With a Windows Interface |
"System works just fine - it's simple to use - a button-clicker. How simple can you get? There's been no problems at all and I've downloaded and uploaded files several times." Corby Mason, Iroquois Die & Mfg. |
Background
In the past, CTI Communications has marketed both a PC DOS and an RS/6000 (AIX) oriented Mailbox interface system to simplify the transmission of files into the GM/EDS ELIT® (Electronic Information Transfer) Mailbox system. The CTI system eliminated the agony over inserting numerous lines of Job Control Language ("JCL") into data files each time a supplier had to transmit. In summary, the CTI packages offered an inexpensive and effective computer based menu-driven software (with related hardware) interface that insulated the user from the complexities of the GM/EDS ELIT 3780 BSC based mailbox system.
Here are the advantages of the Windows version of EDS File Exchange over the older DOS version.
- Completely re-written for the 32 bit windows interface.
- Advanced GUI interface for ease of use.
- Uses the new FastSync for Windows, a completely re-written BiSync 3780 Communications Package with advanced features designed especially for Windows.
- Uses the advanced AutoSync 2 feature of the Hayes Optima modems. This means that the modem is connected to the COM port and can be used for all your communication needs (Internet Access and Asynchronous File Transfer) without changing cables or resetting the modem.
- System settings grouped into:
- Basic Settings (EDS Telephone Number, Logon and Password)
Receive Settings (Receive file name and translation options)
- Send Settings (Job Name, Access Code, and default Send Directory) and
- System Access (Run Stand-Alone FastSync or Translate a File from EBCDIC to ASCII)
- Windows Explorer type interface for selecting files to send or translate.
- Access to FastSync through the main program interface instead of by leaving the program. This means that FastSync settings can be changed and log files reviewed with a few clicks of the mouse.
- EBCDIC IGES files can be translated with a few clicks of the mouse instead of through an external program.
- Month by Month reports that include the names of files sent to GM, the names of all files received from GM and the names of files translated from EBCDIC to ASCII.
- A report of the most recent session is available through without selecting a range of dates to review.
| In its continuing efforts to support the current GM/EDS mailbox users, CTI has introduced a new 32-bit Windows 95/98 and NT software/hardware package. |
System Component Overview
There are three components that make up the total CTI-EDS interface package:
The basic CTI-EDS user interface main menu is shown below:
For more sample screens from the GM/EDS Windows User Interface click here.
The new CTI Win3780 BSC communications package main menu looks like this:
The Win3780 software details can be accessed by clicking here.
The synchronous modem hardware used in the package is shown below:
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The Hayes OPTIMA® 336 Business Modem (shown at the left) includes Asynchronous (230,400 bps) throughput and Synchronous capabilities (28,800 bps - 33,600 bps), plus V.17 FAX. When handling communications into GM, this modem along with Win3780 software eliminates the need for any synchronous interface card. |
Modem Interface
The GM/EDS ELIT mailbox system will accept most synchronous V.32 (9,600 bps) to V.34+ (33,600 bps) modems (although the basic connect speed will only be the maximum available from the GM/Net itself).
FastSync 3780 Software (enhanced version and Y2K Compliant). This is a special Asynchronous and Bi-synchronous software version that handles on-the-fly character translation thus you do not have to install any type of internal synchronous card inside the computer (except on the RS/6000 platform). All of your communications flow directly through the PC’s standard serial port.
External Hayes OPTIMA 288 V.34 Business Modem. This modem supports both Asynchronous and Synchronous communications with speeds up to 33,600 bits per second using CTI’s 3780 bi-synchronous software and 230,400 bps using asynchronous software and V.42bis data compression.
Click here for details on the SyncPack 2000e. Click here for details on the Hayes OPTIMA V.34 & V.34+
Purchase Considerations
Your PC Requirements and Site Preparation
You need to be running either Windows 95, 98 or NT. The Hayes business modem we supply will replace whatever modem(s) you currently have installed on your PC. Take your current modem(s) home or install them somewhere else in the operation. The modem we supply is a true Hayes modem and all other communications software should work just fine.
For suppliers who need to transmit files to other suppliers, CTI's Value-Added-Network will be your answer. . .
CTI has a powerful Value-Added-Network, store-and-forward mailbox and data communications management system that operates for companies who need to transfer CAD files between other divisions, companies or locations. There is a small, one time technical connection cost, then only a $50 per month (versus for example the $650/month for the GM/EDS link) and $5.00 per megabyte transfer fee (versus over $40/megabyte at sites like EDS and IBM Advantis value added network). This Client/Server Mailbox clearing house is very similar to the system used by General Motors, Chrysler and Toyota in terms of host and remote site communications. Kindly telephone us if you would like to discuss this time saving CAD file transfer system in greater detail.
Click here for more details on CTI's VAN.