PostCoder Server Centrally maintain your software
What is it?
A powerful networked Address Matching package designed for use on large networks. Our state-of-the-art matching engine results in very fast address searches and supports multiple connections for heavy use. It includes a client module to process the responses from the server.
How does it work?
PostCoder Server installs the service out of the box i.e. it doesn't require a separate web or application server to be configured. The client module offers a simple interface, hiding the complexities of communication to aid integration.
The server processes users' address matching or rapid addressing requests across a local network from multiple thin client applications. If the matching succeeds, the set of address records is returned by the server to the client, ready for subsequent browsing and display. The binary protocol is compact and results in low levels of network traffic.
Who uses it?
The product is ideal for those seeking to develop a solution for their business or their customer. This software is typically used by Government departments, developers of corporate software, call centres and other extensive networks supplying thousands of users.
It is ideal for customers who want:
- An easily maintained service - a networked server allows maintenance and data updates to be centralised
- To use it on a secure intranet without access to the internet
- Exclusive access to and control over the service
What data is used?
- Royal Mail's Postcode Address File (PAF®) - 1.7 million Postcodes and 28 million Delivery Points including UDPRN
- Royal Mail's Alias Data - Former Postal, Administrative and Traditional Counties
- Postzon - 100m Grid References, NHS Health Authority codes and names, Local Authority information, OSGB36 and ETRS89 Longitudes and Latitudes
- Current County from Allies®
- NSPD from ONS - Primary Care Trust codes and names
- Up to monthly data updates
How do I pay for it?
PostCoder Server is supplied with a system licence which allows an unlimited number of users to use it. You can optionally add the Postzon data. To request annual pricing please do so by submitting your details here.
More Details
What PC Specification do I need?
The minimum requirements for the server are Windows 2000 Professional and Server, Windows XP Home/Professional or later and low memory requirements. The client-side application can be run on any device that is capable of communicating with a remote server via TCP/IP. The software integrates into your application via an easy to use COM OCX interface and examples are provided to assist you with this.
Our examples are provided for the Windows platform, a Java client is included with support for J2EE application server integration, and Linux and Solaris clients are also available. It is possible for us to develop clients for other platforms - please contact us for more info.
How is the connection to the server made?
A connection is made to a server using the industry-standard TCP/IP protocol on a port you can specify.
What support is available?
Extensive help documentation for the COM OCX methods and properties are provided. Examples of client-side applications that use the supplied OCX controls are provided along with full source code and documentation for the Microsoft Visual Basic (VB), Microsoft Visual C++ and Active Server Pages (ASP) development environments. The supplied test application allows realistic load testing of your solution before committing to a full roll-out. Full access to our support desk is also provided at no extra charge.
Which development environments support the client OCX?
The OCX can be used with most modern development environments including: Microsoft Visual C++® (up to version 7 inclusive), Microsoft Visual Basic®, Visual Studio Suite, Borland® C++ BuilderTM, Active Server Pages (ASP) and Borland® DelphiTM. Examples with full source code are included for Microsoft Visual C++®, Microsoft Visual Basic® and ASP.
Does PostCoder Server allow me to develop my own bespoke address management solution for my client?
Our sensible no-nonsense licencing scheme is designed to make it possible for you to develop a solution and distribute it to your client with a minimum of fuss. The straight-forward interface, richness of examples and clarity of documentation all help you on your way. Our technical support team also aims to get you up and running in record time.
Which search options are available?
PostCoder Server supports address matching and rapid addressing. It will allow you to find an address from a Postcode or any other known address elements.
How many concurrent sessions does PostCoder Server support?
PostCoder Server supports up to sixty concurrent connections. To minimise the use of system resources, clients terminate a connection once the matching operation is complete.
How many clients can PostCoder Server support?
It is being successfully used with over 6,000 users, of whom around 120 are using the search options at any one time (subject to a maximum of sixty concurrent connections).
How much activity goes on in the client?
The results of each search are transmitted to the client immediately. The client holds these results in their entirety. This approach allows the connection to the server to be terminated quickly freeing up resources and minimising network traffic.
