Overview
We often receive questions about Ingen Software, Inc., OASIS, and the visibility of data in OASIS to external companies. This document touches on these questions and outlines the policies at Ingen Software concerning the use of data made available to our associates.
Ingen Software, Inc.
Ingen Software, Inc. is an independent software vendor. Although we form alliances with other companies (e.g. Manufacturer Sales Representatives, Manufacturers and Distributors), the company is privately owned and operated.
External Access to OASIS Data
Installation of OASIS assumes a secured LAN environment using current Firewall technologies. The only mechanism within any of the OASIS products that allows access to OASIS data externally is the OASIS Web product.
To ensure the security of OASIS (and other data stored in other products), we highly recommend the following:
- Contract with a local PC/LAN support team to ensure your PCs and network equipment is properly configured.
- Ensure your virus software is installed and up-to-date.
Transmitting Data From OASIS
Many groups (Reps, Manufacturers and Distributors) are taking advantage of the cost benefits of the Internet. E-Mailing documents (instead of Faxing) is the most popular. In this case, the data sent from OASIS is identical to what would otherwise be printed.
However, groups are taking advantage of business-to-business data exchange. Although it is hard to comment collectively on what data is transmitted for the various technologies used by OASIS, data is generally restricted to the items that would otherwise be printed (e.g. transmitting a PO will only show the manufacturer information that would normally be printed and then Faxed to the manufacturer).
Version Checking and “Open Ticket” Features
Once per day, OASIS will check the Ingen Software servers to ensure the user's copy of OASIS is current. For this to happen, the version of the software is sent to our servers for validation. The server will then reply with the current version any critical information about the version installed on the user's PC.
If OASIS detects an internal error, the “Open Ticket” dialog will appear. The information shown in this screen is detailed information about what OASIS was processing at the time of the error. However, data is rarely shown in this screen. If the user presses the “Open Ticket” button, the following information is transmitted to OASIS Support:
- The user's name and the user's PC name
- The version and release of OASIS
- The contents of the dialog window
Only if the user presses the “Open Ticket” button will Ingen Software be notified of the failure.
Exporting Data to OASIS Support
From time to time, it is helpful for our support staff to obtain a copy of a quotation or order to review. This helps our staff understand what the user is seeing and (if a problem is identified) properly test any required software patches.
ANY DATA TRANSMITTED TO US IS ONLY USED TO SUPPORT THE USER'S NEEDS. THE DATA IS NOT SHARED OR DISCUSSED WITH ANY EXTERNAL PARTIES.
