Connect to WebLINK
https://www.link.dla.mil

• WEBLINK International New!
• How to use LINK
• Register for LINK
• New Version PCLINK Release
• Download PCLINK Software
• Quick Tips for using LINK
• RapidLINK Interactive Access
• SmartLINK Automated Research
• LINK Responses to Spreadsheets or Databases
• What’s Next
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Where Can I get Training
• Questions & Comments
• LINK Statistics

How to Use LINK

Below is a brief description of how LINK works. You need to know this so you can determine the best way to access LINK.  Remember, regardless of the way you choose, you have to register.  See requirements under the Register for LINK section.

LINK uses a client/server configuration. The client is the part you see - the screens for building/sending queries and receiving/reading responses. The server is the part that goes to the databases to retrieve the information you requested.

LINK processes your queries in two ways: fast batch and instantaneous.

Fast Batch Processing

1. You build your queries on a client and send them to the LINK server.
2. The server signs onto the host systems for you and retrieves the information you requested.
3. You communicate with the server again to download your response files, unless you elect to receive your responses via email.

Even though LINK provides real-time data from its source systems, since the server is "acting as your proxy" to retrieve information, you may not receive your responses instantly. Our standard is to deliver responses to you within an hour.  However, you will usually receive responses within minutes.

Instantaneous Processing

LINK now provides rapid access (RapidLINK) to twelve databases: the Logistics Information Processing System (LIPS), the DAASC Inquiry system, the Distribution Standard System (DSS), the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS), the Standard Automated Materiel Management System/Business Systems Modernization (SAMMS/BSM), the Army’s Logistics Integrated Data Base (Army LIDB), the Web Visual Logistics Information and Processing System (WEBVLIPS), the DLA Defense Supply Center Philadelphia Inventory Locator Network (DILNet), the Navy’s Inventory Control Point Asset Visibility System (NAVICP), the Air Force/Marine Corps Stock Control System (SCS), the World-wide Port System (WPS) and the Air Force Materiel Command’s TRACKER.  Instant access is available only on the World Wide Web version of LINK (WEBLINK). You should receive your responses in seconds.

There are two types of LINK clients:

WEBLINK - your access to LINK on the World Wide Web.

PCLINK - this is software you load on your PC so you can send queries to and get responses directly from the LINK servers.

The client you use depends on the power of your PC, your connection to the Internet, and your personal preference.

WEBLINK

You will need a web browser, either Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer, with at least 128-bit encryption. The address for WEBLINK is https://www.link.dla.mil. If you have a 486 PC or better, good access to the Internet, and only need to do a handful of high priority queries, WEBLINK is for you.

PCLINK

Your PC can also act as a LINK client. This involves installing the PCLINK software on your computer. An advantage to PCLINK is you are connected to the network only when you communicate (send queries, receive responses) with the LINK server.  All other processing is done on your PC. This means "No waiting for the Internet" when you build your queries and receive your responses.  PCLINK is the preferred tool for performing batch queries.

The minimum you need to use PCLINK:

• MS Windows 95 or later
• Read/Write/Delete access to HARD drive with 20 MB disk space available.
• 486-33mhz PC or better
• MB RAM memory
• Communications - either:
  • Internet TCP/IP WINSOCK.DLL (vendor supplied) or
  • Asynchronous Modem (14.4K baud rate or better)
• Color Monitor (SVGA 800X600 suggested)
• Mouse (Microsoft compatible)
• Printer

If you use FED LOG (Federal Logistics Data on CD ROM), you will want to use PCLINK. Since January 1998, DLIS made PCLINK software available through FED LOG.