The CPCS FAQ

What is CPCS?NU Software has developed, Corporate PC System ("CPCS") a comprehensive client/server application that has a web interface for external customers and 32 bit graphical user interface for internal employees. Both interfaces interact with a server-based database. In our example, this product has been designed for a company that specializes in selling business PC's and network solutions, to wide range of both small and large customers. You can see the full design documentationhere.
Do I have to sell computers to use it?CPCS is for any company that wishes to provide an on-line ordering system. CPCS will give your customers the opportunity to order new product at their convenience either over the Internet or by telephone.
Tell me more…CPCS is a 32 bit client/server application that will have an external customer web-based browser interface and an internal PC based interface for clerical. The web interface will allow a company's customers to order products via a series of drop down menus over the web. The web interface will interact with an internal database that will generate the customer's order. Once the order has been placed, it is evaluated for credit approval. During credit evaluation, the order is either rejected or approved and a pick-list is generated. Once the pick-list is generated the order is assembled and then shipped to the customer via a land based forwarder.

The internal clerical interface is for orders that are sent in via phone or fax. The internal interface is similar in function to the web interface with a major difference. The credit standing will be readily apparent to the clerical worker.

The server-based database will hold information as it relates to customer contact, shipping information and company products offered.

Sounds cool… what’s the down side?
  • The internal clerical interface will be in a 32 bit environment and will support Windows 95 and NT 4.0 as the PC operating system. The server side database will be supported only with NT Server 4.0.
  • The use of IIS 4.0 gave the system design modularity (see image) but has constrained the number of browsers that could be used with the site.
  • Support is for Windows 95 and NT 4.0, there is no support for Windows 3.x, OS/2, UNIX or Mac’s.
  • This database chosen must be Access or SQL Server.
  • The Administrative and Shipping Clerical client must have the Visual Basic 5 Runtime Library.
  • Because of the extensive use of active server pages written in VB Script and the use of Internet Information Server 4.0, Internet Explorer 4.0 is the optimal web browser for your customers. Other browsers, such as IE 3.01 and below, and Netscape are compatible but not supported with CPCS.
  • It does not contain a comprehensive accounting package for managing Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable or General Ledger activity. Also, CPCS does not have a Procurement function. These features should be obtained through third party application components.
Our site sucks! What kind of "front end" to CPCS should we use?You should should employ a combination of marketing savvy, artistic skills and imagination. Let your customers know what you sell and draw them into your site. CPCS is only the engine to record and process your customer's orders. Click here to see a sample front end, then go back the NU Software's front page and try out the demo (use Acct# 12345) of the Corporate PC System!