• Introduction
• Base module
• Data formatting
• PostScript pagination
• Mailbox
• Syndication
• Internet Delivery Module

Syndication Module

Syndication overview

The syndication system is used for the transmission of messages to a number of different clients each with a different type of system via a number of different routes.

It is generally used where low traffic volumes mean start-stop communications. Generally the system has been designed for the Information Provider such as a specialist news service, or as a transmission medium between editorial systems and major library databases such as NEXIS and PROFILE.

Basic Concept

The basic concept is that you fit in with the client’s needs.

Often in the past, news suppliers have insisted that clients install new lines and equipment in order to receive the service. Nowadays the supplier has to supply text in the format of the client’s system via a network he believes is the cheapest and easiest.

The SYN system re-uses existing equipment at both ends of the link - at the source: no port, modem or pad is dedicated solely to one client; at the destination: connections for remote journalists, wire services or mailbox systems are often used.

Editorial side

No technical knowledge is required of the editorial staff who feed syndication. The editor sends each file once with a destination code(s). This code can be the name of a single client, the name of a group of clients or a combination of clients and/or groups. The system automatically breaks this code apart and sends each file.

The process normally follows a fixed procedure : Either a number of messages are stored until all are ready or at specific times; the client is connected to; all files transmitted and the connection closed.

SYN manages the resources you have allocated to it. Hence it will queue clients who need to use the same output port. It also notes when communication problems have aborted a transmission and resends the remaining items.

Each transmission is broken into its constituent parts and each section is defined by parameter files. New clients using routes and systems you already have parameter files for, can be added in seconds and tested without affecting the rest of the system. New routes can be added quickly by non-computer personnel.

Connections via email, ftp, leased line delivery, fax, telex, and dial-up

Those clients who wish to receive the service via fax or telex are catered for by a connection to the FIP fax and telex systems.

Similarly clients who prefer to dial-in, browse through a selection of messages and extract those of interest, can do so via a connection to the FIP Simple Mailbox system.

Syndication and the base FingerPost system

The Syndication system uses the base FIP system for all incoming text from the main editorial front-end. Text is formatted to the requirements of each client. There is no limit to the number of files to be sent. NEXIS&REG is a registered trademark of MEAD DATA CENTRAL; PROFILE&REG is a registered trademark of FT PROFILE.

Notes and Comments