LinkPoint API is designed for software companies, Internet service providers (ISPs), commerce service providers (CSPs) and merchants with an advanced knowledge of the        C programming language.

LinkPoint API adds Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol and the ability to conduct electronic softgood download (ESD) of digital merchandise to software products or custom storefronts.

LinkPoint API allows the more cyber-savvy merchant, ISP, CSP or software seller to conduct e-commerce in a secure environment.  The product provides ordering, payments, tax and shipping calculations and the unique ability of the LinkPoint API-enabled Web site to offer digital merchandise which, when the payment transaction is complete, allows downloads to the ordering customer's PC.

LinkPoint API supports the following features for both Windows NT and UNIX environments:  Electronic softgood downloads, tax and shipping tables, fraud screening for all transactions and real-time merchant reporting.

LinkPoint API requires the integrator to be fully proficient in the C programming language and to have a working knowledge of C compilers. For individuals who are not proficient in the C programming language, we have developed LinkPoint COM Objects (LCOM), and LinkPoint PERL Wrapper (LPW). 

The LCOM wrapper has already been successfully integrated into numerous e-commerce applications, and offers the same functionality as LinkPoint API. It also comes with a C++ sample application, as well as VBScript, HTML and sample Active Server Page (ASP) hooks.

The LPW wrapper uses the API library as the core for a C++ program. This product is wrapped with PERL to provide the means to communicate with the API. LPW offers the same functionality as LinkPoint API and is available for any platform supported by the API.

Advantages
Fraud protection checks for common patterns and has the ability to block Internet protocol (IP) addresses and credit card numbers. Merchants can also create a "negative file" of high-risk consumers/card numbers. LinkPoint API automatically performs numerous Internet fraud checks in real time, allows merchants to lock out specific credit card numbers and IP addresses and makes Address Verification Service (AVS) information available for approved transactions.

Calculates shipping by flat rate or dollar amount per order and can configure shipping tables based on zones or different types of shipping, etc. This highly configurable application allows merchants to set precise rules for how customers will be charged for shipping of products they have ordered.

Supports tax calculations. Provides real-time calculation of state and/or municipal sales taxes to be charged on orders.

Merchant reports and tools provide complete, up-to-the-minute reporting, allowing merchants to specify search and time criteria to generate reports summarizing all successful orders, listing all transactions or showing all orders for a particular product.  Merchants can also perform management tasks from the merchant reports and tools interface, including confirming shipment of hard goods and issuing credits.

Electronic software downloads (ESD) give the digital merchandise seller the ability to sell "soft goods," with byte-by-byte tracking of the software download.  The software can only be downloaded once. LinkPoint API completely automates the Internet-based sale of soft goods -- products that are ordered, paid for and delivered by electronic downloads, such as software, graphic images/photos and music.

Legacy systems integration capability is managed through a series of application program interfaces (APIs) that extract information from the database for integration into existing business systems.  A merchant utilizing a fulfillment company would use this feature.

Requirements
LinkPoint API requires a high level of sophistication and C programming skills. Contact Cardservice International for evaluation of your specific requirements.

The LinkPoint Secure Payment Gateway also offers Virtual LinkPoint and LinkPoint HTML as other user-friendly payment solutions to service the e-commerce needs of any merchant.