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MarketLinx recently launched a new application that allows Mac users to access the MLS directly from their Mac OS system. The traditional alternative is having to install a third party application such as Paralles or VM Fusion software then installing Windows so that you can run Internet Explorer to access the MLS.

The MarketLinx application is called IDS and you can find the download instructions at the following link: IDS Links Mac Installation Guide_SEF

I have been using it for a week or so. It works well and is fairly stable. Unfortunately it is somewhat slow when compared to running the MLS direct from Internet Explorer.

IDS is a temporarely solution for those who prefer not to installed Windows on their Macs.

Hopefully by sometime early in 2011, MarketLinx will release the MLS on all internet browers as I discussed in my earlier blog.

For more information or if you have any questions or comments, please send me an e-mail to: michael@miamiflorida.com or call me at my mobile 305.450.0036

During a recent conversation with a MarketLinx representative on the subject of MLS access and the limitations impose by Internet Explorer, the MarketLinx representative said and I quote “we are developing a solution that will allow native MLS access from virtually any platform or browser, including Mac OSX, Safari, Firefox, Chrome, etc.  The first Beta installation is happening this spring; rollout to the majority of our MLS customers should begin around the end of the year 2010. Depending on where Southeast Florida MLS falls in the installation schedule, you may not see it until late winter or spring 2011.  And that is assuming there are no major hiccups between now and then.  That said, this is a very high priority project for MarketLinx, so we’ll be doing our best to stick to the schedule.”

Once these changes become available, it means that no longer you will need to run Windows in order to access the MLS.

As of today the only way to access the MLS is using Windows Internet Explorer application. If you are using a Mac, you first need to install Parallels or VM Fusion software, which allows you to run the Windows operating system (XP or Windows 7). Then of course you can run Internet Explorer and be able to access the MLS. You can also purchase a copy of Crossover software which allows you to run Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0 beta. I have tested all of the above solutions and find that Parallels running Windows XP a reasonable combination. But no as a simple, reliable and efficient as running a native Mac application.

Well, hold tight MAC users, within a year from today or sooner your Windows frustrations will go away… You will have access to the MLS using Safari, Firefox, Chrome or any other browser of your choice.

For more information or if you have any questions or comments, please send me an e-mail to: michael@miamiflorida.com or call me at my mobile 305.450.0036