| Which database is used to store LaborPower ® data? |
The Database Server is Firebird, which is open source, free, and can run on Linux, Solaris, or Windows.
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| What are the major differences between LaborPower ® and other software products ? |
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| • Data Integrity / Data Volume |
| Data corruption is the single most common support issue Local Unions encounter when using software programs whose data tables utilize 'Cooperative' rules for sharing data between multiple users. |
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| In contrast, LaborPower ® uses 'client-server' technology, which eliminates problems with data corruption. Other non-'client-server' software database tables have limitations on data volume storage, forcing the user to archive historical data if the data volume exceeds the capacity of the table (500 Megabytes). |
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| LaborPower ® stores data more efficiently, taking up less space, with no limitation on data volume. As a result, archiving functions are needless. |
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| • Remote Access |
| Many locals want to access their membership database from remote locations: home, branch office, or on the road. |
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Because 'Cooperative' database rules for network connections are less reliable, non-'client-server' databases suffer from increased data corruption. LaborPower ® products are used by several Locals employing client-server solutions, which has proven to be very fast, very reliable, inexpensive and readily available.
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| For data access / file sharing, what are the differences between 'Client-Server' (used in LaborPower ® ) and 'Cooperative' (most older software programs, i.e. Access)? |
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| • Cooperative data sharing |
| Data is stored in files in a central location, and 'clients' follow a set of rules about how data is added, deleted and edited. In human terms: picture a communal filing cabinet, with every person who uses the files in the cabinet agreeing to rules about how the file folders are ordered and what happens when someone removes / adds a folder. |
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| But, since there is no single custodian of the data, if anything goes wrong (i.e. a workstation loses power when storing data - as if someone accidentally dropped a stack of files and they got jumbled), no one is assigned to clean up the mess. |
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| This system works until an accident happens. Then someone has to manually repair the problem-- usually the program's Technical Support person dialing into the database. |
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| The 'cooperative' rules governing other tables include configuring network protocols correctly and consistently on each workstation. |
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| • Client-Server data sharing |
| In the Client-Server model, the database actually has a brain, or a program on the server that "manages" data: whom gets access when, and what comes in and out of it. |
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To continue the human example, it would be as if someone were standing at the communal filing cabinet, not letting you do anything unless you follow the correct procedure. If you blow it anyway (for instance, an "operator error" normally resulting in data corruption), the manager undoes whatever you did to insure the data is protected.
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| What are the minimum system requirements for LaborPower ® software products? |
| • Workstation(s): |
| Operating System: Windows NT, 2000, XP |
| RAM: 128 minimum, optimal is 256 |
| Processor: Pentium II minimum |
| Hard drive: 2-gig minimum |
| "pcANYWHERE" or some other form of Remote Access with a high-speed connection |
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| • Server: |
| Operating System: Windows 2000 minimum |
| RAM: 256 minimum, optimal is 500 |
| Processor: Pentium II minimum |
Hard drive: 5-gig minimum
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| How much does LaborPower ® cost? |
Working Systems uses a 'sliding scale' based on a Union Local's annual revenues to calculate a one-time fee or 'Site License'. Please call, 888-717-9656, to request a free estimate.
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How do I get a demonstration of LaborPower ® Products?
We are happy to demo at your convenience. Please call
866-396-6767 X 107 for an appointment. You will need:
- High Speed Internet Access
- Remote access software (VNC <free>, GoToMyPC, PcAnywhere, etc.)
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