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Jobshop MS SQL

As part of the Planit Software group,  we at Jobshop are committed to the ongoing development of our software in ways that we believe both compliments the needs of our customer base and for present and future demands from the manufacturing industry sector.

Over the last few years we have periodically released new versions of Jobshop that have built and improved on the previous one albeit fundamentally similar.  In October 2008 we bought our product into the ‘Vista’ age changing the look and feel of the product as well as several enhancements.

Later this year we plan to make another significant step forward by moving to a ‘relational database’ platform in the form of MS SQL.   By utilising MS SQL we provide ourselves and ultimately our customers, with additional scope for Jobshop’s future development.  This new version will herald an exciting new direction for Jobshop.

Whilst we plan to embark on a MS SQL programme in October 2010, this shift will not affect any customer using the Pervasive database. Releases from October 2010 will accommodate MS SQL and Pervasive users.  We plan to continue partial development in Pervasive systems for the next 2 years therein we will then turn our full development resources to the MS SQL version. Customers who decide to stay with Pervasive after this time will obviously be fully supported as normal and indefinitely whilst in maintenance.

So what will this mean to you as an existing customer? 

1. In order to upgrade to the MS SQL releases of Jobshop we will need to change a customers’ Magic licences from the current Express version over to the Enterprise version. There will be a charge by Magic for this changeover, details of which will be advised as per individual customer requirements. (These charges are levied by our supplier, Magic and ones we are obliged to pass on).
2. Once the 2011 r1 version of Jobshop is released (planned Oct 2010) every customer would have the option of taking this new and subsequent releases using MS SQL as their database.  Those customers preferring to remain with their Pervasive set up can do so and we will be maintaining a limited development programme into 2012.   After that period we will fully focus development on MS SQL, while continuing to support Pervasive for the foreseeable future.

We have anticipated a few of those questions you may have regarding the proposed changes.

• Q: How much is it?

• A: The new version will be free to all customers in maintenance.  There will be charges for the changes in Magic licences (will vary as per individual customer needs) and the usual rates will be applied to any installation and consultancy/training on the new functionality.

• Q: Can I use the free version of MS SQL, “Express”?  
  

• A: For most of our Small and Medium sized users Express 2008 will be sufficient, but we will need to review your current system to confirm this.

• Q: Can I use the MS SQL 2005 license that is already installed on my SBS Server?

• A: Yes, but you may need to purchase some extra users.

• Q: Will I need new hardware to run MS SQL? 

• A: No.

• Q: Will I lose my data? 

• A: No, we will provide a full data transfer service.

• Q: Why the move?

• A: There are several advantages to utilising MS SQL. This Platform will allow better integration with other software.  It will also provide for Speed improvements within the  “thinking” programs like MRP and Scheduling. It should prove more scalable and operate more efficiently with larger user accounts. Data access is expected to be easier and other ‘tools’ such as MS Query and Excel can be used. Data structure changes would be easier in MS SQL as opposed to Pervasive, allowing for more cost effective development.  MS SQL is often available as a free download or rolled into the MS server operating systems. 

• Q: I am on a bespoke system – how does this affect me?

• A: As with the current systems upgrades, bespoke work can be carried over to the new system. We can quote for specific customer requirements.

• Q: I use terminal server or Citrix as well as client server – can I switch to MS-SQL on the same basis?

• A: Yes.

• Q: I signed up for Magic/Unipaas maintenance some time ago on the basis that I would not have to pay for upgrades – now you are saying there are charges – why?

• A: There are no charges for upgrades if you stay with the current Jobshop / Pervasive system. With the offer of a new version of Jobshop, which will utilise a Relational Database platform in the form of MS SQL, you will be need to move to a new Magic license.

• Q: Where do we get MS SQL from; can we buy it from you? 

• A: You may already have MS SQL licences on your server, but you can source MS SQL licences from your IT hardware supplier, or download the free version from the Microsoft website.

• Q: Does my current Magic maintenance cover upgrading to the Enterprise licence? If not why not? 

• A: Your current Magic maintenance only applies to Magic ‘Express’ licence upgrades. Magic ‘Enterprise’ is a different product and is not covered by the Magic Express maintenance. However Magic Express Maintenance does allow for an upgrade to Enterprise at a reduced rate.

• Q: If I upgrade to the SQL version does this affect my Jobshop maintenance? 

• A: Jobshop maintenance is not affected but Magic maintenance may increase depending on the cost of your Enterprise licences.

• Q: We were planning to upgrade to the latest version of Jobshop (2010r2). Should we now wait for the MS SQL release later in the year? 

• A: If you take the 2010r2 release now (including Magic Enterprise licences, consultancy, data migration, etc) we will return and install 2011r1 (MS SQL version) at the end of the year free of charge.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss any issues you may have on the question of taking the Jobshop (MS SQL) release as and when we launch the product later in the year. 

With kind regards

Paul Holmes
General Manager

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