HardLink Terminology

Tag

A ‘Tag’ is a generic name for an instance of any of the 2D barcode formats such as an MS Tag or a QR Code.

Snap

A ‘Snap’ occurs when the HardLink URL related to a Campaign Item is accessed. This most commonly occurs when a Tag is scanned by an end user’s mobile device and their web browser is directed to the HardLink platform, but also occurs if the Campaign Item’s URL is accessed directly. Such direct access can occur if the URL is emailed or sent via SMS to an end user, for example.

When the Campaign Item’s HardLink URL is accessed, the HardLink platform derives the end user’s mobile device information, stores the Snap information and redirects the end user to the target, which is normally a Mobi site.

Mobi Sites / Mobi Pages

A Mobi site is a website that is aware of the difference in requirements between full web browsers and their mobile device equivalents. Mobi sites deliver Mobi pages to mobile devices.

The end result of a Snap is normally the delivery of a Mobi page. These Mobi pages can be delivered from the HardLink platform or from third-party web infrastructure.

HardLink Information Requests (The HardLink API)

Device capability information can be retrieved from the HardLink platform by using the HardLink API. This information allows a target Mobi site to alter its delivery to best suit a user’s device. In the near future, the HardLink platform will also include end-user registration capability. This will allow end-users to register once on the HardLink platform and then choose to allow or deny other Mobi sites to use this stored information rather than requiring users to register multiple times on different Mobi sites.

The Future

We’re working hard on adding lots of new functionality to the HardLink platform. We will announce what’s coming next on this page and on Twitter / Facebook – please follow us to get the news as it breaks!