About Sollazzo Consulting
About SwitchId
The SwitchId system is the premium solution for allowing users to log in at any location, or allowing multiple people to share a Notes workstation; and is currently being used by organisations in USA, Canada, Europe and Asia in the government, educational, financial, health, manufacturing, legal and the IT sectors.
The SwitchId system can be used, for example, in an educational or shift work situation or where users move from one area to another and sit at different machines just to pick up mail or open a database.
Easy
to use, flexible to configure
An easy to use Windows application allows users to switch Notes ID and environment on a standalone PC or across a LAN or WAN or the Internet without requiring a personal LAN account or for the user to login/logout of the network.
SwitchId can be configured so that each users' Notes environments can be saved to the local hard drive/LAN/WAN server (called the LAN configuration) or to a Notes database on a Domino server (called the DOMINO configuration) and even downloaded/uploaded over the Internet (called the WEB configuration).
The client user interface comes standard with ENGLISH, ITALIANO, DEUTSCH, PORTUGUÊS, FRANÇAIS, and ESPAÑOL text and can easily be translated in to other languages. It can be configured to display a list of all users or just a drop box with the last 5 users names.
What are the
alternatives ?
The SwitchId system has many options and is initially a complex solution to the seemingly simple task or sharing or roaming users. In reality however, each organisation has its own particular requirements which may require a unique combination of settings or even customisation of the system. Most other solutions for "roaming users" concentrate on network drive mappings for each user, or multiple location documents. There are however many reasons why an administrator would not like to create a personal data directory for each user, where logging on/off the network is cumbersome, where this does not translate to mobile users or on standalone PCs, or where moving and making the directory available to the user at any PC in the organisation can not be done.
It is when users share the same PC (specifically, the same Notes data directory) that SwitchId is most effective. In these situations Notes is usually installed on the local hard drive of the PC; and users may or may not need to log on to a network.
Summarise
and compare the alternatives
| ISSUE | SWITCHID | PERSONAL DRIVE | LOCATION DOC | NOTES 6, 7, 8, 9 SINGLE USER INSTALL | NOTES 6, 7, 8, 9 MULTI USER INSTALL |
| How to switch to new user | Select from list of names before starting Notes | Log on on to LAN | Change location document by selecting at bottom of screen or File.Mobile.Change Current Location | Within Notes | Within Notes (then automatic log off/log on to operating system profile) |
| Separate desktop (r4) bookmarks(r5) |  |
|
-
Desktop ,
- bookmarks but must shut down Notes and restart Notes
to take effect |
|
|
| Does not require individual user LAN/OS logon and/or home directory | |
|
|
|
- each user must have a personal
profile on the PC |
| Can be used offline (i.e. not connected to LAN server) | |
- requires win2000 professional/server offline services |
|
|
|
| Can use compression to reduce disk consumption | |
- if enabled on LAN File server |
|
|
|
| Can perform some automated tasks (i.e. create local replicas) |
- Domino
configuration only |
|
|
|
|
| Can re-configure Notes using a web browser | |
|
|
|
|
| Recommended for | Any number of users that share PCs or roam between PCs/sites. | Any number of users that already have a LAN account and personal home drive with a fast permanent connection to the LAN server. | Small numbers of users (i.e. less than 10) sharing a small number of PCs or laptops. | No clear recommendation due to many other issues including if Domino's included roaming configuration suits an organisation from a file management point of view (e.g. does the staff responsible for supporting roaming profiles have a file server centric view or a Domino server centric view). | |
Frequently
Asked Questions
The user will click on the SwitchId shortcut that the administrator has set up, pick their name from a list, their saved environment will be copied to the local PC, Notes will start, and when Notes is closed their environment will automatically be saved to wherever the files are stored (e.g. LAN/WAN drive, or Domino server).
In the DOMINO configuration the answer is YES and is controlled by the .INI file settings and OPTIONS button.
In the LAN and WEB configurations no replication can be performed by SwitchId.
In the DOMINO configuration the answer is YES and is controlled by the INI settings or by clicking on the OPTION button, and in the WEB configuration the user can select to either/both upload/download. This allows the user to download their configuration, go offline (e.g. with a communal laptop), then come back and upload any changes made.
In the LAN configuration there is NO "upload" option as there is no way to stop accidental (or otherwise) uploading to the wrong user's folder.
In LAN configuration the answer is YES as every file in the user's directory is copied to/from the local PC.
In the DOMINO and WEB configurations the answer is YES only if compression is turned on, so that all files in the user's .ZIP file are copied to/from the local PC.
All files must be located in the data directory (i.e. not in sub-folders).
Yes, SwitchId can mark an account locked for use and the user will receive a message if the account is already being used.
LAN DOMINO WEB Where is the list of users stored? switchid.DAT file switchid.NSF file switchid.NSF Where are users' environments stored? Mapped LAN/WAN drive, or on PC Notes database on a Domino server, or on PC Notes database on a Domino HTTP server (running on Windows only). Notes client requirements? 4.6 or later (i.e. all versions 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) 5.0.4 or later (i.e. all versions 6, 7, 8, 9) 4.6 or later (i.e. all versions 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) Special requirements? mapped drive if on LAN/WAN dummy user id Domino HTTP userid/password Can work "offline"? Can store additional non-std files? Use .ZIP compression? Easily translated to other languages? Recommended for? Small offices on a single LAN; multiple offices on a fast WAN with a centralised server; do not require automated making of local replicas. Distributed (i.e. with relatively slow links between) SwitchId servers; or require automated creation of local replicas. Users with browser access but not LAN access; do not require automated making of local replica; simplest and most secure configuration method.
In the DOMINO configuration the Notes client installed must be R5.0.4 or later (5, 6, 7, 8, 9), and any R4.6 or later (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) Domino server.
In the LAN and WEB configurations the Notes client installed must be R4.5 or later (R4.6 or later (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) if using LAN_NOCOPY=Y option).
SwitchId has been tested to work correctly with 20,000 simulated users. Currently the largest production site has over 3,000 users.
SwitchId may well be considered overkill if you wanted (for example) to share a single laptop with 5 people who just wanted to be able to get their mail whilst away from the office. If the desktop/bookmarks were not required to be saved, we would recommend using location documents in this situation. If each user needed a separate desktop/bookmarks then setting up multiple data directories on the same laptop (and multiple shortcuts pointing to each different configuration) would be recommended.
The benefit in setting up SwitchId in this situation would only be to provide a nicer front end for the users.
No. There are no plans to support the Macintosh.
There are no special-case discounts for non-profit or other organisations.
The smallest number of licenses available is 20, and there is a 10% discount for 200-license packs, 20% discount for 2000-license packs, and even greater for an organisation-wide license.
PC CLIENT NOTES VERSION PC CLIENT O/S SERVER DOMINO VERSION SERVER O/S Notes 4.6 to 5.0.3 Notes 5.0.4 or later (i.e. all versions 6, 7, 8, 9) Windows (all versions) Domino 4.6 or later (i.e. all versions 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) Windows (all versions) As400 Linux Unix LAN DOMINO WEB
LAN configuration relies on file copying as the transfer method and so requires that the PC can copy the file from/to the storage location. Whilst this storage location can be any folder including on the same PC being used, more commonly the SwitchId folder with the users' saved configurations will be on a file server connected via a LAN or WAN.
SERVER: any network File server type for storing the user files (eg AS400, Unix + Samba, WINNT/2000/2003/2008/2012).
CLIENT: Notes 4.6 or 5.x or 6.x or later at the client, running on a Windows 98 or later (e.g Win98/NT4/2000/ME/XP/Vista/7/8).
DOMINO configuration relies on Notes file transfer protocol as the transfer method and so requires that the PC can copy Notes documents to/from the Notes database. Whilst this database could be stored on the same PC being used, more commonly a Domino server will be used to store the SwitchId.NSF database connected via a LAN or WAN.
SERVER: Domino 4.6 or later on all Lotus supported platforms such as NT, Netware, or AS/400.
CLIENT: Notes 5.0.4 or later at the client, running on a Windows 98 or later (e.g Win98/NT4/2000/ME/XP/Vista/7/8).
WEB configuration relies on the HTTP protocol as the transfer method and so requires that the PC can connect via HTTP to the Domino server storing the user's configurations.
SERVER: Domino Server 4.6 or later running a WINDOWS platform (due to the file attachment processing when uploading).
CLIENT: Notes 4.6 or later client, running on a Windows 98 or later (e.g Win98/NT4/2000/ME/XP/Vista/7/8), with a browser that supports Javascript, and able to make a browser connection to the Domino server.
Request
for evaluation
A free and fully operational version can be acquired for evaluation purposes by emailing a request to (please include your name, organisation, and phone number. Also note that we do not accept requests from non-corporate addresses - for example, anyone@hotmail.com or anyone@yahoo.com ).
Purchase and Pricing Details
Each SwitchId license is counted as a user document stored in the SwitchId Files & Admin database or record in the switchid.dat file; so that a license is required for each single user of the SwitchId system (i.e. *not* necessarily each single Notes user) regardless of how many PC, servers and sites these SwitchId users may roam to.
For example, you may have 45 people using the SwitchId system spread over 4 locations using 20 PCs, with each person being listed/stored at multiple sites; therefore you would require 45 SwitchId licenses regardless of how many sites or PCs or total people using Lotus Notes in the whole organisation.
Please note that you can order multiple license packs or combinations to get to your total requirements.
1. RESTRICTIONS ON USE.
You may not alter, merge, modify or adapt the software product (individually and collectively, the "Software") in any way including reverse engineering, disassembling or decompiling. You may not sell, distribute, loan, rent, lease, license or otherwise transfer the Software or any copy, except, you may permanently transfer the Software (including all prior versions) provided you transfer the Software Agreement, all media and documentation and you do not retain any copies of the Software. If the Software is demonstration and evaluation ("D&E") software, you may not transfer the Software for commercial purposes.
2. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.
All intellectual property rights in the Software and user documentation are owned by Sollazzo Consulting and are protected by Australian intellectual property laws (including patent, trademark and copyright laws), other applicable intellectual property laws, and international treaty provisions. Sollazzo Consulting retains all rights not expressly granted.
3. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
Because software is inherently complex and may not be completely free of errors, it is your responsibility to verify your work and to make backup copies. In no event will Sollazzo Consulting be liable for (i) indirect, special, incidental, tort, economic, cover or consequential damages arising out of the use of or inability to use Sollazzo Consulting products or services, including, without limitation, damages or costs relating to the loss of profits, business, goodwill, data or computer programs, even if advised of the possibility of such damages, or (ii) any claim that arose more than one (1) year prior to the institution of suit thereon. In no case shall Sollazzo Consulting's liability exceed the amount paid by you for the Software. The foregoing limitations shall not apply to claims relating to death or personal injury which arise out of products deemed to be consumer goods under applicable law. Some states, provinces or countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or limitation of liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusion or limitation may not apply to you.
4. GENERAL.
No Sollazzo Consulting reseller, distributor, agent or employee is authorised to make any modification or addition to this Agreement. Should you have any questions concerning this Agreement or Sollazzo Consulting's software use policies, write to Sollazzo Consulting at 6/99 Oxford Tce, Taringa, Qld, 4068, Australia.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE ABOVE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE THE SOFTWARE.
