The Mill offers several types of delivery methods, including data downloads, streaming, and APIs:
Downloads: In a download delivery, datasets are transferred from provider to customer via the Mill. This option is typically used for large collections of files that are amassed and stored together in a single location. These datasets are downloaded directly from the Mill, or directly to your computer via the web interface. Grist Mill Exchange acts as a temporary pass-through to the transfer, so the provider and customer systems never interact directly. Delivery frequencies vary for downloads: some are one-time deliveries, or are on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual schedule.
Streaming: Streaming deliveries work well for rapidly collected, time-sensitive data. With streaming deliveries, customers can continuously receive new data from a provider as it becomes available. Pricing is typically based on the amount of time the delivery stream is active or an agreed-upon volume of data.
APIs: Many data providers give customers access to their datasets through an API. APIs enable maximum speed and flexibility, allowing customers to retrieve exactly the data they need. To protect privacy, data requests go through the Mill’s API proxy. This proxy acts as a secure pass-through between providers and customers, ensuring anonymity while simplifying access.
