What is the system performance?

Since the advent of PBS hardware performance has grown dramatically. Other PBS systems have not taken advantage of this. SmartPref has and as a result, the SmartPref™ system is incredibly fast. Optimized runs of 200-300 crewmembers will be completed in 20 to 30 minutes. During our customized airline-specific demos, we provide the airline with the system executable. This allows the airline to determine operational performance for themselves.

What makes SmartPref™ so fast?
SmartPref™ was designed from the ground up to make use of the most efficient programming methodologies for the task. Heuristic mathematics as well as object oriented architecture were optimized for today’s hardware. Our code has no dependencies on old, outdated libraries. Because SmartPref™ is totally new, no compromises had to be made to support backward compatibility.

Other systems are running on a dated, bloated code base that uses mechanisms that are considered clunky by today’s standards. The SmartPref™ system is sleek and efficient. SmartPref™ was designed to compliment how enterprise-level applications run today.

What language does SmartPref™ use?

To ensure the system's flexibility, extensibility and scalability, we used Macromedia Flash MX, C# and XML - all gold standards for web application development, support and maintainability. The 'engine' or line builder is in C compatible code. We use SOAP Web Services to consume and share data.

What kind of database is used by SmartPref™?

SmartPref™ does not require a database for I/O in the performance of its awarding, line building or system administration. During the running period of the bidding process all current data directly extracted from data supplied by the Airline is stored very efficiently in direct memory in the form of arrays and pointers using SOAP Web Services. This allows high speed access and efficient computations. All current data is available via the SysAdmin GUI which can be customized and tailored to the given airline’s needs. All data input and output is via SOAP Web Services, making it easily and universally accessible.

What is the first step in the implementation process?

The first step in the implementation process is our Engineering Study whose purpose is to mutually agree on the required functionality, the method and timeframe of delivery, customizations, and the exact costs involved in implementing SmartPref™ in a specific airline environment.

How will SmartPref™ fit within our current network architecture?
SmartPref™ can be accessorized and customized to integrate seamlessly with any existing crewmember portal. The flexible architecture of SmartPref™ allows us to share secure data with your portal using standard HTTP, FTP SOAP and TCP/IP protocols.

SmartPref™ can be customized to allow you to push or pull data real-time so new data is immediately available to crewmembers. The interface uses web standard file types allowing administration and user interaction using nothing more then a standard browser.

Do we need additional usernames or passwords to use SmartPref™?
SmartPref™ is adaptable to a number of authentication schemes to allow unified login within your crewmember portal. This would negate any need for a separate application to launch, or having a separate secure connection open. This lowers administration costs and well as making access control easy to implement and maintain.

Does SmartPref™ have run on outside servers?
SmartPref™ was designed to run so efficiently that Web access is utilized as a core component of the system architecture. Even with the application server outside your network there is no loss of speed, efficiency or stability. However, the application server can reside within your existing network with no specialized customization.

What hardware and software do I need to run SmartPref™?
SmartPref™ runs on Microsoft IIS, the web server used by the vast majority of the Fortune 1000 companies. (see http://www.port80software.com/surveys/top1000webservers/archive/200301/)

Application Server Requirements
• Windows Server 2003
• IIS 6.0
• 3.0+ GHz Intel Pentium or Xeon processors
• 80 GB RAID (preferably RAID 5)
• 1GB RAM

Client Access Requirements
• Internet Explorer 5.5+, Firefox 1.0+ or Mozilla web browser
• Macromedia Flash 7.0 Plug-in (Free)
• 1024 x 768 Video Display

Ideally the client would use a PC Pentium 3 or better workstation running Windows XP, Internet Explorer 5.5+ with Flash 7.0.

Could SmartPref™ be modified to run on non-Windows platforms?
Yes. However, configuring SmartPref™ to run on a different platform would incur additional implementation costs. This can be determined at the time of the initial engineering study.

Can SmartPref™ run on clustered servers?
There is no reason that IP spraying or other clustering methodologies could not be used with a SmartPref™ installation.

What kind of maintenance and support is available for SmartPref™?

24/7 Help Desk Support
All clients have access to our 24/7 online support portal for resolution of product-related problems.

Minor System Updates
Clients have access to minor updates to SmartPref™ during their maintenance period at no additional charge with the exception of re-incorporating any client-specific customizations that have not been included in the base product. These software updates may include error corrections found in other client installations, minor upgrades to existing functionality, or upgrades to handle newer third-party software.

Major System Enhancements
Clients have the right to review major enhancements and new modules (in executable code only), developed by Crewing Solutions. Enhancements and new modules will be available at the prevailing rates.

SmartPref™ User Group Committee.
Clients are invited to join the SmartPref™ user group. Crewing Solutions will allocate a specific dollar amount annually to be “spent” on product enhancements that the group defines and prioritizes. This group will consist of representatives from each of our customers.