Commandline ASCII Interface - Text API - GetASCII

The Command Line ASCII Interface is one of several ways that PageGate can accept incoming messages.

Messages are sent to the PageGate Text Messaging Engine via a single command issued at the DOS prompt. Command line commands may also be issued from within windows or from within many 'canned' and custom applications. In addition, the Command Line / ASCII can scan one or more directories (networked or local) for text files (ASCII files) containing messages. PageGate can also 'watch' one or more files and folders for new text files, that contain messages (this is a common integration method for 3rd party applications)

The Command Line ASCII Text API is capable of monitoring a directory or a series of directories on the local hard drive or across the network, for an ASCII/text file output. The interface also provides a command line interface (executable) for other applications to use. The messages can then be formatted or directed to mobile phones or wireless devices.

The Text API allows many 'off the shelf' and custom applications, such as network monitoring applications, computer aided dispatch applications, building control software and many others, to deliver messages when specified events occur or thresholds are met.
In addition, the Command Line / ASCII Text API can scan one or more directories (networked or local) for text files (ASCII files) containing messages. PageGate can 'watch' one or more files and folders for new text files, that contain messages (this is a common integration method for 3rd party applications)

This is an excellent front-end when used as a tool for developers and system integrators, to allow text messaging from within applications. 

The Text API Can Send Messages:

Command Line 

from a command line executable

ASCII Text

can extract message information from plaintext formatted ASCII files, regardless of the source of the plaintext

Windows Messaging

can accept messages sent by using the SendMessage() Windows API call. The application to be integrated with PageGate MUST be running on the same computer as the GetASCII module to use this integration method

Registry Polling

can accept messages that are passed to it via the Windows registry. Messages written to a predefined location in the registry will be picked up by the GetAscii interface. The application to be integrated with PageGate MUST be running on the same computer as the GetASCII module to use this integration method.

Directory Polling

basic polling module looks for text files with a predefined file format in a single location,. Advanced polling is also available which allows for the GetASCII interface to read files from multiple folders that are not in a standard format. GetASCII can even 'watch' files for additions or changes, then extract message data from them.

Benefits to the Command Line ASCII Interface

Easy Integration
send messages from existing software without any coding changes or modifications

Automate Message Sending
send messages automatically when they are triggered through file polling or from other applications

Custom Templates
configure custom templates and format for messages

Define Polling Interval
determine the frequency with which files are polled

Use Pattern Recognition
use pattern recognition to determine what represents the start and end of valid data

Ad-Hoc Support
ad-hoc recipients lets you pass the phone number or contact information of the device you want the message delivered to

Reporting
easily track all messages sent with robust logging and reporting

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