

Virtually any other platform or operating system can be involved, including UNIX, Java, Perl and others, Bodden said, adding that PC*MILER Web Services are available on any Internet-connected computer or network.

“We introduced PC*MILER Web Services a year ago in response to customer requests to help with cross-platform problems,” Bodden said. “In our version 22 release, we have substantially enhanced our PC*MILER network data and improved how that data can be managed and displayed. We have upgraded both the content and the system tools under the hood.”

If the customer is using PC*MILER installed on a network or work station only one version can be accessed at a time.

With PC*MILER Web Services access is provided to PC*MILER data for the version of choice. This enables companies to continue fulfilling transportation contracts that specify particular PC*MILER versions, Bodden said.

“A system can be running an installed version of PC*MILER or an application adapted to use and display PC*MILER data,” he said.

The customer computer can display current data for billing, mapping, turn-by-turn directions, exact toll costs and other PC*MILER functions. The process is quick and invisible to the person at the computer.

“Simply put, PC*MILER Web Services 22 inserts the right information in the right application at the right time,” Roy Schijns, vice president of sales at PC*MILER Solutions, said. “It provides dependable truck-specific fuel-saving routes and directions for drivers, comprehensive map displays, and accurate mileage and tolls information. In essence, it offers a detailed business plan for every shipment.”

PC*MILER Web Services 22 incorporates a number of performance enhancements including input structure definitions and API (Application Programming Interface) descriptions. These allow developers to upgrade their PC*MILER data within third-party applications.

PC*MILER Web Services offers four feature option Levels — Lite, Standard, Premium and Enterprise. The Lite option offers core PC*MILER functionality. The three more full-featured versions provide additional capabilities including street-level routing, truck-specific toll costs and map display.