Platts Market Data (Dispatch) enhancements/Beta Test

On May 9, 2011, Platts will introduce a new FTP delivery platform which will greatly improve data delivery timing, stability and scalability, and provide multi-protocol support. Although introducing the new platform involves replacing and upgrading the current delivery platform, the customer-facing folder system and file formats associated with the Platts Market Data service (formerly Platts Dispatch) will be largely unaffected, with only minor changes. This ensures minimal impact on service for our valued subscribers.

To validate the change, Platts will be introducing a beta testing program to enable interested subscribers to test current processes/workflows against the new platform. This program will be active from April 11 through April 29, 2011.

The key changes that will affect subscribers during the beta testing program and migration to the new platform once launched are as follows:

** Starting April 11, connection to the beta test facility can be established using ftpbeta.platts.com . When the new platform is launched into production it will be mapped to the legacy URL (ftp.platts.com), thus ensuring seamless transition to the new platform.

** If you access the current FTP site using an IP address, a new IP address will be provided for beta testing and the new platform. It is important to note that the beta test IP address will become the production IP address when the new platform is launched on May 9, replacing the current one. Note: Platts recommends always using the URL for access, and provides IP addresses only for those customers that require them.

** On May 16, 2011, delivery times on the new site will be changed to provide more timely access to Platts Market Data. We will announce the new delivery schedule in a forthcoming subscriber note once testing is completed.

** The second file header line in Market Data files will be updated to reflect new Platts branding (previously announced here http://www.platts.com/SubscriberNotesDetails/3312076 ): * Current format: Platts_Dispatch 201101062041 00074 EMEA BL 20110106 * New format: PlattsMarketData 201101062041 00074 EMEA BL 20110106

** The content of files from the new system will differ slightly from current files: * New and current files will contain the same data, but data records will not be in the same order. Since data records in current files have no defined sequence, this change should not affect users. * Whole-number price values in current files are always followed by '.0'. In new files, the values will be the same, but won't include the '.0' - e.g. a price value of 123.0 in current files will appear as 123 in new files.

Whether or not you decide to participate in the beta test, please know that we value your feedback and we would appreciate receiving comments related to Platts FTP delivery at ftp_beta@platts.com.

If you have questions, call us on the following numbers: Asia-Pacific: +65-6530-6430, Europe, Middle East & Africa: +44-20-7176-6111, North America: +1-800-752-8878, Latin America: +54-11-4804-1890.

Please continue to monitor Platts Subscriber notices for future details about this upcoming beta testing program and system replacement.