Hardware Interface

Hardware

Consulting

   System Design

   System Setup

   Training

Training

   We assist with setup

   and provide training

   at the time of install

Spectrum Group is a systems software manufacturer complete with SALES, SUPPORT and TRAINING STAFF; dedicated to providing our CUSTOMERS with the VERY BEST products BACKED BY SUPERIOR Service and Support.  We continue to create the MOST ADVANCED and COST EFFECTIVE Systems Software on the market today as part of the SpectrumNET Systems Software Family.  Our Software will SAVE you TIME and MONEY...

Our programs are WEB BASED applications.  No more loading programs on computers and establishing network connections.  System maintenance costs are virtually eliminated.

Support - support is included with the Customers Annual License and Support Subscription.  License and Support Subscriptions are required for all deployments.  Servers and programs being used are licensed annually for a one year period.  Licenses are required for operation, and are renewed within 12 hours of receipt of payment.

   SG1 Hosted Support      Comprehensive Site Based Support      Standalone Support

SG1 Hosted Support - an All Inclusive Support package for customers that use our recommended deployment model where the customers data resides on one of Spectrum  Groups servers, and the customer accesses their data over the internet.

Servers and programs being used are licensed annually for a one year period.  Licenses are required for operation, and are renewed within 12 hours of receipt of payment.

With the ALL-INCLUSIVE License and Support Subscription, you get it all!  The ALL-INCLUSIVE is automatically in place for Hosted Subscriptions and Site Based Web Appliance Deployments.  Here is what you get...

• Emergency Database Repair

• No charge data file repair and reconstruction

• Remote (if available) diagnosis and debug

• No charge for upgrades of the database engine.

• No charge for upgrades to data files.

• Priority response call handling to your urgent technical questions during Technical Support hours (business days from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time)

• Priority response to technical support inquiries made via email.

• Automatic SpectrumNET software version upgrade releases (KeyNET WorkNET, ProjectNET, or other Web-Based software)

• Automatic SpectrumNET software maintenance releases.

• Access to the SpectrumNET Customer Resource Libraries detailing all types of tech tips and techniques, and giving you access to our "Known Faults" database.

• A 25% discount on SpectrumNET software training classes for each student.

• Special discounts on additional licenses.

• Special discounts on all other features and Spectrum Group Programs.

SITE-BASED COMPREHENSIVE Support Subscription - a modified version of the ALL-INCLUSIVE License and Support Subscription designed for Customer Controlled Based Deployments; other than OUR STANDARD standalone proprietary WEB APPLIANCE/server Configuration.

Servers and programs being used are licensed annually for a one year period.  Licenses are required for operation, and are renewed within 12 hours of receipt of payment.

This Deployment is Conditional Emergency Database Repair - Cursory investigation included when remote access is granted.  All repairs and modifications are at additional charge. Reduced charges for data file repair and reconstruction. - Cursory investigation include when remote access is granted.  All repairs and modifications are at additional charge. Remote (if available) diagnosis & debug* No charge for upgrades of the database engine releases. No charge for data file upgrade releases Priority response call handling to your urgent technical questions during Technical Support hours (business days from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time) * Priority response to technical support inquiries made via email Automatic KeyNETTM, WorkNETTM, ProjectNETTM, or other Web-Based software version upgrade releases * Automatic KeyNETTM, WorkNETTM, ProjectNETTM, or other Web-Based software maintenance releases * Access to the KeyNETTM, WorkNETTM, ProjectNETTM, or other Web-Based Customer Resource Libraries detailing all types of tech tips and techniques, and giving you access to our "known faults" database. A 30% discount on KeyNETTM, WorkNETTM, ProjectNETTM, or other Web-Based  training classes for each student. Special discounts on additional Site or Issue Licenses. Special discounts on all other features and Spectrum Group Programs   * Spectrum Group must have unlimited access to Web Appliance deployments via port 22 and port 80 (ssl port if that is being used).   Considerations: Access to your system is controlled locally.  Because Site Based Systems allow local Administrators access to the database...Spectrum Group assumes no responsibility for the condition or integrity of the data.  If Chain of Custody claims may be an issue, we recommend using Subscription, rather than Site-Based, KeyNET applications. If  a customer desires to use the KeyNET program in any environment or configuration other than OUR STANDARD site based proprietary Web-Appliance/Server configuration, then: (a) Spectrum Group NEEDS ROOT OR ADMINISTRATIVE ACCESS TO ALL MACHINES INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM, FOR BOTH THE INSTALLATION PROCEDURE AND ANY SUPPORT PROCEDURES Spectrum Group MAY NEED TO PERFORM.  SPECIAL FEES WILL BE ADDED FOR THESE SPECIAL CONFIGURATIONS. Customers can change the passwords when Spectrum Group has finished with the install and testing, but during the time  Spectrum Group is performing work, Spectrum Group requires unrestricted access to the server where C5I is, the server where the backup is, and the server where the database is. Without these things, Spectrum Group WILL NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT. Spectrum Group will not attempt to install or support anything. (b) NO CUSTOMIZATION OUTSIDE OF OUR STANDARD site based proprietary Web-Appliance/Server configuration SETUP IS INCLUDED IN THE INSTALLATION CHARGE.  NO SUPPORT OF EXTERNAL SERVERS OR OUR INTERACTION WITH THOSE SERVERS IS INCLUDED IN Spectrum Group  SUPPORT FEES.   That means that at ANY time, during installation or future support, if Spectrum Group should  have to touch, work with, modify, reprogram, or whatever, anything to make this work in a hybrid or nonstandard environment, there be AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE, BY THE HOUR, FOR ALL ASSOCIATED Spectrum Group TIME ABOVE AND BEYOND THE STANDARD INSTALLATION CHARGE AND/OR SUPPORT CHARGE.   (c) DUE TO THE SENSITIVE NATURE OF THE DATA CONTAINED IN THE KeyNET PROGRAM, ANY SITE BASED SYSTEM THAT IS NOT TOTALLY CONTAINED OUR STANDARD site based proprietary Web-Appliance/Server configuration IS NOT RECOMMENDED BY Spectrum Group.  Optional configurations are provided at the customers request and are provided  at the customer's risk; Spectrum Group assumes no responsibility for data stored outside OUR STANDARD site based proprietary Web-Appliance/Server configuration.  Spectrum Group WILL CHARGE FOR ANY TIME, ABOVE AND BEYOND THE SERVICE CONTRACT, FOR ANY SUPPORT OF A DATABASE THAT IS STORED ON A SERVER ACCESSIBLE TO LOCAL USERS AND OTHER COMPUTER SUPPORT TYPES.   Site Server maintained locally. If our customer is using OUR STANDARD standalone proprietary Web-Appliance/Server, it must be powered by an uninterruptible power supply, and is covered under the warranty agreed to and documented at time of purchase. If our customer is using KeyNET on a computer provided by them, all hardware warranties are outside of Spectrum Group agreements and shall be totally maintained by the customer. Local Network maintained locally. All Networking is maintained locally by the customer. Local Backups maintain by the customer. If our customer is using OUR STANDARD standalone proprietary Web-Appliance/Server, backups are maintained by tape-backup provided with the system.  The tape backup is warranted by the manufacturer of the tape backup, and not by Spectrum Group.  It is the responsibility of the customer and local administrators to provide, change and maintain tapes. If our customer is using a custom configuration for backing up data, other than OUR STANDARD standalone proprietary Web-Appliance/Server configuration, it becomes the sole responsibility of the customer to perform and maintain backups. Locally controlled Remote Storage. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to maintain any remote data storage for site based configuration. Works from any Computer that is granted access on the Intranet. Program is updated by local technicians. If our customer is using OUR STANDARD standalone proprietary Web-Appliance/Server configuration, it must be powered by an uninterruptible power supply, and is covered under the warranty agreed to and documented at time of purchase. If our customer is using KeyNET on a computer provided by them, all hardware warranties are outside of Spectrum Group agreements and shall be totally maintained by the customer. Manuals are always current to the latest upgrade which has been installed.

Data Transfer Method

Data Transfer Options and how it works  Spectrum Group is proud to offer the following Technical Support Option to our customers who are considering transferring of data from an existing system into any of our SpectrumNET Systems...AttendanceNET, DeveloperNET, KeyNET, WorkNET, etc.   General Spectrum Group (SG1) does provide software, software upgrades and support services for current and new users of our computerized software systems in Customer Support Service Contracts.  Customers seeking to reduce manual data entry may entertain the use of our Spectrum Group Data Transfer Services.  Additionally, Spectrum Group Data Transfer Services develops and creates programming for the periodic import, or export of data, between programs.  Data Transfer is tailored to meet the specific needs of your organization, and to ensure stability of our systems.    How The Process Works At our customers’ request, Spectrum Group will assist our customers in determining what it is they expect to accomplish by importing or exporting data, and create a scope of work based on our “Three Phase Process”.   Our customers are NOT obligated or charged for the initial two phases of the Spectrum Group Process when the customer is providing the export of their data.  Consulting fees are charged under Phase 1, item 3 situations. Should our customer desire a programming routine to be developed and/or written, the feasibility will be addressed in Phase 2.  After determining “exactly” what our customer is seeking to accomplish, Spectrum Group Data Transfer Group will prepare a detailed summary of their analysis.  Spectrum Group will prepare and submit a “Cost Proposal” based on the analysis, detailing what will be accomplished by performing the data transfer.  The three phases used by Spectrum Group Data Transfer Services are: PHASE 1 - DATA EXPORT FITNESS CHECK PHASE 2 - DATA EVALUATION PHASE 3 - DATA CONVERSION    PHASE 1 - DATA EXPORT FITNESS CHECK 1.    Assess customer data fitness by addressing the following questions: Does customer system allow for the export of data? Does the customer plan to perform their own export? Does customer understand that if they do their own export, they are responsible for the suitability of data? 2.    If answers to all of the above questions are yes, proceed to PHASE 2. 3.    If customer wishes to have us attempt data export, we will send a technician, ON A CONSULTING BASIS, to check their database system in an effort to determine if the data can be properly exported.  Customers should consider the following points. Customer is responsible for maintaining valid backups of their system data, and having such backups available in the event an export procedure causes data damage.  Spectrum Group is in NO WAY liable for system or data corruption, and or system failures, including customer and associated hardware. Customer system may have to be taken offline for one or more hours while export ability is determined. Technician will require UNRESTRICTED ACCESS to customer system, including and all control, and/or administrative passwords to system and related equipment. Investigation will take between 1 and 4 hours, and will be invoiced WHETHER OR NOT it is determined an export is possible. --------------------------------------------------  PHASE 2 - DATA EVALUATION   1.    Spectrum Group technical center receives ALL data, sent either by customer, or retrieved by Spectrum Group technicians from the system.  Both the data itself and the data dictionary/file format layouts are required. 2.    Spectrum Group technicians will evaluate the data to determine what information is present, and what information can be transferred to Spectrum Group, and what the end result of that transfer is expected to be. 3.    Spectrum Group will provide a summary report to customer outlining above items, and identifying any missing/unavailable/unusable data from our perspective.  Spectrum Group will provide customer with a “Cost Proposal” based on the analysis, detailing what will be accomplished by performing the data transfer.  4.    Customer will authorize the conversion, or choose to stop at this point.  -------------------------------------------------- PHASE 3 - DATA CONVERSION  1.    Spectrum Group technicians will modify the data to be formatted as appropriate for Spectrum Group uses.  If necessary, files may be split into separate files to fill multiple Spectrum Group tables, or otherwise changed and/or modified by the system to be useful. 2.    Spectrum Group technicians will create a new Spectrum Group Data File, and load all useable data into the Data File. 3.    Spectrum Group technicians will send data file and time report to Spectrum Group Sales for delivery, licensing and activation.  Programming created by Spectrum Group Data Transfer Services for periodically import, or export data, between ODBC programs are tailored to the specific needs of each organization, to insure stability of our systems.  These programs are part of each customer’s “Overlay File” located in Spectrum Group programs.

Custom Import and Export Utilities and Data Sharing

The Spectrum Group will build custom import and export utilities to meet your needs.  Each utility is unique and customized to meet the needs of our customer.  Transfers are automated.  Transfer can be accomplished in a number of ways:

Because each of these DATA SHARING utilities are unique, we quote them after determining what it is that the customer will need and analyzing the situation.

Software Development Information

This page contains the Spectrum Group SOFTWARE DEPLOYMENT, USER & SOFTWARE LICENSING, SOFTWARE ACCESS, TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND LIABILITY GUIDELINES.

Clicking on an item listed below will take you directly to the associated section in this document.

A.  Spectrum Group Deployment Models

B.  License Agreement

C.  Software License

D.  Software Access

E.  Data Access

F.  Data Backup

G.  Maintenance

H.  Limits of Liability

I.  Customer Issues

J.  Connie Client Based Software

SPECIAL NOTE: Customers, subscribers and users of Spectrum Group software are bound by the Spectrum Group Software and User Licenses.  Spectrum Group owns and reserves all rights to the Spectrum Group KeyNET program.  Users do not OWN any portion of the program or possess any rights to the program, other than the right to use the software, when officially licensed.  The Spectrum Group software contains “Trade Secrets” and “Secrets” specific to the industry and/or Spectrum Group specifically; and individuals may not, or provide for others the ability to, copy, replicate, duplicate, interface, integrate or otherwise produce/create any aspect of the Spectrum Group software without the specific written permission of Spectrum Group. 

Recurring costs and Service Contracts cover the licensing of the software, not the purchase thereof. 

Customers, subscribers and users of Spectrum Group software are deemed to be the OWNERS of the database created by any Spectrum Group software.

A.  DEPLOYMENT MODELS

These are in order of Spectrum Group most preferred or recommended usage choice, most preferred first.  The order of recommended usage relates directly to the degree of support and system reliability that Spectrum Group can provide.  Additionally, they are in the order of associated cost.

 1)    SG1 Hosted SUBSCRIPTION (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

• Access to the program and clients database resides on our servers.  Spectrum Group maintains the program, your database, backups, remote storage and system reliability.

• An individual zone implemented on our central servers for each customer.

• Very low startup costs (Setup and activation).

• Low recurring monthly costs for software use (with maintenance and upgrade expenses folded in)

• Optionally, a VERY INEXPENSIVE, SINGLE-USER deployment for small shops on the internet.

• Intended for all users, but targeted at mass market.

• Intended for wide scalability of pricing and implementation - this mode targets all the existing software that's out there, and should come in at very low pricing where appropriate!!!

2)    DEDICATED PORTABLE (STAND-ALONE Model)

A Unix (Linux) laptop dedicated to running KeyNET.

1.  User logs in to Linux desktop and accesses via Unix browser

2.  Able to cut keys to serial port (upcoming) key machine

3.  Normal startup costs (which must include laptop erase/load/setup)

4.  Annual software licensing fee (must include maintenance of server and software)

5.  No root access given to user.

6.  User may provide laptop for reload, depending on compatibility.

7.  License agreement needed.

8.  Intended for mobile locksmiths of any type.

3)    VIRTUAL PORTABLE (STAND-ALONE Model)

THIS OPTION IS Intended for mobile locksmiths of any type.

License agreement REQUIRED

1.  A controlled server implemented on a Windows laptop 

2.  User logs in to Windows, starts virtual server, and accesses via Windows browse

3.  Able to cut keys to serial port (upcoming) key machine

4.  Normal startup costs (which may optionally include laptop erase/load/setup, and MUST include server/software load/setup)

5.  Annual software licensing fee (may include maintenance of server and software

6.  No root access given to user.

7.  Allows user to use existing laptop in most cases, often without reloading.

4)     ONSITE WEB-APPLIANCE (SITE-BASED Model)

 Intended for medium to large facilities, or facilities with multiple locations that want us to handle everything for them.

1. A server installed at a customer facility that only Spectrum Group controls and accesses.

2. Startup costs to include reload/installation/setup of OS and KeyNET

3. Annual software licensing fee includes server/software maintenance – REQUIRED.

4. No server access given to user.

5. Data backed up to tape, or, optionally, backed up by us remotely (for additional fee)

6. Not generally available to users with IT. staffs.  Only to users with NO IT support, or who want us to handle everything.

7. License agreement needed.

5)    ONSITE CUSTOMER SERVER (SITE-BASED)

1. This option is for high-end customers ONLY.  Hence, we charge HIGHER FEES for this type of support.

Not available to users without IT staffs with Linux experience.  Only to users with internal IT support.

A server installed at a customer facility that the customer controls and/or accesses.

License agreement required.

Startup costs vary based on scenario:

1)    SG1 will erase, load and setup server and software, or

2)    SG1 will install our software on existing server.

HIGHEST Annual software licensing fee includes software maintenance ONLY. No database support, except by hourly ADDITIONAL fees.

Customer responsible for server maintenance/backups.  Spectrum Group will optionally perform remote backup of our data for them, for an ADDITIONAL fees.

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B.  LICENSE AGREEMENTS

Spectrum Group Software USER License Agreements are in place and deemed enforceable on all deployment models:

 1)    SERVER ACCESS

1. User may not attempt to log in to server except as prescribed by Spectrum Group.

2. User may not attempt to break or bypass server security.

3. User may not upgrade, downgrade, or change server configuration or software without being directed to do so by Spectrum Group.

4. User must report any security issues to Spectrum Group immediately.

5. User is LIABLE for failure to comply with, or for breach of, above items.

If you have logged into any Spectrum Group Software, you have agreed to the End Users License Agreement.

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C.  SOFTWARE LICENSE

Spectrum Group Software License Agreements are in place and deemed enforceable on all deployment models: 

• User is purchasing LICENSE TO USE Spectrum Group software for a specific time from Spectrum Group.  This license is not transferable without permission of Spectrum Group.
• This license may be revoked by Spectrum Group for breach of any items in any agreements.
• The license is issued for a specific term, and is only renewable under an ongoing maintenance agreement with Spectrum Group.
• User may not modify, move, change, copy, alter, sell, print, transmit, or give away by any means any C5I/KeyNET or other Spectrum Group program license.
• User is LIABLE for failure to comply with, or any breach of, above items.
• Spectrum Group is NOT LIABLE for user's failure to comply with above items, or for damage or failures resulting from any of the above and non-compliance.

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D.  SOFTWARE ACCESS

Spectrum Group Software License and User License Agreements are in place and deemed enforceable on all deployment models:

• User may not copy Spectrum Group software.
• User may not attempt to decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer Spectrum Group software.
• User may not give away Spectrum Group software.
• User may not sell Spectrum Group software.
• User may not show or demonstrate Spectrum Group software to non-authorized parties, or to anyone not a part of user's immediate organization, without written permission from Spectrum Group.
• User may not disclose operational techniques of Spectrum Group software, or share or discuss trade secrets embedded within Spectrum Group software, to or with anyone not a part of user's immediate organization.
• User is LIABLE for failure to comply with, or for breach of, above items.
• Spectrum Group is NOT LIABLE for user's failure to comply with above items, or for damage or failures resulting from any of the above.

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E.  DATA ACCESS

• User may not attempt to copy, import, or export data except as allowed by C5I/SpectrumNET program interface.
• User may not attempt to break or bypass database security.
• User may not view, change, or modify database data, except by using the Spectrum Group C5I/SpectrumNET program interface.
• User may not upgrade, downgrade, stop, reload, reinstall, modify or access the database engine, system, server or files used by the engine or by the Spectrum Group C5I/SpectrumNET
• User is LIABLE for failure to comply with, or for breach of, any of the above items.
• Spectrum Group is NOT LIABLE for user's failure to comply with above items, or for damage or failures resulting from the above.

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F.  BACKUPS

• Spectrum Group will backup, and maintain backups for SG1 Hosted and Web Appliance deployments as part of the Annual Support Subscription.
• All other deployments models; the user is responsible for ensuring that backups of data are occurring regularly, and that such backups are viable and readable.  User must ensure the security, frequency, reliability, safety and integrity of backups.
• Spectrum Group is NOT LIABLE for user's failure to comply with above items, or for damage or failures resulting non-compliance.
• Spectrum Group offers a fee-based remote backup service for Standalone and Customer Controlled Site-Based deployments, if user desires it.

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G.  MAINTENANCE

• FOR SG1 Hosted, Web Appliance Site-Based and both Standalone deployments:

• Spectrum Group provides server maintenance under the terms of its maintenance contract.

• User MUST NOT attempt to maintain or repair the Spectrum Group C5I/SpectrumNET server, or attempt to access the server in any manner which is not authorized by Spectrum Group.

• FOR Customer Controlled Site-Based deployment:

• User is responsible for server maintenance.

• User MUST NOT attempt to access, repair or maintain files related to the operation of Spectrum Group C5I/SpectrumNET software or data.

• FOR ALL MODELS:

• User must notify Spectrum Group immediately when a KeyNET-related problem occurs.

• User is LIABLE for failure to comply with, or for breach of, above items.

• Spectrum Group is NOT LIABLE for user's failure to comply with above items, or for damage or failures resulting from such non-compliance.

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H.  LIMITS OF LIABILITY

• Spectrum Group makes no warranty about product fitness or operation.

• Spectrum Group is not liable for damages resulting from the use of, abuse of, or failure to correctly use, any aspect of Spectrum Group software.

• Users releases Spectrum Group from all liability, real or otherwise, related to the use of the software, the data, or other aspects of the program.

• KeyNET is provided AS IS for customer use only.  No other warranties are expressed or implied, with regard to Spectrum Group products or services.

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I. CUSTOMER ISSUES

All customer issues will attempt to be resolved to mutual benefit of the customer and Spectrum Group.  Solutions shall not violate the End Users License Agreement, or other guidelines as published.

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J. Connie Client Based Software

Our Connie Advanced Key Management Software is designed for operational efficiency and is Cross-Platform.  That's right, Connie can be run on both Macintosh and Windows PCs.  Additionally, a workstation can be either Macintosh or Windows...and works equally well on either.

Connie was developed on the OMNIS database developer platform, and is a client based program.  So, data is stored in an OMNIS database.  The database can reside anywhere, and does not require a dedicated server.  In the case of our STAND-ALONE version, the database resides on the same computer as the program.  With our NETWORKED versions, the database can reside on any one of the workstations, but it is better if it resides on a server that is routinely backed up.

In order to make a computer functional to work with the Connie database, each computer must have an OMNIS license and a Connie license.  The first time that a user logs into the database, the M.A.C address for the machine, the OMNIS license number and the Connie license are branded to the database.  The Connie program cannot be moved from computer to computer without deleting the previous licensing sequence.  Additionally, each aspect or module of the Connie Program needs a REGISTRATION number.  When all workstations are licensed and all modules are registered, the program will operate smoothly and efficiently.

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Each time you log into a Spectrum Group software program (KeyNET, WorkNET, ProjectNET, DeveloperNET, AttendanceNET) the program will require a valid User ID and Password.  The program  records information based on your login.  It is both necessary and essential that you use "your individually assigned/personal User ID and Password".  DO NOT save your password in the browser memory...this is a serious breach of security.  Additionally, you must accept and agree to the TERMS of the END USERS License Agreement (EULA) to gain access to any Spectrum Group Software package.

SUPPLEMENTAL END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT for SG1 Software (KeyNET, WorkNET, ProjectNET, DeveloperNET, AttendanceNET )

IMPORTANT:  READ CAREFULLY – This Supplemental End User License Agreement ("Supplemental EULA") is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity) and Spectrum Group, Inc. ("SG1") for the SG1 software that accompanies this Supplemental EULA, which includes computer software and may include associated media, printed materials, "online" or electronic documentation, and Internet-based services (the "OS Components").  The OS Components are provided to update, supplement, or replace existing functionality of the applicable SG1 software for which the OS Components are designed (any such software referred to here as "OS Software").  An amendment or addendum to this Supplemental EULA may accompany the OS Components.  YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THE APPLICABLE OS SOFTWARE END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT ("OS SOFTWARE EULA") AND THIS SUPPLEMENTAL EULA BY INSTALLING, COPYING, OR OTHERWISE USING THE OS COMPONENTS.  IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, DO NOT INSTALL, COPY, OR USE THE OS COMPONENTS.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A VALIDLY-LICENSED COPY OF THE APPLICABLE OS SOFTWARE, YOU ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO INSTALL, COPY OR OTHERWISE USE THE OS COMPONENTS AND YOU HAVE NO RIGHTS UNDER THIS SUPPLEMENTAL EULA.

 

The Spectrum Group Approach to Advanced Service and Disaster Tolerance for SUBSCRIPTION Users. The Spectrum Group has taken an approach to disaster tolerance that balances availability, affordability and data integrity.  By periodically reviewing its disaster recovery plans, and regular testing and updating its systems, Spectrum Group has made certain that it always has an appropriate level of protection and service.  Now, as its plans to expand the products and operations of its business, Spectrum Group has evolved its systems to deliver increased levels of failover and redundancy, with significantly reduced complexity.  Section 1 Business and Technology Overview Spectrum Group Profile  The Spectrum Group, Inc. (SG1), was created from the merging of two companies; RCF Security Specialists (established in 1976) and  SoCal Security Supply (established in 1980).  Spectrum Group offers high-end solutions in a fast growing, technology-driven economy.   Spectrum Group specializes in products and services for the Commercial, Industrial, and Educational, Governmental and Public Service sectors.  In recent years, facilities of these types have been stressing responsibility and accountability of informational data.  To meet the needs of these facilities, the Spectrum Group has responded with a number of technological improvements, putting itself ahead of other solution based companies.  In 2001, the Spectrum Group announced the development of NEW software programs designed to meet the needs of the above named business sectors.  The NEW Spectrum Group software family is called NETSystems, and contains a number of modular software packages starting with KeyNET Advanced Key Management Software.  The NETSystems software enables members to conduct critical operations over their INTRANET or the INTERNET.  The new technologies being used will allow customers to increase performance, reduce redundant data storage and conflicts, reduce volatility, and reduce the costs associated with client based software systems.  NETSystems is designed to share information and collect information from other software packages, to create a single point of operation capability.  Controlled by a UNIQUE Systems Manager module, facilities can allow or deny access to all aspects of the associated software programs and informational data.  Spectrum Group has made all of this available by Subscription.  The Spectrum Group Subscription Deployment method eliminates the need for customers to maintain servers, data backups or remote data storage.  The NETSystems software is also available in two SITE-BASED deployments.   NETSystems Infrastructure  Servers Spectrum Group uses high-end servers designed to maximize performance and reliability.  These servers are maintained and monitored by the Spectrum Group IT staff, under the supervision of the Senior Vice President of Systems.  These servers are periodically, upgraded and replaced to keep up with developing technology and demanding needs of our customers.  Programs Spectrum Group programs are currently designed to run on the SuSE Linux 9.0 platform with an Apache Web interface.  The software is developed in C5i for use by any Browser.  Databases are inherently secure because that are imbedded in the C5i program, which is designed only to be accessed via the program with USER ID and PASSWORD verification.  Network The Spectrum Group servers are connected via LAN using TCP/IP.   Communications with customers occurs over the Internet.  The Spectrum Group uses SuSE Linux running an Apache Web configuration to communicate with the members over the TCP/IP connection through their browser.  It accepts information from users who have been verified by USER ID and PASSWORD.  Storage  NETSystems uses Hot Swap Hard drives and Tape Backups to maintain redundant backups at each of the Spectrum Group server locations.   Section 2 Business Continuity Approach  Existing Business Continuity Plan   The Spectrum Group business continuity plan addresses both local server failure as well as more extensive disasters.  If our Silicon Valley site experiences a system failure, there would be a pause in operation, but no significant effect on our customers access to there data.  Through a carefully tested process, the Spectrum Group IT will be notified of the automated switch over to its co-located backup system.  To quickly restore operations, the backup systems recreate the operations by reading the log files that were stored to disk on the backup platform.  The entire Recovery Time Objective (RTO) is up to ten minutes, down from the recent standard of 20 minutes.  In the event of failure of the entire Silicon Valley computer room or building, recovery would take longer, anywhere fro 10-30 minutes (our current Recovery Point Objective (RPO)), due to the changing of the Recovery Point.  To address this level of disaster the Spectrum Group maintains cold standby backup servers, storage and networking equipment in Arizona and Texas.  In this case, the customer connections to our servers in our Silicon Valley facility would be rerouted to the 1st Backup Site located in Arizona.  In the event of dual failure, the connections would be rerouted to the 2nd Backup Site located in Texas.  The equipment at the backup sites is also used for testing or software upgrades and quality assurance.   Evolving the Disaster Recovery Plan: The Spectrum Group vision.  Spectrum Group is continually evaluating and testing its disaster recovery capabilities to meet changing needs.  For example, Spectrum Group anticipates designing an automatic failover system which could reduce the switch over time to less than half of the current RPO.  Over the past five years, the Spectrum Group has evolved its systems with the goal of achieving increasingly high levels of availability for its customers.  Providing our customers with fast and secure access to their data is one of Spectrum Groups primary objectives.