BusBoss^TM SQL Server Database

BusBoss^TM uses MSDE or SQL Server software attached to a SQL Server database. Most districts are well served with MSDE 2000 (Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine). However, for larger school districts that place heavy demands on a database, a SQL Server 2000 can be used. When using SQL Server 2000, it will have all the great features and functionality of MSDE with the benefit of allowing more users to be networked, an unlimited database size and additional database optimization features.

The BusBoss^TM database can be located on Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003. The BusBoss^TM program can be used on any computer with Windows 2000 or greater. It may be used on a single computer or on a network. It has the ability for multiple users to simultaneously view, modify, retrieve and print information. It is used with Windows, Novell, and Peer-to-Peer networks and there is no additional charge for network capability. BusBoss^TM is sold as a district wide license. One flat charge covers all of the workstations in the district.

Upload/Download/Connectivity Capabilities

BusBoss^TM is capable of ODBC links to other software that is ODBC compatible. The system stores data in industry standard structures that are available to third party programs, such as word processors, report writers, etc.

BusBoss^TM has the ability to import district data from an ASCII file. Orbit Software will process and verify the conversion of the first import. BusBoss^TM has an import option that provides the district with the means to perform future imports without vendor intervention.

You can import either an entire student file or a partial student file into BusBoss^TM. The import function will add students, change student information, or make students inactive.

A change to a student is performed on a field level. That is, the information in the import file will update the information in BusBoss^TM field by field.

BusBoss^TM has the ability to export data to ASCII text format and to any Microsoft application such as, Word and Excel.

Security

Security is built into the BusBoss^TM system. You must have a user name and password to start BusBoss^TM. Each user is assigned to a user type. A system administrator can create an unlimited number of user types. User types are assigned to the individual screens in the system as follows:

• No Access – user can not enter the data screen
• Read Only Access – user can enter the data screen, but can not change the data
• Full Access – user can enter the data screen and change the data

What-If Scenarios

With BusBoss^TM, you can create an unlimited number of 'what-if' scenarios without altering the current routes. New scenarios with user-defined descriptions are easily created in BusBoss^TM. Routes can be modified and saved in a new scenario. You can change from one scenario to another by simply selecting the scenario name from a drop down list. This allows you to easily evaluate scenarios in order to select those that better serve the district.