1 - How many units/machines can be managed using Actima ?

A. There is no limit to the number of machines that Actima can handle. Actima's expandable architecture allows various databases to be implemented (Paradox, SQL Server, Oracle, etc.) so that any IT system can be managed, whether it has 10 machines or 10,000.

2 - Can Actima be used to manage units other than computer equipment ?

A. Yes. Actima's adaptability (see question 15) makes it ideal for handling all kinds of equipment: furniture, telephone equipment, fax machines, photocopiers, measuring tools, bio-medical equipment, etc (see also WinPark module)

3 - What features of WinLine make it so superior to other Help-Desk software on the market ?

A. In addition to its ability to resolve incidents, WinLine processes all the requests sent by the users: information requests, workstation upgrades, removals, corporate restructuring and so on. WinLine's total integration with the IT management module, WinPark, together with the economic & budgetary management module, WinGest, means each and every request can be processed efficiently. For example, it is not only possible to detect a breakdown requiring equipment to be replaced - you can also view the stock, withdraw the new equipment, assign it to a given user and bill it to the department concerned. Put simply, WinLine provides greater operational cover than most other Help-Desk software on the market, which often only provides for the recording and processing of incidents.

4 - What are the strong points behind Actima technology ?

A. Actima is a multi-base application (SQL Server, Oracle, Paradox, etc.) developed using native 32-bit technology and designed to run in client-server or local mode. Internet or native Intranet access is provided by Web Actima (see question 10).

5. Why use a single product to manage both IT asset and help-desks?

A. In practice, issues concerning the help-desk and the technical, economic and budgetary management of a computer system are closely related. Using several different products can make for complex and costly implementation and usage: file import-export problems between the different software, different upgrade cycles, interface variations, etc. An integrated solution has the advantage of being more economical, easier to use and more complete.

6. How can I recover (import) data from my "in-house" database?

A. Importing in-house data is an issue frequently encountered in IT management. Actima comes as standard with a highly sophisticated import function allowing all major file types to be imported, including ASCII, Dbf, Oracle and SQL Server. The user can also import mono- or multi-table imports, monitor import operations, etc. Staff&Line also offer clients a professional data import/recuperation service: status analysis, recuperation of in-house data, compliance testing with the old database, etc.

7 - How long will it take to install and implement Actima ?

A. There are several stages in a successful implementation of Actima. The installation and staff induction phase usually takes a matter of days, though in most cases, other issues need to be addressed, too:
recuperation of existing data definition and formalization of procedures (identification of equipment, equipment location management, etc) definition of standards (nomenclature, key words, etc.) reporting definition (control panels, statistics, etc.) interface management including tools for inventory, procurement, calculation of fixed assets and corporate network monitoring. production of a user manual Actima configuration, as necessary.
Each of these stages requires managing as a separate project. Staff&Line, or one of our approved partners, will be happy to implement any or all of the stages on your behalf.

8. How can STAFF&LINE help me in installing an IT asset and help-desk management system?

A. The various stages in implementing an IT and help-desk management software solution (see question 7) each require individual management. Staff&Line and their approved partners offer consultancy and assistance throughout the duration of the project. A ballpark figure would be 20 to 60 days according to the size of the project for total implementation of anywhere from a few weeks to several months

9.How can I justify the purchase of Actima to my superiors?

A. Actima provides the following features and more:
easy management of your corporate IT environment (switching, removals, restructuring, etc.) budgetary management (pay the right amount of trade tax, optimize negotiations with vendors, calculate total cost of ownership, etc.) improve the level of service provided (ability to process and follow up all user requests, implement preventative solutions, access reliable indicators on the IT setup and the help-desk, etc) improved security (combat pirating, losses and theft, highlighting of machines "at risk" without backup or exposed to viruses, etc) constant monitoring of the IT system, user support, costs, supplies, etc.

10 - What can Web Actima offer my company ?

A. Web Actima means you can access Actima's main IT and help-desk management features from any Internet-enabled PC :
view the knowledge base record maintenance requests manage on-going maintenance requests enter maintenance reports record equipment purchase requests view equipment data cards view configuration panel and statistics view user directory view equipment catalog and standard configurations

11 - Can Actima be used with my existing network monitoring solution ?

A. Actima can be used with all major network and systems administration frameworks (CA Unicenter, Bull ISM, HP OpenView, IBM Tivoli, etc.) as well as the major LAN monitoring software packages (Microsoft SMS, Desktop Administrator, Novell Managewise, Intel Landesk, etc).

12. I have a network with less than 200 workstations. Is Actima suited to my needs?

A. Actima represents excellent value for money when used with a Paradox database. Actima's adaptability also means it can integrate any kind of IT setup, however large or small.

13. My technical support is already accustomed to one Help-Desk program. How can I get them to accept WinLine?

A. Try showing them:
WinLine's ergonomics making for simple, intuitive use WinLine's ability to adapt to the specifics of your help-desk and recreate a work environment almost identical to your existing one automatic query processing procedures and actions using service commitment contracts decision support system with query reports, control panel, statistics etc. full integration with IT management (WinPark) displaying user configuration and details of previous requests

14 - How can I get an up-to-the-minute display of my company's IT system and help-desk ?

A. Actima comes with a complete IT system and help-desk database query module allowing complex SQL queries to be formulated via a very simple-to-use graphical query language. The results of the queries are displayed as tables, graphs, reports, statistics and decision cubes. Reports may be generated automatically at regular intervals and the system can be configured to generate a full report once a week, just prior to a departmental meeting, for example. Actima also provides a graphic control panel displaying help-desk activity and updated in real time (number of inquiries handled per entity, equipment used, etc.).

15. How can Actima be adapted to my company's specific needs?

A. A company's needs regarding IT and help-desk management solutions will depend on such things as the technical staff and management structure. Actima can be adapted to every kind of structure: customizable screens and processing according to user profile, extra fields, tables or processing, interfacing with company files, specialized software applications (financial management, accounting, etc.) or network and systems monitoring software (see question 11)