Installing the PB Shim Proxy Layer for SendSuite Live

Pitney Bowes is moving from ConnectShip to a new carrier library solution, the PB Carrier Library (PBCL). As part of this change, the PB Shim Proxy Layer needs to be installed.
Products affected: SendSuite® Live

SendSuite Live utilizes a third-party carrier connector called ConnectShip for the purpose of providing carrier rating, ERR and Registered Mail returns, and tracking support.

Effective March 31st, 2022, Pitney Bowes will not be renewing our SendSuite Live ConnectShip licenses and will instead transition to a new carrier library solution. The ConnectShip licensing is covered as part of the SMA contract tied to your lease and is billed annually for clients who purchased their solutions.

We will be implementing a phased approach for our SendSuite Live clients. In preparation for the new carrier library solution, you need to install the PB Shim Proxy as the framework for the future carrier library on the computer that hosts SendSuite Live. For more information about the Shim Proxy and Carrier Library, see SendSuite Live & PB Carrier Library.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure that the following prerequisites are satisfied:

  1. Customer business name (preferably the name by which the company is known to Pitney Bowes)
  2. Ensure that the following ports are open:
    • Port 8084 (local only)
    • Port 443 (Internet)
  3. The following URL is whitelisted in all applicable firewalls:
    • https://api.sendpro360.pitneybowes.com/connectship

Download and Install the Software

  1. Download the PB Shim Proxy to a familiar location (e.g., Downloads folder) on the SendSuite Live application server (computer hosting SendSuite Live).
  2. Navigate to the download location.
  3. Right-click on ShimProxyInstaller.exe and select Run as administrator.
  4. Select Next.
  5. (Optional) Change the destination folder.
  6. Select Next.
  7. The installer attempts to detect the SendSuite Live website location. If the automatic detection doesn't work, use the Browse button to manually select it.
  8. Select Next.
  9. (Optional) Enter proxy server information, if applicable.
  10. (Optional) Select Agree to allow the PB Shim Proxy to collect data.
  11. Enter a name. This should be a business name. (If you are installing in a Quality Assurance environment, please add "QA" to the end of the Business Name, for example, Bill's Widgets-QA.)
  12. (Optional) Change the default port and timeout values.
  13. Select Install.
  14. When the installation is complete, select Close.

Verify Successful Installation

  1. Check for a PB Shim Proxy icon with the PB logo in the Windows system tray (the small icons near the clock).
  2. Check for Windows services:
    1. In the Windows search box, type services, then select Services (App).
    2. Find PB Shim Proxy Service. The status should say Running. If it does not, close all programs and restart the computer, then check again.

UPDATED: June 21, 2023