kLink’s New Customizable Extensions Provide Automated Communication Between Companies And The Mobile Devices Of Their Users (Employees, Customers, Agents, Etc.)
Earlier this year, Computer Keyes released kLink, an IBM i software package that provides companies with all the necessary tools to manage and host a secure content delivery service on the IBM i via their Integrated File System (IFS). In a manner similar to online banking, users can create their own online account, be verified automatically, and then log in from any device with an Internet browser to retrieve documents that have been made available to them.
With the introduction of customizable extensions, kLink’s newest version is able to facilitate secure, automated mobile communication between a company and its users (employees, customers, agents, etc.). Extensions in kLink add an on demand capability to the existing document delivery service so that users can now ask for what they want and have it delivered to them automatically. A company can ask for additional information from its users as well by having them fill out things like surveys and order forms. Other business information can be instantly disseminated upon request, such as delivery dates and tracking numbers.
kLink extensions take the concept of on demand user-initiated document delivery to the next level with a set of fully customizable buttons that can be added to the top of the kLink user interface. When pressed, these buttons activate custom applications that can easily be configured by an administrator to perform any conceivable task that is possible on the IBM i. kLink provides a page creator that can accept HTML code to generate polished user interfaces. The page creator is simple enough for non-technical individuals to be able to quickly design and render interactive, professional looking screens. While editing a page, the server updates dynamically – just press the refresh button on the browser to see the results of a change. Once a page is created and enabled, logged in users can fill out input fields and select options that will be submitted back to kLink when they are finished. From there, back-end exit programs handle data validation and perform any desired tasks.
The possibilities for custom mobile applications are endless. Creating an extension is easier than generating a similar application on a green-screen menu and has the added benefit of being available instantly to logged in users on any device with an Internet browser. The extensions can respond back to users in a variety of ways: For simple data retrieval, pop-up notifications can appear on a user’s screen, informing them of their tracking numbers, subscription statuses, or anything else a company wishes to provide. Documents (such as invoices, shipping information, etc.) can be automatically generated and dropped into a user’s kLink folder or into an internal data queue for processing. Emails, with or without attachments, can be generated and sent to a user or out on a user’s behalf. Files can be printed or faxed. Text messages can be sent. Applications can even be configured to allow employees to remotely initiate business processes at any time with just a touch of a button on their mobile devices.
In short, users can remotely and securely ask the IBM i to generate documents or retrieve information that they need and then have it delivered to them in the manner of their choosing. kLink is an extremely open ended and versatile tool that provides businesses with a cost-effective and non-labor-intensive way to extend the IBM i into mobile computing.
Computer Keyes was established in 1978, and is a leader in Document Distribution software for IBM i. They provide fax and email solutions, archiving software, and tools for creating full color PDFs with overlays directly on the IBM i. Computer Keyes offers a 30 day free trial period on all of its software, allowing you to try out each of its complete packages before making any decisions. You may download the software and manuals directly from www.ckeyes.com. Also, Computer Keyes provides free hot-line technical support for as long as you license a product.
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