|
We have produced Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) on the following subjects, helping you to further your understanding of Orchid Software and Orchidnet.
• Orchid Software
• Orchidnet Introduction
• Orchidnet Security
• Orchidnet System
• Orchidnet Applications
Orchid Software
What is Orchid Software’s background?
Orchid Software was formed in 1994 to develop software for the management of the ISO 9000 quality standard. Following the release and ongoing evolution of two highly acclaimed packages - CQM and Phoenix - a focus change was decided upon in 1996.
As web technologies took a greater prominence in business, Orchid's team recognised the potential of corporate intranets for information management. The result was Orchidnet, a powerful, flexible intranet solution that is used today by some of the world's largest companies.
Our aim is to develop cutting-edge information management solutions that enable our customers to maximise their information assets and become more efficient, proactive and profitable.
Who are your customers?
Orchid Software is proud to count some of the world's most successful organisations amongst its clients. From small to large firms, government agencies, universities, charities, accountants and others, each recognises the value of effective knowledge management.
Some of Orchid's clients whom you might recognise include Nissan, Barclays, Rolls Royce, Northern Rock, Greggs, Northumbrian Water and the NHS.
Can I visit any customer sites?
In order to show potential clients the full benefit of our solutions, we actively encourage them to visit our existing customers. We always make it a point not to be at these meetings, enabling you to ask anything you like about Orchid Software.
What future products and services are planned?
Orchidnet is constantly under development as we anticipate future client requirements and cater for specific customer requests. New developments are regularly added to our growing list of applications.
Orchidnet – Introduction
What is Orchidnet?
Orchidnet is a powerful, easy to use Intranet solution for the effective distribution of information across your organisation. It provides a framework that enables employees, partners, and customers to capture, shape and share knowledge.
Orchidnet consists of a series of integrated applications that allow you to publish news, share files, participate, and gauge company opinion. Your information is easily found using a powerful search facility and comprehensive knowledge portal.
Orchidnet is available in four versions - click here to read more about them.
How much does Orchidnet cost?
Because each Orchidnet installation is tailored to a client's particular requirements, we offer a basic quotation based on your specific requirements. Our customers tell us that we provide excellent value for money and that Orchidnet systems pay for themselves in a very short space of time.
Why choose Orchidnet?
Orchidnet is a tested and proven system, trusted by some of the world's best known firms. It can be deployed in minimum time, on budget and with our complete confidence in its abilities.
The standard package of over 50 Orchidnet applications provide powerful article publishing, file sharing, knowledge management, discussion and content management facilities, all sharing a common security model. To develop similar software to the same standard would take months, while a robust, fully functional Orchidnet solution can be deployed in just a few short hours.
Orchidnet also offers over 40 Optional applications, each of which fits seamlessly into the framework and can offer an almost immediate return on investment.
How long does it take to deploy Orchidnet?
Orchidnet SE can be installed and deployed across an organisation in less than an hour. The installation times of Orchidnet PRO, E2 and Orchidnet ASP vary as they can be customised to meet the exact needs of our customers. We would be happy to provide a quote on request.
Can I change the look and feel of Orchidnet?
Yes. The user interface may be changed by Orchid's team, or by your own graphic artists, to match your corporate identity.
Is Orchidnet easy to use?
Orchidnet is designed primarily to make information an easy to use resource within your organisation. Thanks to its friendly and familiar web-based interface, users become confident with Orchidnet in a matter of minutes.
Is it difficult to publish and maintain content?
One advantage of using Orchidnet is its simple approach to information management and publication. No knowledge of web design or HTML programming is necessary to publish information to the intranet. Indexing and menus are managed automatically, for quick searching and easy access to information.
Is any training required to use Orchidnet?
The average user does not require any training. We do recommend that administrators undergo a training session lasting about three hours to cover typical administration issues.
What statistical information can I get out of Orchidnet?
Orchidnet has a number of pre-configured report types that enable you to extract essential data for audits and appraisals. In addition you can easily create new reports using third party software tools.
Orchidnet – Security
What security features are included with Orchidnet?
Orchidnet is built with security in mind. Complete control is placed in your hands as to what level of security you wish to implement on your intranet. Typically, Orchidnet administrators oversee the management of users, access permissions, sites, applications, departments, projects, content and menu administration.
Orchidnet's security package comprises three key areas:
•Authentication Before any user may access Orchidnet they must be authenticated, ensuring that each user is assigned the individual access permissions that he or she has been granted. Orchidnet supports many forms of authentication, including Windows NT, Active Directory, NDS, and native Orchidnet username and password identification.
•Permissions Each Orchidnet user is assigned access permissions that restrict or grant access to intranet resources such as sites, departments, projects, applications and published content.
•Auditing Orchidnet provides several types of audit report, detailing who has accessed the intranet and what content was read, published, removed or revised by each user.
Can I prevent a user from seeing content published in a specific area?
Yes. Orchidnet security allows you to configure every aspect of each user's access rights, including restricting access to individual areas and even specific documents.
Is my data encrypted?
Sensitive data within the Orchidnet database is secured using 128bit encryption technology.
Orchidnet – System
What are the minimum hardware requirements for Orchidnet? Every Orchidnet installation is different, however the following minimum server hardware requirements are recommended:
Orchidnet SE
Hardware Requirements
Every Orchidnet installation is different, however the following minimum server hardware requirements are recommended:
•1Ghz Intel/AMD Processor
•512MB RAM
•20 GB Hard Disk (more for additional content)
•100mb TCP/IP Network
Software Requirements
Orchidnet runs on the Windows 2000 Server or above platform. The following requirements exist for each server platform:
•Windows 2000/2003
•Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 (or above) / Oracle 8i (or above)
•SMTP compatible mail server
•Internet Information Services 5.0 (or above)
For clients, any Microsoft Windows platform is supported and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 (or above) is required.
N.B. Orchidnet SE only supports up to 250 users – larger user groups will require Orchidnet PRO
Orchidnet PRO
Hardware Requirements
Minimum Requirements (251 - 10,000 users)
•2.8Ghz Intel/AMD Processor
•1 GB Ram
•80 GB Hard Drive
•100mb TCP/IP Network
Recommended Requirements (10,000 users and above):
•Dual 2.8Ghz Intel/AMD Processors
•2 GB RAM
•250 GB Hard Drive
•100mb TCP/IP Network
Software Requirements
•Orchidnet runs on the Windows 2000 Server or above platform. The following requirements exist for each server platform:
•Windows 2000/2003
•Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 (or above) / Oracle 8i (or above)
•SMTP compatible mail server
•Internet Information Services 5.0 (or above)
For clients, any Microsoft Windows platform is supported and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 (or above) is required.
Orchidnet ASP
Due to the hosted nature of the solution, no additional hardware or software is required.
Orchidnet Education Edition
Hardware Requirements
•2.8Ghz Intel/AMD Processor
•1 GB Ram
•80 GB Hard Drive
•100mb TCP/IP Network
Software Requirements
Orchidnet runs on the Windows 2000 Server or above platform. The following requirements exist for each server platform:
•Windows 2000/2003
•Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 (or above) / Oracle 8i (or above)
•SMTP compatible mail server
•Internet Information Services 5.0 (or above)
For clients, any Microsoft Windows platform is supported and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 (or above) is required.
What programming language does Orchidnet use?
Orchidnet brings together technologies such as Active Server Pages, Java Script, SQL, C++. Each of these were chosen according to our objectives of scalability, openness, security and performance.
Will Orchidnet work with my current systems?
Orchidnet has been integrated into many environments including Windows NT, Active Directory, Novell and Peoplesoft. We're confident that Orchidnet will work with your systems too - as a bespoke system we can tailor Orchidnet to fit your exact requirements, including integration with legacy systems. If you're still concerned, please give us a call for an informal chat
What database can I use with Orchidnet?
Orchidnet supports both Microsoft SQL Server 2000 (or above) and Oracle 9i (or above)
How much storage space does Orchidnet require?
The space required by Orchidnet is entirely dependent on the content you generate. However, if you call us with details of your requirements we can estimate the storage space that you may need.
Orchidnet – Applications
What applications are available for Orchidnet?
Orchidnet also offers many additional applications, each of which integrate seamlessly into the system framework with the potential to provide an almost immediate return on investment. Click here to view a list of current applications
Can I develop my own applications?
Yes. Orchidnet's optional Software Development Kit (SDK) allows your programmers to employ Orchidnet functionality in your own applications. Of course, we would also be delighted to develop new applications on your behalf - please see our Case Studies for some exciting examples.
|
