PDP members can leverage Punch's expertise and experience to create custom file storage and collaboration services that meet their needs. By accessing Punch's patented technologies and state-of-the-art data center, developers can quickly create and implement anything from a simple file synchronization utility, to a broad content distribution system, to a robust file collaboration suite -- all while running on top of Punch's tested platform. Members also have access to technical support and marketing and business development materials to help launch products built with Punch technology.

"We are extremely proud of the products we've built," said David Campbell, Punch Networks' Chairman. "But we also recognize that file collaboration is not suited to a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. The PDP allows any developer to use any or all of the features we've built in a way that makes sense for them."

The PDP includes a server-to-server software development kit (SDK), a Windows client SDK, and an application programming interface (API) utilizing extensible markup language (XML) and extensible stylesheet language (XSL) called "Paris." These tools will enable customers to design systems that utilize Punch services without incurring the costs of a professional services agreement with Punch.

"Paris"
Paris is the next generation of the Punch server, which introduces a new standards-based API for third-party interactions with the server. Specifically, a Paris-based Punch server responds to any request natively with clean, self-describing XML. This XML can be "consumed" by any third-party XML compatible software program that has access to an HTTP or HTTPS communications channel. Additionally this XML can also be easily augmented and presented to a Web-enabled device by an external XSL or XSLT stylesheet, which can be located anywhere on the Internet. This stylesheet transforms the XML response from the Punch server according to the specifications of the stylesheet itself, allowing developers to completely transform the interface, feature set and even naming conventions. Whether a customer is a two-person ad agency or a 500-person law firm, they will be able to create a WebGroups user interface that reflects their organizational preferences without any involvement from Punch.

Server SDK
This SDK, written in Java, allows developers who already host services for customers or employees to integrate Punch's file storage and collaboration service into their offering. It provides a key Application Programming Interface (API) class which contains "methods" that a calling program invokes to login, logout, and query the Punch Server as well as to publish and download files. With the Server SDK, for instance, a company or site that offers email to its customers could integrate Punch's file storage and collaboration services right into the existing email User Interface (UI), allowing users to access their emails and files at the same time.

Windows SDK
The range of possible ways for applications to work and present information in the Windows environment is quite broad. No development organization can anticipate all requirements for all types of users. To that end, the Windows SDK will allow a developer to create a native Windows client of the Punch WebGroups product that reflects the work style of its customers and/or end users. It includes an ActiveX Component Object Model (COM) object which may be "dropped into" any of the standard Windows development environments. The COM object itself may be driven from Visual Basic, C++ or even from JavaScript from within an HTML or HTA page. This will allow developers to create a Windows application that offers any or all of the features of the WebGroups product, including uploading and downloading files, archiving versions, granting/restricting access to others, etc.

While other simple storage service providers offer static private label services, only Punch offers robust tools that give developers more control, more options and direct access to the platform to allow developers to create systems that are truly differentiated.

"Web storage is a commodity. Smart companies and smart service providers are going to look beyond cookie-cutter services to companies like Punch that add value to Web storage through rich technology," said Campbell. "With our developer program and its tools, developers can create services that not only reflect their brand, but also are unique to the rest of the market."

About Punch Networks Corporation
Based in Seattle, Wash., Punch Networks develops software and services that help people effectively manage changing digital information. The company's flagship product, Punch WebGroups, offers users robust file collaboration features via a standard Web browser. Punch Networks offers the Punch WebGroups service from its own site as well as co-branded versions of the service from partner sites. Punch also offers the service direct to companies as a hosted service for intranet and extranet use. Instant Folders, Punch's desktop-to-desktop file synchronization application, is based on the same core patented technology as Punch WebGroups.

For more information, visit the Punch Networks website at www.punchnetworks.com, email info@punchnetworks.com, or call (206) 343-7661.