I wrote (err... write) MileTracker. Here's a few comments to various posts in this thread:

1) Though I no longer use it, Yodlee provides a great service. The two main issues that I have with them are:

a) If you're not online, you don't have access to any of your information.

b) All of your usernames and passwords are saved on their computers. I'm not all that worried about someone getting access to let's say my OnePass PIN, since no serious damage could be done. It would just cause a headache. But the fact that a devoted Yodlee user has all of the logins to their frequent flier, credit card, bank, investment, etc. accounts all in one place scares me. If someone gets access to all of that information, they can cause you a serious "identity" nightmare. And people do get access to this information occassionally. Look at what happened to AOL last week. MileTracker stores all of that information encrypted on your harddrive, and your harddrive alone.

2) I'm keeping quiet about the MileTracker re-write for now. There's a lot of cool stuff that I'm working on that I think users will appreciate. As it is, MileTracker is a pretty dumb application. I'm not saying that it was easy to write, but the only thing that it knows how to do is to retrieve your balances. How to use those balances is a whole other story that involves a heck of a lot more complexity. I'm hoping to use the brains of the computer and hopefully the shared knowledge of the entire FF community to help a user burn their miles efficiently and intelligently...

3) I posted an update to version 1.2 last night that should fix all of the major issues that have been reported (such as Hilton and Alaska issues) in addition to adding a few new providers.

4) Thanks to everyone that's emailed me about bugs and compliments. I promise that I read everything that's sent to me. If I don't give you a personal reply, I apologize. I just get so many messages and it's tough to juggle time between responding to emails and writing new code. Also, I am especially appreciative for the donations that I've received (I've added a button to the MileTracker site - thanks to Christian/cxn for the idea). They help to pay for web hosting, software, etc. I promise that I have spent a lot more money on this project than I have earned back. I'm okay spending my free time on it since it's fun and challenging, but it's always a little bit of a downer when I have to fork over my own cash. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks,
Mike

[This message has been edited by jimbob (edited 02-23-2003).]

Oops. Duplicate post.

[This message has been edited by jimbob (edited 02-23-2003).]

I use the Fidelity full-view to track every single account of every type imaginable that I have online. It's the same thing as Yodlee, so if you don't already have an account with Fidelity, I would recommend using Yodlee.

Thanks for the 'fix' Mike. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

HH and AS updated perfectly.

Mike - I LOVE this program ---had some trouble - but your upgrade seems to fixed that - as long as I just access ONE account for Hilton (Spousal) --I did have a dilema trying to get the correct version on both my computers (laptop and desktop - they are networked) but finally just figured it out!!!! Thank you for all this - will await your new version with great expectations!

Thanks Mike, great program!

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Mike

Looking forward to great things -

I have never bothered to register or pay the nominal fee for public domain software

It is probably time for me to send you a renewal but I think I will wait for the new version

I have never had a problem paying a small amounts to people who write good code/software.

Christian

Mike,

Thanks from me too for the update, all my accounts work now too, even Midwest Express. Who would have thought that they have passwords that expire.

Jay

The problem I have with software (instead of an online service) is that it requires constant upgrading, since all these different sites frequently change how the data is presented and the software has to be rewritten to accomodate that.

I suppose the software could be written so that it checks in with the author's website for automatic updates before it retrieves balances.

But I would still prefer to have access to a comprehensive online site that stores my data online so that I could access it from any computer in the world.

No matter which method you prefer, you still have to end up trusting the software author or online service provider as both will have access to your passwords and account information. SSL encryption on every lookup is also a must to prevent Internet traffic interception.

Have you downloaded the software? Apparently not, as the software does include an auto-update feature. Also, the software is only about a 100K, so it takes a second or so to download. It also means you store all your usernames/passwords (it does have a backup function too). Lastly, the author is providing it for free, unlike some other sources. Also, it's great if you do fly a lot as it allows you to look up your balances while on the flight.

There is a new version (1.6) of MileTracker out. Evidently it adds several new airlines. Great job, Mike!

http://www.MileTracker.com

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Middle_Seat