Relius ASP

[Guest PMiller]

We are considering ASP as we are facing the purchase of a new server. If anyone is using R.A. thru ASP, I am interested in feedback. For example, one ASP user described the process of generating report writer reports as more lengthy. Has this been your experience? What other positive or negative aspects of ASP have you experienced? Thank you.

[Guest sjphillips]

P: We are not an ASP user, but we are on the Relius Recovery System (RRS), which uses ASP. We initiated a test disaster earlier this year, and I was quite impressed. Please realize that my comments are based upon using the system in test mode, and not acutal daily processing. Some comments that we had:

1. Since most of the customization items have been moved to the database, we were able to retain control of our web customization that plan sponsors have requested (custom text, web ops, etc.), and that was of great comfort.

2. Transaction processing is off loaded to an agent machine located at Corbel. If you have large plans, this means that you submit a transaction for posting, you have the ability to close out of the transaction screen and come back later to check the status, instead of sitting on the posting screen until the transaction is complete.

3. Reports are handled in a similar manner. Report Writer in the ASP system doesn't print, it only submits the job. There is an additional area in the system that retains these reports where you may go a print them. It's a difference that you have to get used to; but it does allow you to submit multiple report requests in quick succession without waiting (you just have to go pick up the reports later).

4. Keep in mind that you will need to push data files between the ASP system and your local system in order to transmit them to your trading partners. This is not a big issue, just different that what we were used to and can be done via STP. It's just one more cog in the wheel that can cause trades to fail!

5. I can't comment on processing times on the system, as we were only pushing test transactions. I haven't heard of any issues with other people on the ASP system. As far as connections, I would stay connected to the ASP system all day, and never dropped or experienced any issues with the remote desktop access.

6. There is a marked difference when browsing your local drives while in the ASP system; however, i believe that this is an inherent problem with the remote destop connection (Microsoft piece), and not an issue with ASP itself.

At this point, we have decided NOT to use the ASP as our daily system. We have decided to retain our internal infrastructure, even though the ASP model looks like it works extremely well. If you ultimately decide to stay with your local install, I would definately recommend looking at RRS for your business continuity plan. For what you get, the pricing is fantastic!!