New products in the news from CTI Communications

High Speed I.P. Client/Server Mailbox System announced by CTI

A high speed TCP/IP oriented multi-platform electronic mailbox system has been announced by CTI Communications. Building upon its success in the IBM bi-synchronous electronic mailbox market, CTI announced an all new IP based version of its popular FastSync Mailbox System (click here for details). The new server system named "Post Office", can be operated from a Windows NT^® operating system. The remote client system named "mailbox" runs under either Windows 3.1x, Windows 95, or Windows NT/XP operating systems. The system is designed to connect corporate networks, branch offices and other remote sites without special router hardware. The Post Office server software can be integrated with NT’s Routing API interface to provide maximum server capabilities.

The system backbone is TCP/IP using either Point-to-Point-Protocol (PPP) over analog, digital lines or Internet connections and transparently over any Local or Wide Area Network (LAN/WAN) based protocol for an Intranet connection. Ron Gorman, CTI’s Chief Programmer for Windows based products said that “built-in firewall security and audit trail reporting, in addition to such file transfer features as native binary transfers, transmission progress indication and automatic resumption of interrupted transmissions, make this system the ideal vehicle for large binary file transfers. Industry standard TCP/IP, PPP and FTP protocols allows this system to be used over the Internet, or to ride ‘piggy-back’ on a corporate Intranet.” According to Gorman, one of the advantages of the new Windows mailbox system is that it can operate using standard asynchronous modems rather than only synchronous oriented modems - this saves the cost associated with special synchronous hardware interface cards and special modems that support the IBM bi-synchronous protocol.  The most obvious linkage is through the Internet.  CTI products are generally marketed either through large OEMs such as Chrysler, Toyota, GM/EDS/ELIT, GM/BARS, or large Tier I suppliers and through Value Added Networks.

In addition to using CTI's standard Client Interface software package, in mid-1999 CTI introduced a WebClient interface that allows a user with a standard browser (specifically either I.E. 3.0+ or Netscape 3.0+ versions) to access CTI's Post Office Server operating with a separate Web Server system configuration.   Later in 1999, CTI will be introducing a WebClient+ version at incorporates nearly all of the standard Client software features and capabilities.

Click here for more information.

Electronic Data Systems (Plano, TX), the IS contract arm of General Motors Corporation, selected CTI Communications as a preferred communications vendor for connecting suppliers to the GM-Net for processing engineering CAD data to various GM Engineering Centers. Most suppliers receive IGES CAD files, however some suppliers receive CATIA, CGS, or other native file CAD formats. CTI provides the supplier with an easy to use software and related hardware package that operates either from a PC platform or directly from an IBM RS/6000 workstation.

Click here for more information on GM/EDS-ELIT | Click here for information on GM/EDS-BARS    

The Internal Revenue Service has completed their installation of CTI’s special FastSync communications software into fifty five IRS offices throughout the United States Click here for list. To speed the processing of tax refunds, the IRS processes tax returns electronically. CTI is known for its high speed, data reliability and integrity - a perfect fit for the IRS requirements.

Besides supplying the IRS with its data transfer software, CTI also provides most of the major IRS tax application software houses in the United States (these are the folks who sell the software that calculates amounts owed to the IRS) with the same FastSync communications software product. For software up-grades between version 1 and version 2, click here.

Click here for more information.

Hewlett-Packard approves CTI as Value Added Reseller

Hewlett-Packard has approved CTI as an HP VAR to handle its full line of personal computing products including PCs and printers. CTI specializes in electronic commerce and has sold thousands of companies various communications packages to handle electronic data interchange (EDI) and other data file transfers over telephone lines.

International Data Processing Systems, Inc. (IDP) and CTI Communications have announced a labor saving use of CTI's FastSync® BSC 3780 package. The application provides Asynchronous and Bisynchronous communications using the FastSync product along with IDP's ATM software to an EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) Network for the purpose of moving balance and ATM transaction files.

In the past, most banks had to have a person manually dial a PC that was attached to a mainframe. The bank would be in an "async" terminal emulation mode and then various menu options had to be selected at the keyboard. If the mainframe had files to transmit to the bank, a "bisync" phone number would be displayed at the bank's remote PC. Then the operator at the bank had to disconnect from the "async" emulation mode and dial the "bisync" mainframe phone number that was displayed on the screen. The mainframe would then transmit the required file to the remote bank PC. Now, by using some of FastSync's special command capabilities, which handles both async and bisync protocols in one package along with some of FastSync's special commands, all of the above steps are done automatically and unattended. The bank's personnel can go home at a reasonable time while FastSync receives the files from the mainframe which will be waiting for the personnel when they return. For a partial list of CTI's Bank and Credit Union customers, click here.

IDP specializes in EFT Network ATM systems and CTI specializes in Micro-to-Mainframe products and is also an Authorized ICOT Distributor for other synchronous oriented protocols such as 3270, 3770, and 5250.

CTI has ported its high-speed 3780 BSC software to the latest Hayes AutoSync Protocol that is integrated into the new Hayes OPTIMA 336 line of business modems. The Hayes modem supports bi-sync links up to 33,600 bits per second in synchronous mode. What makes this port significant is the fact that the user no longer has to purchase either an expensive internal synchronous card or an external SyncCable to support the IBM bi-synchronous 3780 protocol - this usually saves the end-user anywhere form about $300 to $1,200. CTI has been an Authorized Advanced Systems Dealer for Hayes since 1989. The AutoSync capability has been integrated into CTI's internal and external SyncPack 2000 products. Click here for more information on CTI's SyncPack2000e.

At the request of UNISYS, CTI Communications developed a special version of its IBM 3780 BSC protocol to meet the U.S. Air Force’s mainframe computer file transfer specifications. This special FastSync version provided by CTI is deployed at various sites around the world and allows Air Force components to communicate into worldwide command centers with a maximum degree of data transfer security and reliability.

Click here for more information.

Chrysler Corporation announced at a special 1996 supplier conference that their "CTX [Chrysler Telecommunications eXchange] system serving their large production suppliers called CADX (CAD eXchange) is now servicing approximately 400 automotive suppliers for exchanging and processing engineering drawings."

In 1992, the Chrysler MIS Department asked CTI Communications to program a special user interface based upon their legacy IBM 3780 protocol to aid their major suppliers in exchanging CAD files with the Chrysler Technical Center. By the Spring of 1996, the majority of Chrysler Tier I suppliers were using CTI’s communication packages including suppliers in Canada, Europe and Mexico. CTI mailbox interface products are available on either DOS and Windows based machines or RS/6000s with AIX. Some of the Chrysler CTX mailbox users are included in the list of CTI Automotive customers.

Click here for more information.

In June, 1999 CTI Communications introduced a new, low cost, add-on software program called CTI-CTX.  This program is oriented to any supplier to Chrysler Corporation needing an easy, simple access to their Chrysler Telecommunication's eXchange (CTX) for purposes of sending and/or receiving EDI and/or Financial documents for Collection Agencies.  The CTI-CTX program takes the work out of establishing the EDI link into Chrysler's worldwide telecommunications network.  Normally, you need to use the traditional "Phase" approval method which can be long and frustrating.  The CTI-CTX add-on program does the work for you and then provides an on-going simple user interface. 

In 2001 CTI introduced a new Windows GUI User Interface and in 2002 CTI introduced an HTTPs User Interface for any EDI oriented Chrysler supplier.

These programs interface into the SyncPack2000e.  Click for Order Form. 

CTI was selected by Toyota Technical Center (TTC) (Ann Arbor, MI) as their sole source communications provider for their new "TCX" (Toyota CAD eXchange) managed mailbox system. The new system was designed and installed by CTI to provide both high-speed and high-reliability communication solutions for all Toyota North American suppliers (U.S., Canada and Mexico). CTI is also providing all remote supplier sites their software and related communications hardware components.

At Technical Center's request, CTI programmed an additional proprietary level of encrypted security into the mailbox system. The Toyota Technical Center also instituted mandatory data compression since most of their suppliers are currently using IGES CAD data, although the move to native CAELUM binary format is now underway. By using compression and decompression software, a typical IGES file can be compressed to about one fifth its normal size; and even binary CAELUM files can often be compressed a further 20% to 40%. The CTI system runs over standard analog telephone lines at 28,800 bits per second. Some of the TOYOTA users are included in the list of CTI Automotive customers.

Click here for more information.

1995 proved to be another busy year for CTI Communications as they installed over 100 of the world’s largest automotive suppliers into various engineering centers using electronic mailbox systems. CTI provides electronic mailbox file transfer packages to most suppliers doing business with the automotive OEMs like General Motors, Chrysler, TOYOTA, etc. CTI is known within various industries for their fast and secure data transfer capabilities. According to CTI "two particular features the suppliers especially appreciate is the automatic retransmission function that can re-connect a broken file from the point of failure, and the way the program can schedule things to be completely automated in the background. Automation is key for automotive suppliers."

CTI is pleased to announce that International Business Machines (IBM) has approved CTI as a Personal Computer VAR. To expedite orders and service their customers, CTI will operate directly with IBM through their on-line electronic commerce network.

(Source: Coopers & Lybrand Consulting)

CTI acknowledges that some other CTI Customers (like Lear Corp.) may belong
in the above list - sorry for any disputes - CTI.

CTI announced that customers, clients, institutions and suppliers now can have access to CTI’s Value Added Network (VAN). CTI is running its own client/server software and hardware system (same basic system as installed at TOYOTA) to allow point to point and point to multipoint data transfers. This clearing house system can save users substantial money. The cost is very competitive compared to other value added networks. That is, the cost per mega byte and monthly usage fees are low. The CTI-VAN can also be used by large OEM’s either as a temporary system or as an "evaluation center" prior to purchasing one of CTI’s Mailbox Systems for their own use.

Click here for more information.

Attention: VISUAL BASIC DIAL-UP NETWORKING PROGRAMMERS

CTI now offers a DLL that exports Windows 95/98 Remote Access Service (RAS) extensions to Visual Basic. This DLL includes functions that can read and modify existing Dial-Up Networking connectoids as well as create new connectoids. It also includes support functions that enumerate existing Dial-Up Networking connectoids and installed communications devices (modems and ISDN adapters). This product was designed by Ron Gorman at Magnum Labs for CTI Communications. To request additional information, E-mail Ron.

The dll product is available for a one time charge that includes source code. This package will save your company thousands of dollars in programming time.

To order, click here to obtain an "Order Form" that you can fill-out and fax back to us with your Purchase Order.