FTP Replacement / Electronic Business Using XML

ERCOT provides a client-server-based approach to allow market participants to send, receive and download files to/from the ERCOT server. The scripts for SEND, RECEIVEALL and DOWNLOAD form the “client” side of the package. The “server” side of the package, performing ERCOT server-related file transport functions, resides at ERCOT. The scripts contain the functionality needed to encrypt/sign, decrypt/verify, send (push) and receive (pull) data files.

These scripts replace the FTP scripts originally provided to market participants.

Script Commands

After constructing valid command lines using the scripts below, market participants will be able to send and receive data from ERCOT:

• SEND – Used to upload files from the market participant to the market participant’s mailbox on the ERCOT server
• RECEIVEALL – Used to pull files from the market participant’s mailbox on the ERCOT server
• DOWNLOAD – Used to pull a single file that has been archived on the ERCOT server.

Software Installation Kit

The software installation kit for FTP replacement scripts contains these items:

• An executable file used for software installation of Windows or UNIX-AIX FTP replacement scripts
• Optional executable files for installing GNUPG software on Windows or UNIX-AIX systems
• Sample DOWNLOAD, RECEIVEALL and SEND scripts
• The ERCOT public key, the FTP Replacement Scripts User Guide (PDF) and a listing of all known software issues

If you have any questions, please contact the ERCOT Help Desk at 1-512-248-6800.

Instructions for Microsoft Windows

You may find the available installer below. You will need a Java virtual machine (VM), version 1.1.4 or later; a software package including VM is included below. You may also download the VM from the Sun Developer Network website, or contact your operating system manufacturer.

After downloading, unzip the file, and double-click install.exe.

Instructions for IBM AIX, Sun Solaris, Linux and HP-UX

You may find the available installers below. You will need a Java virtual machine (VM), version 1.1.4 or later. If you use IBM AIX or Sun Solaris, and you do not have a Java VM installed, you may download the package below that includes one. You may also download the VM from the Sun Developer Network website, or contact your operating system manufacturer.

After downloading, open a shell, navigate to the directory where you downloaded the installer, and enter the command listed below at the command prompt.