SIMS Mobile

[woody]

Finally got my hands on the SIMS Mobile software. We have bought one license for an initial trial to see how well it works.

I started to read through the installation manual for the server side and realised that MS SQL Server 2000+ was required. (I wasn't told this when I was in consultation with capita. We are running our Sims DB on MSDE. Is there anyway I can install the Mobile software using MSDE? Any instructions? I've logged a call with Capita but it will probably be a few days yet.

[Uraken]

where did you get the sims mobile software and can i assume that it needs a constant connection or can it work offline?

[Jamie_a]

I`ve had it since the beggining of the year and cant get it to work I get a network error message when i try to connect the pda and capita supports as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

[PhilNeal]

We do recommend purchasing a service day to install the necessary MS software that Mobile requires - it is not as simple to install as SIMS. Our Service Desk is up to speed on how to resolve most issues. If you would like to let me know your case number I will investigate.

[Jamie_a]

0703-120419 cheers mate

[PhilNeal]

Thanks Jamie - someone will call you shortly.

[Uraken]

"We do recommend purchasing a service day to install the necessary MS software that Mobile requires - it is not as simple to install as SIMS"

are you serious phil! you create and sell software and then want to charge people to have it installed? hows that work then? and i agree jamie sims helpdesk needs a shake up ( i don't normally slate anyone in their work but the service is and has not been up to speed for a long time).

[djm968]

Hats of to you PhilNeal.....

Brave man.

[PhilNeal]

Uraken we do everything we can to reduce the complexity of an install. Mobile however requires IIS and something else (sorry I'm not technical) to be installed as well - it is this that we recommend a support package for.

[StArbiter]

I spoke to a SIMS reference site regarding the Mobile software and came away thinking the install package was a necessity. The network manager was very clued up (much better trained than me) and said he learnt far more from the engineers than he expected. We also went through the new install notes which are a considerable improvement on the orginal. In the end it will come down to how much you value your time - I'm paying :x for someone else to do it this time.

[jumpinjamez]

I am sure i have read that all Sims users will require at Least SQL 2000 soon? Also windows 2003.

I will go check it out again as i remember asking the LEA about this and getting no reply.

[wesleyw]

Nope at least SQL 2005 Express or SQL 2005 by September this will be mandatory.

Wes

[Jamie_a]

Since yesterdays response I`ve had a load of help fom capita and sorted the issue.

[Uraken]

fair play to you phil for coming along and running the gauntlet on behalf of Sims but if we don't tell you when your getting things wrong how can you learn from us and make your product better ( this has to include support), my point was that i was a little disapointed when you said its not a simple install and that you recommend a days service, surely the idea is to provide a working document or a simpler install, that said i do appreciate the complexitys of the product but this appreciation is not shared by SMT etc that want the installs done seamlessly out of hours and without glitch, read the forums this simply does not happen.
There was a radical shake up two years ago at sims support during the time when web support was implemented and i was contacted direct by one of your head honchos and things seemed to be going well but we can't all be wrong can we?

[PhilNeal]

Uraken, thanks for the feedback - I have to run the gauntlet as I'm the director that is responsible for SIMS!!

We have reviewed the first cut documentation of Mobile because to be frank, it could have been clearer. We are absolutely committed to driving the need for service days to an absolute minimum; ease of use is an absolute requirement.