General Description
AdvisorTrac is an easy to install self-contained and stable software application. It is a multi-file relational database that can execute complex queries quickly and store billions of records. AdvisorTrac is a perfomance-tuned application server that utilizes a fast and rock-solid database, an easy to use web interface, and a powerful web-server process all in one easy to maintain application. AdvisorTrac does not require any special initialization or registry entries when installing itself on the server machine. The software itself is cross platform (please specify the OS when ordering) and is able to be installed on any Windows OS as well as any MacOS platform. The original AdvisorTrac login/logout engine was developed by Redrock Software Corporation in 1995. Redrock Software Corporation has a proven track record of developing innovative data management products for commercial use since 1991.

Database Engine
AdvisorTrac utilizes the proven technology of 4th Dimension of 4D, Inc. of San Jose, California. AdvisorTrac is a native language, compiled, executable application that takes full advantage of the processor of the machine on which it is operating. The time proven 4D system is in use in many time/security intensive databases and has been in use for over 15 years.

Operating System/Hardware
Compatible with both Macintosh and Windows systems, as follows:
• Macintosh OS 9.2 or later (OS X recommended)
• Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP/2003/Server Operating System

Compatible with both Macintosh and Windows machines, as follows:
• Macintosh G3 or better
• Intel Pentium IV-type processor or better (a typical Pentium IV with appropriate memory and hard drive may cost around $800)

Redrock Software corporation recommends that the AdvisorTrac server software run on a dedicated server for institutions that will have a high volume of activity (such as a campus with over 20,000 students that allow students to book appointments using AdvisorTrac over the web). In low use situations, the AdvisorTrac server software may run on a server that is a dual-use server. AdvisorTrac is also used effectively in situations where the AdvisorTrac server software is running on the same machine that is used as the primary student login station.

Other optional hardware
The following equipment is optional, but may be utilized by AdvisorTrac:
• Video/digital camera for taking pictures to be imported into AdvisorTrac
• Bar-code reader, scanner, wand or other type of ID reading device

Memory Requirements
256 MB RAM is necessary for minimum performance. We recommend 512 MB or more for optimal performance.

Network Protocol
AdvisorTrac requires a TCP/IP network protocol. It defaults to serve on port 80 but may be customized to serve on any port. AdvisorTrac will accept off-campus logins from users if the campus firewall allows such access.

Data Security
AdvisorTrac requires all users that access the database to have a valid user name and password.  Student access may be configured to allow students to generate a user name and password the first time a student accesses the AdvisorTrac site.

Data Connections to Student Information Systems
AdvisorTrac may be connected to your campus Student Information System to produce student and tutor lists.  Course information may be downloaded to the AdvisorTrac system via an authorized ODBC link. Some standard scripts are included for this process.

Data Imports from Student Information Systems
AdvisorTrac may be configured to accept imports from dowloaded student lists and/or schedules from student information systems. Some standard scripts are included for this process.

Back-Up/Restoration
Backing up the AdvisorTrac data file is highly recommended. The AdvisorTrac server may be configured to backup the data file on a user-defined timed interval. This process may also be handled by the campus' own software.

Easy Migration of Software to Backup/Replacement Server
As hardware needs change, moving the AdvisorTrac server software to a different server is a simple task. Moving the server directory from the current server to the new server is all that is required.

Redrock Software Corporation is not liable for any data loss for any reason.