- Info
System Platform
Questions:
1. Is Mark IV a hosted Web application or server-based?
2. Can Microsoft Terminal Services or Citrix thin client solutions be used?
3. How does the hosted option work?
4. How are product updates managed?
5. What happens if we have a problem with the software?
6. What kind of data storage and record retention does your company provide?
Is Mark IV a hosted Web application or server-based?
Mark IV is a rich client solution that can either be managed behind your firewall or be hosted by Cypress via its AT&T Internet data center located in Dallas, Texas.
Unlike other, older in-house platforms that use outmoded architectures, Mark IV is designed from the ground up using industry-leading Microsoft tools:
- Our preferred server operating system is Windows 2000 Server ® +
- Our database platform is Microsoft SQL 2000 ® +
- The Mark IV code base is optimized to run over a WAN/LAN architecture with minimal I/O
What this means is that Mark IV is built on a proven code base and uses an open database architecture that is both highly scalable and stable.
Can Microsoft Terminal Services or Citrix thin client solutions be used?
Yes, with the installation of Windows 2000 Server ® +, you have the option to use either solution.
The advantages include:
- Users login to the server to run their session of Mark IV, thereby reducing the need for IT field support
- Client workstations do not have to be updated
- WAN bandwidth between branch locations as low as 128 kbps can be used without noticeable loss of performance
How does the hosted option work?
We offer the option for Mark IV to be hosted in the event your institution chooses not to manage your Mark IV solution in-house. Cypress provides a hosting solution via its AT&T Internet data center (IDC), a SAS70 certified partner. Mark IV is delivered from fully secure, state-of-the-art servers via Microsoft Terminal Services technology.
How are product updates managed?
Updates can be downloaded via secure ftp from the client log-in area of the Cypress website, www.go-cypress.com, and only need be performed at the server.
For those not using Terminal Server or Citrix, once users log-in to Mark IV, their workstations automatically pull any available updates. There is no need for IT staff to perform manual updates to workstations.
What happens if we have a problem with the software?
An in-house solution means you have ultimate control over your valuable data since it is stored within your walls. This means you have control over security and frequency of access. This also reduces calls to Product Support when Internet lines go down, for example.
If a problem should occur, Cypress has the following solutions in place:
- Remote support sessions, provided via WebEx, enable support professionals to quickly troubleshoot issues
- Online support ticket submission and tracking is available through the client log-in area of the cypress website
- Built-in error handling that includes automatic routing of an error message by email back to Cypress for analysis. This email is sent in the background performed without interruption to the user
Phone and email support is managed by seasoned technology experts who will work quickly to resolve any problem you may have
What kind of data storage and record retention does your company provide?
Length of record retention is defined by your institution. The amount of data storage becomes a function of how much disk storage space is available on your server. The database platform is SQL Server, a highly scalable platform which can provide effectively unlimited record retention. Cypress does provide the ability to periodically archive and/or purge data that is no longer needed.
