Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Workgroup Messaging?

Posted by Cliff on from the improving-communication dept.

Displaying my ignorance asks: "We have a small workgroup running on Windows XP Professional; we do not have a domain server. We use Peachtree accounting software which is supposedly multi-user. Unfortunately, multi-user does not translate into allowing two people to be in the same module (i.e., accounts receivable) at the same time. Because the users are in different buildings they often crash Peachtree because they don't know that someone else is already in that module. These crashes result in the loss of data since the last backup. I am therefore trying to locate software, compatible with Windows XP, which would allow a user to create pop-up messages for display on the remote screens. It needs to be a pop-up, not just a flag in the system tray; ideally it would be a flashing neon sign which fills most of the screen [grin]. Because we do not have SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) Messenger appears not to be a solution. Any suggestions?"

1 of 60 comments (clear)

  1. When you can afford it, get better software by $exyNerdie · · Score: 4, Interesting

    We use Peachtree accounting software which is supposedly multi-user. Unfortunately, multi-user does not translate into allowing two people to be in the same module (i.e., accounts receivable) at the same time. Because the users are in different buildings they often crash Peachtree because they don't know that someone else is already in that module. These crashes result in the loss of data since the last backup.

    It seems that you are trying an ad-hoc solution instead of looking at the root cause of problem which seems to be the buggy Peachtree accounting software (or maybe their sales folk claimed it to be multi-user while developers didn't get to finish multi-user module properly). When you get your messaging thing working, you might want to call the Peachtree accounting software and bug them until they take care of your problem or if your organization can afford it, get a better package that meets the needs of your organization.

    You can either hire a tow truck to pull your car with broken engine (you still sit in the car) for your commute or you can get a car that works !!