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On
what computer platform does PackMan run? |
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PackMan
runs on all modern versions of Windows. It is recommended that PackMan server
components be installed on machines running Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, or higher. PackMan now runs on Windows Vista. |
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Do
we need specialized computer hardware to run the PackMan system? |
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PackMan
will run on any standard Pentium-class desktop or notebook computer. Disk
storage requirements are minimal. Naturally, PackMan server
machines that support many users will benefit from increased memory
and processing power. |
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Do
we need a dedicated server for each PackMan site? |
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A dedicated
server is not a requirement for running PackMan, though it is desirable
in offices with a large number of simultaneous users. PackMan
server software can share a machine that handles other functions
such as file/print sharing or email. Each server license
also includes a client license, so it is possible for somebody to
use PackMan on a machine that doubles as a server for a small office.
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What kind of network setup do we need to support multiple users in
our office? |
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PackMan
runs over any local area network which supports the TCP/IP protocol. This
includes most typical Windows NT and Windows 2000 LAN installations. |
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What
sort of network setup is required to connect our geographically separated
offices? |
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Because
PackMan runs over TCP/IP networks, you have many connectivity options
ranging from dial-up modems to high-speed Internet access. A
virtual private network (VPN) is recommended for security and convenience. VPN's
have become an increasingly common choice for businesses with access
to inexpensive Internet offerings such as cable modems and DSL.
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How
does the replication system work? |
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One
machine in the PackMan system is designated as the "replication server" and is always available to exchange data with people
on the road who connect their notebook computers to the network
on an as-needed basis. If PackMan is used in more than
one office, the local server in each office connects periodically
to the replication server so that all users in every office have access
to current data. Every notebook computer and every server
holds a full set of data for total redundancy.
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What
happens if there's a problem with the replication server? |
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If
the replication server is down for a short time due to, for instance, a
power outage, PackMan remains available to every LAN user in each
office having a standalone local server. Notebook computers
continue to operate normally and can replicate when the server becomes available again. In the event the problem persists
for an extended period, the server at any other site can take on the
"replication server" role. |
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Why
can't we just connect all the machines in our various offices directly
to a central server across the VPN?
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Technically,
you can do this rather than using the replication system. However,
even today's relatively high-speed WAN connections will probably not
provide the crisp performance that users on a local area network experience. Furthermore,
if the central server goes down, or the network connection is interrupted,
all users will be negatively impacted. Reliability is affected
because you sacrifice the benefits of redundancy which are inherent
in the replication approach. |
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Do
we need to purchase a client license for every person who uses PackMan? |
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No,
PackMan is licensed on a per-machine basis. A single machine
running PackMan on a warehouse floor might be used by a dozen people,
but that only requires one client license. By the same
token, an executive or designer who travels with a notebook computer
will need one client license. |
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How
do we get the data from our old system into PackMan?
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Abacus
Productions will work with you to ease the transition to PackMan from
whatever system you're using now. We can migrate data from
Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, text format, most commercially
available database back-ends, and even proprietary data storage formats. We've
worked for years with IT staffs from major U.S. corporations and have
handled many data conversion projects. |
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Who
provides training and support for PackMan?
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We
want PackMan to quickly become an integral part of your business so
on-site installation, training and consulting are included in the
purchase price (less travel expenses). A year's worth of
follow-up phone support is also included, and support is renewable
through an annual maintenance agreement or as needed. |
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What
is your policy on upgrading the PackMan software?
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As
features and enhancements are added to PackMan, we release new versions
in the form of software upgrades. The PackMan purchase
price includes one year of software upgrades, and upgrades are included
in the annual maintenance agreement. We continually strive
to improve the PackMan product based on user feedback and new technologies,
and want to make it as easy as possible for you to benefit from any
improvements. |
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