RE: FTP Format

Jim,

Sorry to be late responding, but I was off yesterday.

I/We have no direct control over the format that the POS software vendor
uses, only indirect (cut checks to pay 'em) and cajoling.

In a previous incarnation I received stuff from a web site vendor that was
parsed using the pipe. Upon seeing the data layout, I called the vendor's
rep and asked (somewhat pointedly and irritatingly, I admit), "Can you guys
spell 'XML'?" But I was able to write a parser for their data so I have no
doubt that I could write one for CSV, too.

Jerry C. Adams
IBM i Programmer/Analyst
A cucumber should be well-sliced, and dressed with pepper and vinegar, and
then thrown out as good for nothing. -Samuel Johnson
--
A&K Wholesale
Murfreesboro, TN
615-867-5070


-----Original Message-----
From: midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jim Franz
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:54 PM
To: Midrange Systems Technical Discussion
Subject: Re: FTP Format

Jerry,

I would have to ask - are you in control of the point of sale code?
Do you get to determine what their "export" format is -is this all in-house
or part of a software package?
csv or tab delimited are two very standard forms. So is xml.
You do not want some customized "i" only version, especially if running
early v5. As you upgrade your i this process and the file format should
never have to change if you keep it simple.
And I'll 2nd the encrypted suggestion if you have card or other personal
data-lawyers (not yours, their's...)will love you if you don't.

jim franz