For Immediate Release
Washington, DC
September 4, 2001
Contact: Bob Foley, President FCS, (301) 562 7790 ext. 12

AESDirect Service Arrives on Users Desktops

The U.S. Census Bureau Launches AESPcLink - The Desktop PC Component of AESDirect

Silver Spring, MD, September 4, 2001 - Today the Census Bureau released for use AESPcLink, its new Windows based desktop PC component of the AESDirect Service. AESPcLink makes it even easier to use the Internet based AESDirect Service to file shipper-export declarations (SEDs) electronically to the U.S. Customs Automated Export System (AES). AESPcLink, which has been developed and is maintained by Flagship Customs Services, Inc., allows any AESDirect filer to enter their SEDs off-line and connect to AESDirect using the Internet to submit their SEDs to AES.

AESPcLink, which operates as an integrated and seamless component of AESDirect, is available free of charge to any company authorized to use AESDirect. Companies can install AESPcLink on as many of their desktop PCs as they wish in order to facilitate their AESDirect use. AESPcLink is available to be downloaded from the AESDirect website (www.AESDirect.gov). Companies may also request a copy of AESPcLink on CD-ROM through the AESDirect website. "Census is anticipating over 20,000 requests for copies of AESPcLink in the coming months. AESPcLink includes many exciting and new features, which add to and compliment the existing AESDirect Service. We believe that AESPcLink, will further increase the already high level of electronic SED filing into AES", said Mr. C. Harvey Monk, Jr., Chief of Census's Foreign Trade Division.

How does AESPcLink work? Users will be able to enter and save company profiles, SED templates, and SEDs on their PCs. AESPcLink allows users to connect to their AESDirect account to submit SEDs, retrieve previously filed SEDs, inquire about the status of their SEDs, and if needed, delete them from AESDirect. To start using AESPcLink a user will simply obtain the software (downloaded from AESDirect or from CD-ROM), install it on their PC, register their installation with AESDirect over the Internet, and they are ready to go.

AESPcLink includes a getting started guide to help the user install and run the program. AESPcLink also includes built in software and AES table update features. These features simplify the task of maintaining compatibility with AES and AESDirect as they are changed and updated.

"With the introduction of AESPcLink, the AESDirect Service, with its existing interactive web and EDI services, represents a unique example of how to blend the potential of the desktop, the connectivity of the Internet and the web, with the power of a Centralized Service Center. All of these elements work together to allow thousands of companies, of all sizes and types, to become part of the e-business revolution", said Mr. Robert Foley, President of FCS.