Epicor Portal Use

Hi,

The field engineers need access to two other systems as well as
vantage. In terms of vantage they need access to
projects/jobs/transfer orders/part tracker. One part of my thinking
was that if we could use the epicor portal functionality with
sharepoint or another, that we could create a presentation layer for
all three systems for the field engineer to access.

I still need to do alot of thinking/investigation on this.

Thanks



--- In vantage@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen Edginton" <stephene@...>
wrote:
>
> What functionality do the field engineers require regarding vantage?
>
> What environment are they working in?
>
> What types of devices are you reviewing?
>
>
>
> Another option not really mentioned is writing you own mobile
client,
>
> Windows mobile devices support .net compact framework and can
interface
> to vantage.
>
> You could interface to vantage or store xml locally to synchronize
with
> vantage when a connection is available or via attachment to an
email.
>
>
>
> It could be as simple as a form on the mobile client that takes
> information stores it as an XML file and uploads it or sends to an
email
> address.
>
> Service connect could monitor the directory or email address and
process
> the transactions into vantage.
>
>
>
> Alternatively the mobile client, could establish a connection to
vantage
> via a VPN / Web Service HTTPS
>
> And communicate directly. It all depends on the functionality
required.
>
>
>
> Due to the form factors when developing on a mobile device, you
have to
> make compromises,
>
> This is one of the difficulties that Epicor face when looking to
support
> mobile devices obvious when you look at the vantage HandHeld module.
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Stephen
>
>
>
> From: vantage@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vantage@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf
> Of brychanwilliams
> Sent: 13 August 2008 19:31
> To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Vantage] Re: Epicor Portal Use
>
>
>
> Thanks for the reply. My initial message was more ideas off the top
> of my head. We are looking at the terminal services stuff and
> handhelds for what I would call internal activities, work at our
> sites where we control connectivity. Unfortunately, the majority of
> sites we do not control nor have access to a wireless environment.
>
> Probably vpn would be too much on any mobile network , however
there
> are security concerns which force us back to vpn. I am afraid that
I
> don't know much about critix but we would be looking at
approximately
> 10 field engineers and a maximum of 5 actively using a solution.
>
> I think it is one to ponder a bit more.
> Thanks again,
>
> Will update once I have done a bit more investigation.
>
> Apparently there will be a web client for v9....
>
> --- In vantage@yahoogroups.com <mailto:vantage%40yahoogroups.com> ,
> Robert Brown <robertb_versa@>
> wrote:
> >
> > If by 'handheld devices' you mean the latest generation of smart
> phones, any that are windows o/s based should be able to handle
> establishing the vpn connection. (Heck, my palm can establish a vpn
> connection - although it is of very little use.)
> >
> > Establishing a USABLE terminal server/citrix session (or a remote
> desktop connection) is the challenge.
> >
> > Vantage 8 apps are quite sensitive to the display hardware used
on
> the client. The limited displays (and pointer devices) on smart
> phones may render even a successful TS or RDC session effectively
> unusable.
> >
> > Wireless phone provider networks also doesn't typically provide
for
> blazing connection speeds. Even if the display issues are
survivable,
> the connection speeds (and constantly changing latency of the
> connections) aren't favorable for efficient use of vantage over a
> smart phone.
> >
> > What apps would your field engineers be using? Are you indeed
> referring to smart phones when you say 'hand held' devices?
> >
> > We use the Vantage apps written for wireless handhelds - but they
> are apps for internal operations only (labor activity, stockroom
> transactions, etc.,).
> >
> > I'm not sure handheld optimized apps exist for quoting, order
> entry, engineers WB and associated trackers, etc.,.
> >
> > Seems to me for the cost of internally developing custom Service
> Connect based apps (suitable for smart phones) you would be better
> off spending the money on the minimal laptops & wireless
connectivity
> services needed to allow use of standard apps via TS or RDC over
VPN.
> >
> >
> > I'm sure some of the sales pitch promoting Epicor 9 will center
> around support for smart phone based connectivity and application
use.
> >
> > If v8 is any indication, the effective realization of such
promises
> will likely lag the vapor-ware sale pitch by at least 2 years.
> >
> > I'd ignore that hype until it is a proven reality and just spend
> the money on laptop hardware (and appropriate reliable, suitable
> connectivity services) where needed for now.
> >
> > (My 'two cents' opinion for what it is worth.)
> >
> > I'd be very interested in hearing about what you end up doing -
and
> how effective it proves to be.
> >
> > (I'm sure we'll all be forced to deal with the perceived 'need'
to
> support this next wave of toys soon enough.)
> >
> > Rob Brown
> >
> > --- On Wed, 8/13/08, brychanwilliams <brychanwilliams@> wrote:
> > From: brychanwilliams <brychanwilliams@>
> > Subject: [Vantage] Re: Epicor Portal Use
> > To: vantage@yahoogroups.com <mailto:vantage%40yahoogroups.com>
> > Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 4:06 AM
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks for the replies and knowledge. We are looking at the
portal
> >
> > software to combine with our intranet and service connect to
> >
> > integrate with other applications. It looks for the field service
> >
> > activity if we can get a vpn connection then terminal services
> would
> >
> > be the way to go however. My concern is that the field engineers
> may
> >
> > not have pcs but handheld devices and displaying vantage standard
> >
> > screens may be problem?
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks again
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In vantage@yahoogroups .com, Kunal Ganguly
<kunal_vantage@ ...>
> >
> > wrote:
> >
> > >
> >
> > > terminal services on windows 2000 server is free so long the
> >
> > clients are windows 2000 and windows xp. Windows 2003 requires
> >
> > purchase of terminal server CALs.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Thanks,
> >
> > > Kunal
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > > ----- Original Message ----
> >
> > > From: Manasa Reddy <manasa@>
> >
> > > To: vantage@yahoogroups .com
> >
> > > Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:56:27 PM
> >
> > > Subject: RE: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > > If you have a terminal server, then just use remote
desktop....no
> >
> > extra
> >
> > > licenses required.
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > > M. Manasa Reddy
> >
> > > manasa@weldcoa. com
> >
> > > P:
> >
> > > F:
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > > ____________ _________ _________ __
> >
> > >
> >
> > > From: vantage@yahoogroups .com [mailto:vantage@
yahoogroups .com]
> On
> >
> > Behalf
> >
> > > Of brychanwilliams
> >
> > > Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:38 PM
> >
> > > To: vantage@yahoogroups .com
> >
> > > Subject: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Hi,
> >
> > >
> >
> > > We are looking for remote access to vantage. Primarily for
field
> >
> > > engineers etc to access vantage and update relevant
information.
> >
> > > Initial idea is to use Epicor Portal inconjunction with a
> portable
> >
> > > device connected via vpn. I don't actually know if this is
> feasible
> >
> > or
> >
> > > not. Does anybody have any insights in using the Portal
software
> >
> > and
> >
> > > using it to update Vantage. It seems like the tool to do the
job
> >
> > but
> >
> > > would welcome any realworld experiences.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > My understanding is that web licenses are required and service
> >
> > connect?
> >
> > > Is this true.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > Thanks in advance.
> >
> > >
> >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > >
> >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> > >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
Hi,

We are looking for remote access to vantage. Primarily for field
engineers etc to access vantage and update relevant information.
Initial idea is to use Epicor Portal inconjunction with a portable
device connected via vpn. I don't actually know if this is feasible or
not. Does anybody have any insights in using the Portal software and
using it to update Vantage. It seems like the tool to do the job but
would welcome any realworld experiences.

My understanding is that web licenses are required and service connect?
Is this true.

Thanks in advance.
If you are going to connect via VPN then why not just have your field
engineers sign onto to a PC on your network and run a Vantage sessions
from there? This way you wouldn't need Portal, Information Worker and
Service Connect.



Web licenses are required. I think you are correct with needing Service
Connect but I'm not 100% sure. We just implemented Service Connect but
didn't need Portal or Information Worker. So I don't know if the same
holds true if you want to purchase just Portal. Your CAM should be able
to answer this.



________________________________

From: vantage@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vantage@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of brychanwilliams
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 2:38 PM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use



Hi,

We are looking for remote access to vantage. Primarily for field
engineers etc to access vantage and update relevant information.
Initial idea is to use Epicor Portal inconjunction with a portable
device connected via vpn. I don't actually know if this is feasible or
not. Does anybody have any insights in using the Portal software and
using it to update Vantage. It seems like the tool to do the job but
would welcome any realworld experiences.

My understanding is that web licenses are required and service connect?
Is this true.

Thanks in advance.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
If you have a terminal server, then just use remote desktop....no extra
licenses required.



M. Manasa Reddy
manasa@...
P: 630-806-2000
F: 630-806-2001


________________________________

From: vantage@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vantage@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of brychanwilliams
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:38 PM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use



Hi,

We are looking for remote access to vantage. Primarily for field
engineers etc to access vantage and update relevant information.
Initial idea is to use Epicor Portal inconjunction with a portable
device connected via vpn. I don't actually know if this is feasible or
not. Does anybody have any insights in using the Portal software and
using it to update Vantage. It seems like the tool to do the job but
would welcome any realworld experiences.

My understanding is that web licenses are required and service connect?
Is this true.

Thanks in advance.






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I second that, if you want something more potent, opt for Citrix or something.
But I would not use Portal



----- Original Message ----
From: Manasa Reddy <manasa@...>
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:56:27 PM
Subject: RE: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use


If you have a terminal server, then just use remote desktop....no extra
licenses required.



M. Manasa Reddy
manasa@weldcoa. com
P: 630-806-2000
F: 630-806-2001


____________ _________ _________ __

From: vantage@yahoogroups .com [mailto:vantage@yahoogroups .com] On Behalf
Of brychanwilliams
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:38 PM
To: vantage@yahoogroups .com
Subject: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use

Hi,

We are looking for remote access to vantage. Primarily for field
engineers etc to access vantage and update relevant information.
Initial idea is to use Epicor Portal inconjunction with a portable
device connected via vpn. I don't actually know if this is feasible or
not. Does anybody have any insights in using the Portal software and
using it to update Vantage. It seems like the tool to do the job but
would welcome any realworld experiences.

My understanding is that web licenses are required and service connect?
Is this true.

Thanks in advance.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
terminal services on windows 2000 server is free so long the clients are windows 2000 and windows xp. Windows 2003 requires purchase of terminal server CALs.

Thanks,
Kunal



----- Original Message ----
From: Manasa Reddy <manasa@...>
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:56:27 PM
Subject: RE: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use


If you have a terminal server, then just use remote desktop....no extra
licenses required.



M. Manasa Reddy
manasa@weldcoa. com
P: 630-806-2000
F: 630-806-2001


____________ _________ _________ __

From: vantage@yahoogroups .com [mailto:vantage@yahoogroups .com] On Behalf
Of brychanwilliams
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:38 PM
To: vantage@yahoogroups .com
Subject: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use

Hi,

We are looking for remote access to vantage. Primarily for field
engineers etc to access vantage and update relevant information.
Initial idea is to use Epicor Portal inconjunction with a portable
device connected via vpn. I don't actually know if this is feasible or
not. Does anybody have any insights in using the Portal software and
using it to update Vantage. It seems like the tool to do the job but
would welcome any realworld experiences.

My understanding is that web licenses are required and service connect?
Is this true.

Thanks in advance.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Hi,

Thanks for the replies and knowledge. We are looking at the portal
software to combine with our intranet and service connect to
integrate with other applications. It looks for the field service
activity if we can get a vpn connection then terminal services would
be the way to go however. My concern is that the field engineers may
not have pcs but handheld devices and displaying vantage standard
screens may be problem?

Thanks again

--- In vantage@yahoogroups.com, Kunal Ganguly <kunal_vantage@...>
wrote:
>
> terminal services on windows 2000 server is free so long the
clients are windows 2000 and windows xp. Windows 2003 requires
purchase of terminal server CALs.
>
> Thanks,
> Kunal
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Manasa Reddy <manasa@...>
> To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:56:27 PM
> Subject: RE: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use
>
>
> If you have a terminal server, then just use remote desktop....no
extra
> licenses required.
>
>
>
> M. Manasa Reddy
> manasa@weldcoa. com
> P: 630-806-2000
> F: 630-806-2001
>
>
> ____________ _________ _________ __
>
> From: vantage@yahoogroups .com [mailto:vantage@yahoogroups .com] On
Behalf
> Of brychanwilliams
> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:38 PM
> To: vantage@yahoogroups .com
> Subject: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use
>
> Hi,
>
> We are looking for remote access to vantage. Primarily for field
> engineers etc to access vantage and update relevant information.
> Initial idea is to use Epicor Portal inconjunction with a portable
> device connected via vpn. I don't actually know if this is feasible
or
> not. Does anybody have any insights in using the Portal software
and
> using it to update Vantage. It seems like the tool to do the job
but
> would welcome any realworld experiences.
>
> My understanding is that web licenses are required and service
connect?
> Is this true.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
If by 'handheld devices' you mean the latest generation of smart phones, any that are windows o/s based should be able to handle establishing the vpn connection. (Heck, my palm can establish a vpn connection - although it is of very little use.)

Establishing a USABLE terminal server/citrix session (or a remote desktop connection) is the challenge.

Vantage 8 apps are quite sensitive to the display hardware used on the client. The limited displays (and pointer devices) on smart phones may render even a successful TS or RDC session effectively unusable.

Wireless phone provider networks also doesn't typically provide for blazing connection speeds. Even if the display issues are survivable, the connection speeds (and constantly changing latency of the connections) aren't favorable for efficient use of vantage over a smart phone.

What apps would your field engineers be using? Are you indeed referring to smart phones when you say 'hand held' devices?

We use the Vantage apps written for wireless handhelds - but they are apps for internal operations only (labor activity, stockroom transactions, etc.,).

I'm not sure handheld optimized apps exist for quoting, order entry, engineers WB and associated trackers, etc.,.

Seems to me for the cost of internally developing custom Service Connect based apps (suitable for smart phones) you would be better off spending the money on the minimal laptops & wireless connectivity services needed to allow use of standard apps via TS or RDC over VPN.


I'm sure some of the sales pitch promoting Epicor 9 will center around support for smart phone based connectivity and application use.

If v8 is any indication, the effective realization of such promises will likely lag the vapor-ware sale pitch by at least 2 years.

I'd ignore that hype until it is a proven reality and just spend the money on laptop hardware (and appropriate reliable, suitable connectivity services) where needed for now.

(My 'two cents' opinion for what it is worth.)

I'd be very interested in hearing about what you end up doing - and how effective it proves to be.

(I'm sure we'll all be forced to deal with the perceived 'need' to support this next wave of toys soon enough.)

Rob Brown

--- On Wed, 8/13/08, brychanwilliams <brychanwilliams@...> wrote:
From: brychanwilliams <brychanwilliams@...>
Subject: [Vantage] Re: Epicor Portal Use
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 4:06 AM











Hi,



Thanks for the replies and knowledge. We are looking at the portal

software to combine with our intranet and service connect to

integrate with other applications. It looks for the field service

activity if we can get a vpn connection then terminal services would

be the way to go however. My concern is that the field engineers may

not have pcs but handheld devices and displaying vantage standard

screens may be problem?



Thanks again



--- In vantage@yahoogroups .com, Kunal Ganguly <kunal_vantage@ ...>

wrote:

>

> terminal services on windows 2000 server is free so long the

clients are windows 2000 and windows xp. Windows 2003 requires

purchase of terminal server CALs.

>

> Thanks,

> Kunal

>

>

>

> ----- Original Message ----

> From: Manasa Reddy <manasa@...>

> To: vantage@yahoogroups .com

> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:56:27 PM

> Subject: RE: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use

>

>

> If you have a terminal server, then just use remote desktop....no

extra

> licenses required.

>

>

>

> M. Manasa Reddy

> manasa@weldcoa. com

> P:

> F:

>

>

> ____________ _________ _________ __

>

> From: vantage@yahoogroups .com [mailto:vantage@ yahoogroups .com] On

Behalf

> Of brychanwilliams

> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:38 PM

> To: vantage@yahoogroups .com

> Subject: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use

>

> Hi,

>

> We are looking for remote access to vantage. Primarily for field

> engineers etc to access vantage and update relevant information.

> Initial idea is to use Epicor Portal inconjunction with a portable

> device connected via vpn. I don't actually know if this is feasible

or

> not. Does anybody have any insights in using the Portal software

and

> using it to update Vantage. It seems like the tool to do the job

but

> would welcome any realworld experiences.

>

> My understanding is that web licenses are required and service

connect?

> Is this true.

>

> Thanks in advance.

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>

>

>

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
I agree with Robert Brown.



________________________________

From: vantage@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vantage@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of Robert Brown
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 5:09 AM
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Vantage] Re: Epicor Portal Use



If by 'handheld devices' you mean the latest generation of smart phones,
any that are windows o/s based should be able to handle establishing the
vpn connection. (Heck, my palm can establish a vpn connection - although
it is of very little use.)

Establishing a USABLE terminal server/citrix session (or a remote
desktop connection) is the challenge.

Vantage 8 apps are quite sensitive to the display hardware used on the
client. The limited displays (and pointer devices) on smart phones may
render even a successful TS or RDC session effectively unusable.

Wireless phone provider networks also doesn't typically provide for
blazing connection speeds. Even if the display issues are survivable,
the connection speeds (and constantly changing latency of the
connections) aren't favorable for efficient use of vantage over a smart
phone.

What apps would your field engineers be using? Are you indeed referring
to smart phones when you say 'hand held' devices?

We use the Vantage apps written for wireless handhelds - but they are
apps for internal operations only (labor activity, stockroom
transactions, etc.,).

I'm not sure handheld optimized apps exist for quoting, order entry,
engineers WB and associated trackers, etc.,.

Seems to me for the cost of internally developing custom Service Connect
based apps (suitable for smart phones) you would be better off spending
the money on the minimal laptops & wireless connectivity services needed
to allow use of standard apps via TS or RDC over VPN.

I'm sure some of the sales pitch promoting Epicor 9 will center around
support for smart phone based connectivity and application use.

If v8 is any indication, the effective realization of such promises will
likely lag the vapor-ware sale pitch by at least 2 years.

I'd ignore that hype until it is a proven reality and just spend the
money on laptop hardware (and appropriate reliable, suitable
connectivity services) where needed for now.

(My 'two cents' opinion for what it is worth.)

I'd be very interested in hearing about what you end up doing - and how
effective it proves to be.

(I'm sure we'll all be forced to deal with the perceived 'need' to
support this next wave of toys soon enough.)

Rob Brown

--- On Wed, 8/13/08, brychanwilliams <brychanwilliams@...
<mailto:brychanwilliams%40yahoo.com> > wrote:
From: brychanwilliams <brychanwilliams@...
<mailto:brychanwilliams%40yahoo.com> >
Subject: [Vantage] Re: Epicor Portal Use
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com <mailto:vantage%40yahoogroups.com>
Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 4:06 AM

Hi,

Thanks for the replies and knowledge. We are looking at the portal

software to combine with our intranet and service connect to

integrate with other applications. It looks for the field service

activity if we can get a vpn connection then terminal services would

be the way to go however. My concern is that the field engineers may

not have pcs but handheld devices and displaying vantage standard

screens may be problem?

Thanks again

--- In vantage@yahoogroups .com, Kunal Ganguly <kunal_vantage@ ...>

wrote:

>

> terminal services on windows 2000 server is free so long the

clients are windows 2000 and windows xp. Windows 2003 requires

purchase of terminal server CALs.

>

> Thanks,

> Kunal

>

>

>

> ----- Original Message ----

> From: Manasa Reddy <manasa@...>

> To: vantage@yahoogroups .com

> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:56:27 PM

> Subject: RE: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use

>

>

> If you have a terminal server, then just use remote desktop....no

extra

> licenses required.

>

>

>

> M. Manasa Reddy

> manasa@weldcoa. com

> P:

> F:

>

>

> ____________ _________ _________ __

>

> From: vantage@yahoogroups .com [mailto:vantage@ yahoogroups .com] On

Behalf

> Of brychanwilliams

> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:38 PM

> To: vantage@yahoogroups .com

> Subject: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use

>

> Hi,

>

> We are looking for remote access to vantage. Primarily for field

> engineers etc to access vantage and update relevant information.

> Initial idea is to use Epicor Portal inconjunction with a portable

> device connected via vpn. I don't actually know if this is feasible

or

> not. Does anybody have any insights in using the Portal software

and

> using it to update Vantage. It seems like the tool to do the job

but

> would welcome any realworld experiences.

>

> My understanding is that web licenses are required and service

connect?

> Is this true.

>

> Thanks in advance.

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>

>

>

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

>
















[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Thanks for the reply. My initial message was more ideas off the top
of my head. We are looking at the terminal services stuff and
handhelds for what I would call internal activities, work at our
sites where we control connectivity. Unfortunately, the majority of
sites we do not control nor have access to a wireless environment.

Probably vpn would be too much on any mobile network , however there
are security concerns which force us back to vpn. I am afraid that I
don't know much about critix but we would be looking at approximately
10 field engineers and a maximum of 5 actively using a solution.

I think it is one to ponder a bit more.
Thanks again,

Will update once I have done a bit more investigation.

Apparently there will be a web client for v9....



--- In vantage@yahoogroups.com, Robert Brown <robertb_versa@...>
wrote:
>
> If by 'handheld devices' you mean the latest generation of smart
phones, any that are windows o/s based should be able to handle
establishing the vpn connection. (Heck, my palm can establish a vpn
connection - although it is of very little use.)
>
> Establishing a USABLE terminal server/citrix session (or a remote
desktop connection) is the challenge.
>
> Vantage 8 apps are quite sensitive to the display hardware used on
the client. The limited displays (and pointer devices) on smart
phones may render even a successful TS or RDC session effectively
unusable.
>
> Wireless phone provider networks also doesn't typically provide for
blazing connection speeds. Even if the display issues are survivable,
the connection speeds (and constantly changing latency of the
connections) aren't favorable for efficient use of vantage over a
smart phone.
>
> What apps would your field engineers be using? Are you indeed
referring to smart phones when you say 'hand held' devices?
>
> We use the Vantage apps written for wireless handhelds - but they
are apps for internal operations only (labor activity, stockroom
transactions, etc.,).
>
> I'm not sure handheld optimized apps exist for quoting, order
entry, engineers WB and associated trackers, etc.,.
>
> Seems to me for the cost of internally developing custom Service
Connect based apps (suitable for smart phones) you would be better
off spending the money on the minimal laptops & wireless connectivity
services needed to allow use of standard apps via TS or RDC over VPN.
>
>
> I'm sure some of the sales pitch promoting Epicor 9 will center
around support for smart phone based connectivity and application use.
>
> If v8 is any indication, the effective realization of such promises
will likely lag the vapor-ware sale pitch by at least 2 years.
>
> I'd ignore that hype until it is a proven reality and just spend
the money on laptop hardware (and appropriate reliable, suitable
connectivity services) where needed for now.
>
> (My 'two cents' opinion for what it is worth.)
>
> I'd be very interested in hearing about what you end up doing - and
how effective it proves to be.
>
> (I'm sure we'll all be forced to deal with the perceived 'need' to
support this next wave of toys soon enough.)
>
> Rob Brown
>
> --- On Wed, 8/13/08, brychanwilliams <brychanwilliams@...> wrote:
> From: brychanwilliams <brychanwilliams@...>
> Subject: [Vantage] Re: Epicor Portal Use
> To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 4:06 AM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi,
>
>
>
> Thanks for the replies and knowledge. We are looking at the portal
>
> software to combine with our intranet and service connect to
>
> integrate with other applications. It looks for the field service
>
> activity if we can get a vpn connection then terminal services
would
>
> be the way to go however. My concern is that the field engineers
may
>
> not have pcs but handheld devices and displaying vantage standard
>
> screens may be problem?
>
>
>
> Thanks again
>
>
>
> --- In vantage@yahoogroups .com, Kunal Ganguly <kunal_vantage@ ...>
>
> wrote:
>
> >
>
> > terminal services on windows 2000 server is free so long the
>
> clients are windows 2000 and windows xp. Windows 2003 requires
>
> purchase of terminal server CALs.
>
> >
>
> > Thanks,
>
> > Kunal
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > ----- Original Message ----
>
> > From: Manasa Reddy <manasa@>
>
> > To: vantage@yahoogroups .com
>
> > Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:56:27 PM
>
> > Subject: RE: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > If you have a terminal server, then just use remote desktop....no
>
> extra
>
> > licenses required.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > M. Manasa Reddy
>
> > manasa@weldcoa. com
>
> > P:
>
> > F:
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > ____________ _________ _________ __
>
> >
>
> > From: vantage@yahoogroups .com [mailto:vantage@ yahoogroups .com]
On
>
> Behalf
>
> > Of brychanwilliams
>
> > Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:38 PM
>
> > To: vantage@yahoogroups .com
>
> > Subject: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use
>
> >
>
> > Hi,
>
> >
>
> > We are looking for remote access to vantage. Primarily for field
>
> > engineers etc to access vantage and update relevant information.
>
> > Initial idea is to use Epicor Portal inconjunction with a
portable
>
> > device connected via vpn. I don't actually know if this is
feasible
>
> or
>
> > not. Does anybody have any insights in using the Portal software
>
> and
>
> > using it to update Vantage. It seems like the tool to do the job
>
> but
>
> > would welcome any realworld experiences.
>
> >
>
> > My understanding is that web licenses are required and service
>
> connect?
>
> > Is this true.
>
> >
>
> > Thanks in advance.
>
> >
>
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> >
>
What functionality do the field engineers require regarding vantage?

What environment are they working in?

What types of devices are you reviewing?



Another option not really mentioned is writing you own mobile client,

Windows mobile devices support .net compact framework and can interface
to vantage.

You could interface to vantage or store xml locally to synchronize with
vantage when a connection is available or via attachment to an email.



It could be as simple as a form on the mobile client that takes
information stores it as an XML file and uploads it or sends to an email
address.

Service connect could monitor the directory or email address and process
the transactions into vantage.



Alternatively the mobile client, could establish a connection to vantage
via a VPN / Web Service HTTPS

And communicate directly. It all depends on the functionality required.



Due to the form factors when developing on a mobile device, you have to
make compromises,

This is one of the difficulties that Epicor face when looking to support
mobile devices obvious when you look at the vantage HandHeld module.



Regards,

Stephen



From: vantage@yahoogroups.com [mailto:vantage@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of brychanwilliams
Sent: 13 August 2008 19:31
To: vantage@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Vantage] Re: Epicor Portal Use



Thanks for the reply. My initial message was more ideas off the top
of my head. We are looking at the terminal services stuff and
handhelds for what I would call internal activities, work at our
sites where we control connectivity. Unfortunately, the majority of
sites we do not control nor have access to a wireless environment.

Probably vpn would be too much on any mobile network , however there
are security concerns which force us back to vpn. I am afraid that I
don't know much about critix but we would be looking at approximately
10 field engineers and a maximum of 5 actively using a solution.

I think it is one to ponder a bit more.
Thanks again,

Will update once I have done a bit more investigation.

Apparently there will be a web client for v9....

--- In vantage@yahoogroups.com <mailto:vantage%40yahoogroups.com> ,
Robert Brown <robertb_versa@...>
wrote:
>
> If by 'handheld devices' you mean the latest generation of smart
phones, any that are windows o/s based should be able to handle
establishing the vpn connection. (Heck, my palm can establish a vpn
connection - although it is of very little use.)
>
> Establishing a USABLE terminal server/citrix session (or a remote
desktop connection) is the challenge.
>
> Vantage 8 apps are quite sensitive to the display hardware used on
the client. The limited displays (and pointer devices) on smart
phones may render even a successful TS or RDC session effectively
unusable.
>
> Wireless phone provider networks also doesn't typically provide for
blazing connection speeds. Even if the display issues are survivable,
the connection speeds (and constantly changing latency of the
connections) aren't favorable for efficient use of vantage over a
smart phone.
>
> What apps would your field engineers be using? Are you indeed
referring to smart phones when you say 'hand held' devices?
>
> We use the Vantage apps written for wireless handhelds - but they
are apps for internal operations only (labor activity, stockroom
transactions, etc.,).
>
> I'm not sure handheld optimized apps exist for quoting, order
entry, engineers WB and associated trackers, etc.,.
>
> Seems to me for the cost of internally developing custom Service
Connect based apps (suitable for smart phones) you would be better
off spending the money on the minimal laptops & wireless connectivity
services needed to allow use of standard apps via TS or RDC over VPN.
>
>
> I'm sure some of the sales pitch promoting Epicor 9 will center
around support for smart phone based connectivity and application use.
>
> If v8 is any indication, the effective realization of such promises
will likely lag the vapor-ware sale pitch by at least 2 years.
>
> I'd ignore that hype until it is a proven reality and just spend
the money on laptop hardware (and appropriate reliable, suitable
connectivity services) where needed for now.
>
> (My 'two cents' opinion for what it is worth.)
>
> I'd be very interested in hearing about what you end up doing - and
how effective it proves to be.
>
> (I'm sure we'll all be forced to deal with the perceived 'need' to
support this next wave of toys soon enough.)
>
> Rob Brown
>
> --- On Wed, 8/13/08, brychanwilliams <brychanwilliams@...> wrote:
> From: brychanwilliams <brychanwilliams@...>
> Subject: [Vantage] Re: Epicor Portal Use
> To: vantage@yahoogroups.com <mailto:vantage%40yahoogroups.com>
> Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2008, 4:06 AM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi,
>
>
>
> Thanks for the replies and knowledge. We are looking at the portal
>
> software to combine with our intranet and service connect to
>
> integrate with other applications. It looks for the field service
>
> activity if we can get a vpn connection then terminal services
would
>
> be the way to go however. My concern is that the field engineers
may
>
> not have pcs but handheld devices and displaying vantage standard
>
> screens may be problem?
>
>
>
> Thanks again
>
>
>
> --- In vantage@yahoogroups .com, Kunal Ganguly <kunal_vantage@ ...>
>
> wrote:
>
> >
>
> > terminal services on windows 2000 server is free so long the
>
> clients are windows 2000 and windows xp. Windows 2003 requires
>
> purchase of terminal server CALs.
>
> >
>
> > Thanks,
>
> > Kunal
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > ----- Original Message ----
>
> > From: Manasa Reddy <manasa@>
>
> > To: vantage@yahoogroups .com
>
> > Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:56:27 PM
>
> > Subject: RE: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > If you have a terminal server, then just use remote desktop....no
>
> extra
>
> > licenses required.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > M. Manasa Reddy
>
> > manasa@weldcoa. com
>
> > P:
>
> > F:
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > ____________ _________ _________ __
>
> >
>
> > From: vantage@yahoogroups .com [mailto:vantage@ yahoogroups .com]
On
>
> Behalf
>
> > Of brychanwilliams
>
> > Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 1:38 PM
>
> > To: vantage@yahoogroups .com
>
> > Subject: [Vantage] Epicor Portal Use
>
> >
>
> > Hi,
>
> >
>
> > We are looking for remote access to vantage. Primarily for field
>
> > engineers etc to access vantage and update relevant information.
>
> > Initial idea is to use Epicor Portal inconjunction with a
portable
>
> > device connected via vpn. I don't actually know if this is
feasible
>
> or
>
> > not. Does anybody have any insights in using the Portal software
>
> and
>
> > using it to update Vantage. It seems like the tool to do the job
>
> but
>
> > would welcome any realworld experiences.
>
> >
>
> > My understanding is that web licenses are required and service
>
> connect?
>
> > Is this true.
>
> >
>
> > Thanks in advance.
>
> >
>
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> >
>





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]