Unlike traditional export requests made via the API, the batch file export (bulk async) method is an asynchronous process in which ExactTarget generates requests for account data in an offline manner. A request is made and placed into a queue. That request is then picked up by a service to generate the XML output and place it into a zipped file.
To use the batch export service, you need to have ExactTarget set up a custom username and password for your login to the secure FTP site, where you download the output of your batch call. Contact your ExactTarget representative for further details.
The general process for using the batch export service is as follows:
Use the appropriate API bulk async call to submit your batch export request, which (if successful) places your request in the queue. (Use the contents pane on the left to browse through the help topics describing the calls available.)
Inquire on the status of your request. See Batch Inquire (Status Check).
When the status indicates that your request has been completely processed, log in to the secure FTP site to retrieve the zipped file with your output. See Output for a Batch File Export (Bulk Async) Call.
Note: The zipped output file will be available on the secure FTP site for a period of 72 hours.
Use WinZip or another decompression utility to pull the XML output file from the zipped file.