PowerSWITCH Frequently Asked Questions


>  What is PowerSWITCH? PowerSWITCH is a workflow automation tool used to automate manual or repetitive processes in the Windows/Open environment.  Included with PowerSWITCH is SWITCHclient, a simple and secure job submission and tracking interface that allows users to remotely submit files and monitor the status of existing testing flows.  A scripting editor is also included and allows users to write custom scripts in VBScript, JavaScript, or AppleScript.

>  What are the typical uses for PowerSWITCH? PowerSWITCH can be used to automate virtually any manual process in the Windows/Open environment. Typical uses include:

>  Automating the document testing process - Using PowerSWITCH, users can remotely submit or email print files to STREAMdiff, without having to manually set up a STREAMdiff project. When the comparison is finished, results can be automatically emailed to someone for review, archived in the Mercury Archive, or transferred using FTP.  These tasks are easily handled using built-in application connections and scripts that are included within PowerSWITCH.

>  PDF editing/manipulation - Because PowerSWITCH has a direct connection into common PDF toolsets such as Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Distiller, and Apago PDF Enhancer, users can invoke these programs automatically, rather than manually running them. For example, converting Postscript files to PDF, merging individual PDF files in to one large PDF, and converting Microsoft Word documents, into PDF files.

>  Miscellaneous processes and functions - PowerSWITCH includes built-in functions that allow you to automatically:

      • Compress/un-compress zip files;
      • Send files to the recycle bin for clean-up;
      • Load balance/schedule processes to run at specific times of the day;
      • Rename files; and
      • Connect to industry leading document testing, composition, and publishing applications.
          

> Can PowerSWITCH aid with the creation of "pre-change" and "post-change" files?  Yes.  If document composition software is being run on a non-mainframe platform, PowerSWITCH can launch the software so that your "pre-change" and "post-change" files are created automatically.

> How will test files be moved to STREAMdiff for comparison?  PowerSWITCH users can submit files to STREAMdiff using any number of methods, including the PowerSWITCH job submission interface (called SWITCHclient), FTP, email submission, or by simply copying the files into a specific testing folder on your company network.

> Can large batch print comparison tests be initiated in STREAMdiff without needing to know how to type "command line" instructions?  Yes. Paloma provides customized document testing workflows with PowerSWITCH which completely eliminate the need for users to type instructions using a "command line" interface.

> Can PowerSWITCH control who has access to specific document testing processes?  Yes.  PowerSWITCH includes an administrative module which is used to define users and their respective access rights.  PowerSWITCH gives your organization complete control over who has access to your testing processes.

> How can you be certain STREAMdiff is using the most current printer resources (e.g., fonts, logos, forms)?  PowerSWITCH can automatically transfer and/or receive updated print resource files on a regular basis, at a pre-defined day and/or time.

> How will users be notified when large batch STREAMdiff print comparison tests are completed?  PowerSWITCH can automatically notify users when STREAMdiff print comparison jobs have completed.  In fact, the test results can be compressed, attached to an email, and sent directly to the user who submitted the STREAMdiff comparison.

> In what order and when will remotely submitted batch STREAMdiff print comparison tests be processed? PowerSWITCH includes a file scheduler which is used to determine when STREAMdiff comparison tests can be processed.

> How will old STREAMdiff testing projects and files be removed from the testing server when they are no longer needed?  PowerSWITCH includes automated workflows which clean out old STREAMdiff testing projects and files at predetermined intervals. This keeps the testing server from becoming "clogged" with old testing projects, Detailed Difference Reports, pre-change and post-change files, resource files, etc.

> How will your document testing process be documented?  Paloma provides a set of customized testing workflows with PowerSWITCH which automatically archive time/date-stamped STREAMdiff project, pre-change, and post-change files, Detailed Difference Reports, etc. This ensures that all your testing processes are fully documented.

>  On which operating systems does PowerSWITCH run?

>  Microsoft Windows 2000 (Server), XP Professional and 2003 Server
>  Mac OS X 10.4 or higher (both on PowerPC and Intel)

  >  What are the PC/server requirements for PowerSWITCH?

>  Intel Pentium IV 2.1 GHz, 1 GB RAM, 40 GB free disk space

>  What does PowerSWITCH cost? Please contact the Paloma Print Products sales department at 262-618-4125 for a customized quote.

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