Technical Requirements/FAQ

1. Do I need a really fast computer and T1 line to use the E&P Software Toolbox? No. The processing and analysis of data are performed on the servers at Petris' data facility. Your computer will just need to be able to display the results of the analysis. Customers with faster computers and T1 lines will be more efficient, but customers on a fast dial-up connection (56K) will be able to use most applications as long as they can maintain a connection. Customers in areas of the world where frequently dropped connections are a problem may find use of the system difficult. If you are uncertain whether you will be able to access the system, contact Petris and they may be able to provide additional information or assist you in a test of the system.

2. Do I need a particular version of Windows? You must be using Windows 98 or higher (including 2000, NT, and XP).

3. What software do I need on my computer to use the E&P Software Toolbox? You need access to the Internet and software called Citrix. Citrix can be downloaded at no charge and must be installed on each computer that will be used to access E&P Software Toolbox applications. Citrix will access your Internet connection, using it to connect to the Petris' servers. If you use a dial-up connection, you may need to dial into your Internet Service Provider, then access the Citrix program. [Many companies use Citrix for employees' remote access. If you already have it, you will just set up an additional client for Petris.]

4. My company has a firewall for security. Will that affect my ability to use the E&P Software Toolbox applications? Citrix communicates through TCP port 1494. Your network administrator will need to open this port for you to be able to access the E&P Software Toolbox. This port should allow communication without jeopardizing your organization's firewall configuration. If you have any questions, please check with your network administrator about the availability of this port.

5. How will I get my data into the software for analysis? Petris establishes a secure data storage area on its server for each customer. You can copy files from your hard drive to the server using Windows Explorer. If you have a lot of data (large files) and a slow connection, you may be able to put your information on a CD to send to Petris and have them load it for you. If you are interested in this option, please contact your Petris sales representative.

6. How often is data backed up? Petris' data facility performs incremental backups every night. Full backups are done once a week. An offsite location is used to store these backups as an added precaution. If you encounter a problem with your data, Petris should be able to restore it from a backup.

7. Can I use the E&P Software Toolbox from home or another computer? Yes. The computer will need to have Citrix installed and configured to access the E&P Software Toolbox. Your unique login information will identify you, and since your data resides on the Petris server, you can access it regardless of where you are.

8. If the analysis is running on the Petris server, how can I print the results in my office or on my home computer? When your account is established, Petris will ask you what type of printers and/or plotters you use. If you plan to access E&P Software Toolbox from your home computer, you will need to include your printer at home also. Petris will then make certain that the appropriate drivers are installed on the server to allow you to print to your equipment.

9. Can my company have multiple users? Yes. Most applications would likely be valuable to several employees or a project team, depending on your company. When you set up your account, you provide Petris with the names and email addresses of the individual users. Each is assigned his/her own access code and password. By having individual IDs, multiple users can access the application at one time. They can share a common data area to facilitate the sharing of information among employees in different areas.

10. How long does it take to set up an account? Petris can usually set up an account within 24 hours. They must be able to contact you via email or phone to obtain certain information, and must have a signed agreement from someone in your company with appropriate authority, so time differences or necessary approvals may create delays. [The contract is available online for downloading.] Petris only sets up accounts between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central time (GMT -6) on Monday through Friday. Requests received over the weekend will be processed on Monday. Once the account is set up, there will be a delay of a few hours before your login information is active.

11. How can I add new users or applications? Adding new users to an existing application or new applications to an existing account can be accomplished within a few hours during Petris' business hours. Contact your Petris representative for more information.

12. What if I already use Petris' WINDS NOW! and I'm an SPE member. Can I get the discount available to SPE members? Yes. Since your account is already established, you will not be able to save on the set up fee, but you can save on your monthly maintenance fee. Contact your Petris representative for more information.

13. Can I use my SPE.org login and password on E&P Software Toolbox? Maybe. Most SPE.org usernames are 7 digits (unless you have changed yours). SPE.org passwords can be from 4 to 20 characters. On E&P Software Toolbox, username and password must each be a minimum of 8 alphanumeric characters and a maximum of 12 alphanumeric characters. If having the same login is important to you, you can modify your SPE login to match the one you have chosen for access to the E&P Software Toolbox. But you will still be required to login separately for E&P Software Toolbox and SPE.org.

14. I see that software pricing is negotiable. Can SPE help me negotiate a better price? No. SPE has obtained discounts for members on the administrative fees. Your contract for use of the ASP will be with Petris and all pricing of software will be negotiated between you, Petris, and the software vendor. SPE is not a party to those negotiations and cannot be involved in pricing of individual software rentals.

15. Who do I contact if: