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Letter to CMS Truckwin Direct Connect Users

In 2004 we have been working hard on new development features and making changes to our 2005 version to enable our users to upgrade to either Microsoft’s Access 2003 or SQL database. Access 2003, like Excel now links to Microsoft’s Share Point Services and other related products allowing you to share table data with others on your team and download Truckwin information into other Access tables for further analyzing or reporting. Other functional improvements include better error-checking for forms and reports and a new backup database option that lets you create a backup while you work.
In addition we have made modifications to the software to run “thin client” and VPN (vitual private network) technology.A thin client (called Terminal Services) technology allows users to move away from having Truckwin programs loaded on every computer. With terminal service configurations the PC is converted into a “dumb” terminal that connects directly to a main computer containing the Truckwin programs and data. The terminal PC (the thin client) receives only screen form shots and data and sends and receives commands. The advantages are several: older computers can be fully utilized, security and other administrative functions are minimized and technical assistance and support time can be reduced.
Jerry Noonan, President.

CMS now a Microsoft Partner

In 2004 CMS became a Microsoft Partner. This has made available a host of Microsoft’s Development tools, related products and access to technical libraries and bulletins. We now have available to us under licensing agreements the following products through this partnership.

• Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition

• Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition

• Windows Small Business Server 2003 both Standard and Premium Edition

• Microsoft Share Point

• Microsoft Office 2003 Professional Edition

• Windows XP Professional

• Microsoft Office 2003

• Microsoft One Note 2003

• Microsoft SQL Server 2000

• Microsoft One Note 2003

With these products now in our support center we are able to offer our users expanded Truckwin and Microsoft Support services more than just Truckwin Support. The new Remote Support Service Contract now incorporates the support of Microsoft products . In addition we can assist you in also evaluating Microsoft products to determine your needs. Microsoft support services now available are further described in the highlights to our new Remote Support Contract set forth in page 2 of this newsletter.

Testing on Access 2003 & SQL Completed

With no 97 database issues converting to Access 2003 should take 1 to 2 hours. You do not need to purchase Access 2003 unless you want to do some of your own queries to create features or links to Excel spreadsheets. Access 2003 provides a number of other opportunities to export and link to other Microsoft related products such as Share Point Services, One Note, Outlook Express or other Access 2003 tables for further analysis of the table information contained in the Truckwin database.

During 2004, CMS has been fully beta testing and operating Truckwin applications using the SQL database for the past nine months. Truckwin programs now successfully operate on the SQL platform. Microsoft currently has three SQL Server Platforms: SQL Server 2000, 2003 and soon to be shipped 2005.  
While transferring of Access 97 files to a SQL database is completed by a Microsoft Wizard within SQL, success in running SQL will depend more on the skill sets of your network and computer personnel. SQL requires much more technical abilities than running an Access database. SQL has more setup, maintenance and security issues and a significant number of operator, job, alerts and e-mail features. The good part of SQL is the number of additional procedures and events that can be programmed using SQL commands and programs.
You will need to purchase SQL server if you want to migrate. Once purchased and installed, CMS can provide you with the necessary technical assistance to transfer your data files over to the SQL Server 7 database. Time and installation costs will not be included in your Annual Service Contract.

Connecting Remote Offices to Truckwin

A number of our users are asking how they can most effectively connect Truckwin to other locations or a central office location.
Users can accomplished the connection with any one of three solutions.

• Symantec’s PC Anywhere offers a complete communications solution for remote control, file transfer and general communication needs to call the office computer from home or another office location.

• Some users have used Virtual Private Network (VPN) software using high speed DSL internet connections. The most successful VPN connection identified to date has been accomplished by using the inexpensive Instant Broadband EtherFast DSL VPN Routers from Linksys/Cisco on each end. Cost approximately $150 per location. This connection is an ideal solution for remotely accessing a network securely over the Internet. It uses cutting edge encryption and authentication methods. It also cuts Microsoft out of the equation.

• In 2005 using Terminal Services software will also be an option. CMS has reprogrammed temporary print and query routines to accommodate the Terminal Service framework.

• To learn more about these configurations please contact us for detailed information and specifications.