Minor change planned for Market Data (Dispatch) files (UPDATE)

The Platts Dispatch product line has been rebranded as Platts Market Data. All Platts end-of-day data categories (formerly Dispatch categories) will now be referred to as Platts Market Data categories. In addition, all Data Add-ons to our real-time services have been rebranded as Platts Market Data Add-ons.

As part of this rebranding process, Platts is planning to make a minor change to the header format for Market Data files (formerly known as Platts Dispatch files) delivered via the Platts FTP site. Current files include a reference to Dispatch on the second line:

COPYRIGHT 2011 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. Platts_Dispatch 201102020049 00526 FINAL EB 20110201

After the change, which we expect to make in early May, the reference will change to PlattsMarketData:

COPYRIGHT 2011 THE MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, INC. PlattsMarketData 201102020049 00526 FINAL EB 20110201

Except in the rare cases where user processes check for the specific text 'Platts_Dispatch' in file headers, this change will not affect users. In particular, since the new reference is the same length as the existing one, the position and content of the other fields on the second header line, which are more likely to be used, will remain unchanged. Note that the new reference will be 'PlattsMarketData', rather than 'Platts_Mkt_Data' as originally announced on February 7.

Platts subscribers and vendor partners will be provided access via FTP to test files with the new header format during April, 2011. More information will be provided shortly in a separate announcement.

The rebranding is based on extensive industry research and is in response to client feedback. Platts is committed to ensuring that existing industry players and newcomers alike recognize us as a leading publisher of market data in the global energy, petrochemical and metals markets, and we strongly believe that this new name promotes that image more accurately. We have already started using the Platts Market Data name on our website and other marketing materials and will be referencing the change in all issued invoices.

If you have any comments or questions regarding this announcement, please contact your local Platts Customer Care representative, or email support@platts.com.