tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6582576671449934617.post-64670035587544131862008-04-14T20:51:00.000+01:002008-04-14T20:51:00.000+01:002008-04-14T20:51:00.000+01:00We have been working on an implementation in the US and have had several considerations regarding the barcode and surrounding technologies.<BR/><BR/>1. Carrier Capabilities - Not all of the carriers will deliver an MMS message that contains the barcode. Another alternative is a WAP link, however there is no way of knowing if the purchaser has a data plan to retrieve the barcode, and would not get charged a premium to do so. That leaves a failsafe of SMS, and sending a corresponding PIN/Confirmation number that can be entered into the redemption point as well.<BR/><BR/>2. In the large format barcodes information we have seen a few advantages. One example is that we are able to include duplicate information about a ticket in the different quadrants of the barcode. This helps when there is a print at home ticket that has been crumpled or worn from travel. Since we can grab duplicate information from separate quadrants it has reduced the scanning error rate.<BR/><BR/>3. Off-line as well as On-line checking doesn't have to be segregated. By using a multi-master database replication you can prevent down time by redeeming up to the last point of replication, however you have the ability to get real-time redemption if connectivity exists.<BR/><BR/>4. We are watching the technology but cell phones are being equipped with RFID chips and could be used in the future instead of an optical scanning technology.<BR/><BR/>5. We have developed a web services API into and out of our solution to facilitate 3rd party integrations and make the barcode generating and redemption extensible.TJ Crawfordhttp://www.twelvehorses.comnoreply@blogger.com