Impact Technology Core Components

Impact software employs a client-server architecture. Impact, the client side, runs on a Windows based system using MS Access as a database. Insite runs on a Windows NT or 2000 server running SQL Server.

Impact software provides complete functionality off-line. All updates are synchronized with the Impact WEB server when a connection is established. The Impact WEB Portal software is a thin client architecture using Internet Explorer on the client. The server runs Internet Services Manager (IIS) with the Crystal Enterprise Report Application Server to generate reports from the SQL Server database.

Impact is designed for sales people on the move. It runs on Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 or XP using MS Access as its database. Impact uses MS Word and Excel to generate reports, and can integrate with MS Outlook to share contact information and appointments.

Impact does not require a connection to a server to function. Impact provides complete functionality while working off-line. All updates are synchronized to the Impact WEB server when a connection is established. Impact includes an Import and Export Wizard that can be used to share data with other external CRM systems. Information can be transferred via XML documents or comma separated flat files.

A bi-directional synchronization process moves data between Impact and the Impact WEB server. The Impact Customization utility allows the system administrator to customize Impact so it conforms specifically to your unique needs. The new customizations are automatically transferred to each Impact user when they connect with the Impact WEB server.

Impact WEB manages the synchronization of the data from Impact to the server. It uses a thin client interface to provide access to the SQL Server database from any computer with Internet access and an Internet Explorer browser. The server requires Internet Information Services (IIS) on a Windows NT or Windows 2000 server running SQL Server 7.0 or 2000. In addition, Crystal Reports and the Crystal Enterprise Report Application Server are used to generate and deliver management reports.

Impact WEB uses a multi-tiered security system to secure access to information both by salesperson and by function. Depending on the security settings, a user may have access only to a few reports showing the information for selected salespeople, or access to all information including the ability to change data using the Collaboration and Territory Management functions. Easy to use report templates and utilities allow the customer to create and run their own custom reports through the Impact WEB Portal.