Managing and maintaining computers can be expensive, difficult and time consuming.
1st, in conjunction with specialist ASP provider Acuutech, has developed a secure ASP hosting service which allows you to access your system anywhere through the Internet and Internet Explorer, thus eliminating the need to host the software locally.
A technology solution previously only used by large financial institutions is now available to advisory firms of all sizes and budgets, and requires no IT support on your part. By adopting 1st's ASP solution you have the peace of mind that comes with:
- Specialist IT professionals dedicated to maintaining the service
- Computers in a secure controlled environment protected from flood, theft and power outages
- Data which is backed-up daily and stored off-site
- Appropriate firewalls and security measures in place to protect against hackers and viruses
- Automatic upgrades to the latest releases of Adviser Office, Microsoft Office and Outlook
A planned upgrade and renewal program is in place to ensure that the computer hardware is updated and the software used is the latest release.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I access the service from my PC at home?
Yes – as long as you have an internet connection
- Will the service work over a dial-up modem?
Yes, but broadband is preferable
- Can I access my diary and email from a mobile phone or PDA ?
Mobiles and PDAs can be used to collect email as long as they support IMAP4. However we are unable to provide any support for configuration/use. We also support the Blackberry handheld device which gives remote access to your email and calendar
- Is my existing PC suitable to run this service?
The minimum specification to run this service is a Personal Computer (PC) PII or PIII, 128MB RAM, 4.0GB Hard Drive & Windows 2000 professional. Also a graphics card which will support at least 1024 x 768 and 16-bit colour.
- Can I use Thin Client Hardware or dumb terminals?
Yes, this service will work with thin client hardware or dumb terminals
- Is my data backed up every night?
Yes, your company's data is backed up every night based on a 7 day rotation
- Can I share my diary and calendar company wide or with another user?
Yes, you will be given access to carry out these internal administration task(s)
- What is the maximum size of mailbox I can have?
The maximum mailbox size allocated by default is 500MB. When a user reaches near this threshold they will be given the chance to archive old emails
- Can I have additional backup over and above the nightly backup kept in our possession?
Yes, we run a service to reverse replicate the information from our server to your local site (optional) Also, we provide your data on a DVD media weekly, fortnightly or monthly (optional)
- When I use my home computer can I print to the local printer?
Yes, you can print locally provided your printer is supported by this service
- Can I have a picture as the desktop background?
No, images can take up considerable bandwidth resulting in your desktop slowing down
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