Copyright: ® Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc.  April 1994


Contents screen
RISS Electronic Catalog 	September, 1994

Copyright © 1994 Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

This edition of the catalog contains information on our company and our products and services.  While this might be the most recent edition of the RISS Electronic Catalog, readers should inquire if this catalog is more than 6 months old.  The date is listed above.

In This Catalog


Blank-It Screen Saver
BLANK-IT

BLANK-IT is our popular DOS screen saver. A shareware (evaluation) version of BLANK-IT can be downloaded from either our own support BBS or our CompuServe Forum.  BLANK-IT provides many unique capabilities not found in other screen savers, all packed into an exquisitely small amount of memory.  This utility works on all types of monitors and provides all of the features you'd expect from a DOS-based screen saver, plus many more:

*     The time-out is user-selective

*     A "hot key" is available to instantly blank the screen (privacy, "Boss key" feature)

*     Options to enable/disable BLANK-IT from command-line, or even a batch file

*     Supports a DOS mouse

*     Technically sound product that works where others fail (high speed comm, etc.)

*     This single program works on all types of monitors

*     Safer than constantly turning a monitor on and off

*     And much more!

BLANK-IT provides the screen blanking features users have come to expect from a screen saver, plus a host of additional, advanced features not found in most other screen savers, such as a fully programmable API, and the ability to discard the reactivating keystroke.  With BLANK-IT we have taken a simple task and tried to do it better than anybody else, and the small TSR footprint (less than 1K) will appeal to anyone who suffers from "RAM cram."

"BLANK-IT has met with world wide acclaim as the definitive DOS screen blanker"

-Alternative Computing Magazine, April 1992

"The ultimate expression of screen blanking"

-Public Brand Software catalog Vol. 7 #1, 1991

1st place [utilities], 10th PBS awards

Cost    $15.00 registered, $20.00 registered with disk, $29.95 for Deluxe package w/printed manual, disk, quick ref. card.


About Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc.

Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc.

Corporate Backgrounder

Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc., was formed in 1988 in Woonsocket, R.I. by Eric G. Robichaud.

Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc. (RISS) develops, brokers, publishes, and markets software products for micro and mini computers, specializing in mass-market products for IBM PC compatible microcomputers.

As a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals, RISS began as a small business, publishing products primarily under the "shareware" marketing concept.  As the company has continued to grow in all facets, RISS began to branch out into more traditional commercial/retail mass-marketing channels.   RISS has many software titles available on store shelves in retail locations, and is currently developing additional titles for national release, based upon licensed movie and television characters.

RISS currently employs directly and by sub-contract, 9 people.

With new products and services continuing to be released, RISS is working to leverage its experience in order to cultivate diverse revenue streams for continued growth, including an increased presence in the retail channels, additional emphasis on direct-mail marketing, aggressive pursuit of OEM contracts, and more.


Products screen
Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc. has developed several commercial, retail products such as T2: The Screen Saver, The Animated Screen Saver Pak, and more.  In addition, RISS makes several of its products available on an evaluation, "shareware" basis.  The products listed below have shareware versions available through our CompuServe Forum as well as our own electronic bulletin board service (BBS).

Click on any of the icons below to see additional information on the product or service.

Product Directory


About information
For more information about Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc. please select either the About or How to Contact RISS topics from the main Contents menu.


CompuServe information
You can join us on CompuServe by typing GO RISS online!  We are in Section/Lib 5


BBS information
Call our BBS to download the newest versions of our products!  Supports up to 14.4Kbps data transfer rates.

   BBS number: (401) 767-3931


RTF_TOPIC_778369216


Contacting information
 How to contact RISS


Telephone number
Telephone

Questions and technical support:    1-401-767-3106

Toll free order line:	     1-800-959-RISS

     (1-800-959-7477)


Fax number

Available 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week:	1-401-767-3108


BBS number
Our Customer Support BBS

Supports up through 14.4Kbps:	1-401-767-3931


Address

Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc.

P.O. Box 748

Woonsocket, RI 02895-0784


CompuServe information_1
CompuServe

Just type  GO RISS  to join us on Compuserve.  We’re in Section/Lib 5.


RTF_TOPIC_778369232


Custom Screen Savers

Rhode Island Soft Systems can create a custom screen saver that displays a company logo or other ideas that capture the essence of one's business.   Most marketing savvy companies realize that their logo can be their most important asset.  Instead of leaving either their own (or a customer's) screens displaying some random data screen, they should let the computer be a "silent salesman" and promote their logo!  The animation in these custom screen savers can range from simple to very complex.  Other applications for these screen savers include:

*    OEM Bundling  Businesses that ship computers with Microsoft Windows pre-loaded can have their own custom screen saver pre-loaded also, and automatically display their logos for customers -- the ultimate marketing tool!

*    In House Corporate Use  Display one's own company logo on in-house systems.  Also excellent for remote "field offices," showrooms, etc. where customers may see the computer.  A corporate logo is a much more useful subliminal salesman than a data screen!

*    Premiums  Use these screen savers as a give-away to potential customers to spread one's business presence, or as a special promotion.  The possibilities for a custom screen saver, as a premium, are boundless.  This computer software can be given cheaper than most custom logo "trinkets" such as key chains and mugs.

Cost    Custom screen savers are priced on an individual basis, based upon quantity, number of screen saver modules ordered, complexity, etc.  Please call for additional information.


Custom signature Fonts
TrueType Signature Service

Rhode Island Soft Systems can now create a TrueType font that contains a person's own signature and initials.  As with all TrueType fonts, these signatures and initials are fully scalable and may be used in any application supporting the use of TrueType fonts.  Productive uses for these signatures include:

*     Allow secretaries to type memos and letters and have the ability to apply the boss' signature as appropriate.

*     Add signature(s) and/or initials to memos and print them directly to the printer eliminating the need to sign the document later and fumble with the copy machine if more than one copy is required.

*     No more cutting and pasting signatures onto the bottom of documents for making copies.

*     Multiple original documents can be printed without having to sign each one individually.

*     This can help increase productivity in the workplace or at home with no learning curve required -- it's a true, immediate productivity tool.

Cost    The base price for a signature TrueType font is $75.  Add $20 for initials also.  Quantity discounts are available.  Contact RISS for specifications, details, and instructions.


Emeri card file reader
EMERI

Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc. has released EMERI™ Version 1.3, a DOS program for viewing Windows' cardfiles from DOS.  This program is a handy, convenient DOS program that no "part-time Windows user" should be without.

EMERI™ provides the complimentary features needed to make the Windows Cardfile a truly useful product:

*     As a DOS program, it doesn't require Windows. Great for accessing cardfiles on a laptop that doesn't have Windows -- copy cardfiles from desktop to laptop, and use EMERI™.

*     Auto dialer features better than Windows' own -- EMERI™ dials any number on the card!

*     Case insensitive searches

*     Partially qualified searches

*     Remembers last search for fast re-searching

*     Quick Reference help screen

*     Fast "pick lists" for moving among multiple cardfiles

*     Quick and easy installation and configuration utilities

*     User can pre-configure EMERI™ so that is "remembers" settings every time

The Windows Cardfile program offers a great means of organizing phone numbers, addresses, and other types of information in an index card format, but is almost useless to "part-time Windows users" -- the majority of users who bounce in and out of Windows.  Whenever in DOS, simply use  EMERI™ to look up cards instead of getting frustrated while waiting for Windows to boot, solely to look up a card.

Coming soon: pre-stocked cardfile databases for use with EMERI™ containing phone numbers of Airlines, Hotels, Car Rental Agencies, etc. across the U.S. and world.

Cost	$16.95 (U.S.).  All orders add $5.00 shipping and handling.


RISS Font Pak
RISS Font Paks

With the advent of Windows 3.1, Windows now offers built-in support for new and improved scalable typefaces called TrueType fonts, which give a fairly accurate representation (on screen) of what a document will look like once printed.  Because they're scalable, these fonts can be sized to be as big or small as desired.

Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc. has released a line of three (3) TrueType Font Paks.  Each RISS Font Pak contains ten (10) unique and interesting TrueType Fonts, yielding thirty (30) fonts in all.  Once these fonts are installed, they become an integrated part of Windows, and can be used from any application that supports TrueType fonts (just about all do).

The fonts in this package are original, unique fonts that will spruce up any document, and provide the appropriate look for professional quality documents.  Unlike the “dime a dozen” script typefaces, we strive to produce highly ornamental, unique fonts that a user wouldn’t necessarily have.  Because of their striking, decorated nature, these fonts are great for headlines.

In addition to the TrueType Font Paks, Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc. also offers its Custom Signature Font service.  Please refer to the Custom Signature Font section of this catalog for more information on having your signature turned into a computerized font.

Click here to see some samples of the fonts.

         (Note: This is just a sample of a few of the fonts — the RISS Font Paks contain many more.  Print quality is always higher than what is displayed onscreen.)

Cost    $19.95 per RISS Font Pak. As a special offer, order RISS Font Pak #1 and #2 for $39.90, and receive RISS Font Pak #3 absolutely free!  All orders add $5.00 shipping and handling.


Font samples


WinPak Screensavers
WinPak

Rhode Island Soft Systems has released its WinPak™ collection -- three volumes each containing unique Windows™ screen saver modules, TrueType™ fonts, and Icons.  This inexpensive Windows™ product will bring hours of enjoyment to Windows™ users who like their systems to come to life both when working and while they are idle.

WinPak™  includes the features one would expect from a quality Windows™ screen saver:

*     Full integration with the Windows™ desktop means easy setup for users who like to frequently change their screen savers

*     WinPak™ modules fully support encrypted password protection as implemented in Windows™

*     Six WinPak™ modules are included with each volume, each using quality graphics and animation to liven one's desktop

*     Imagine! 200 icons ship with each volume of WinPak™.  Icons are conveniently stored within two simple .DLL files to help keep directories neat and orderly

*     Four TrueType™ fonts are also included with each WinPak™ volume.  These fonts will help give any document a look of distinction.

WinPak™ provides the screen blanking features Windows™ users have come to expect, and more!  The WinPak™ products will help turn the average Windows™ desktop into a source of humor and fun.  The ease with which the product is installed is amazing, and the enjoyment one will receive from it in the months to come is tremendous.  See what some people are already saying about WinPak™:

PC-Computing "Best Bets" May, 1993 Issue

"Windows™ screen savers that will make MAC owners cry with envy"

- Shareware Express Magazine, Spring 1993

Cost    $19.95 per volume.  This deluxe package includes six screen saver modules, four TrueType™ fonts, 200 Icons, and user documentation.  As a special offer, order WinPak™ #1 and #2 for $39.90, and receive WinPak™ #3 absolutely free!  All orders add $5.00 shipping and handling.


Custom Signature Fonts
4 November, 1993

Contact: Eric Robichaud

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc. announces:

'Customized Desktop Services'

TrueType Signature Service

Rhode Island Soft Systems can now create a TrueType font that contains a person's own signature and initials.  As with all TrueType fonts, these signatures and initials are fully scalable and may be used in any application supporting the use of TrueType fonts.  Productive uses for these signatures include:

Allow secretaries to type memos and letters and have the ability to apply the boss' signature as appropriate.

Add signature(s) and/or initials to memos and print them directly to the printer eliminating the need to sign the document later and fumble with the copy machine if more than one copy is required.

No more cutting and pasting signatures onto the bottom of documents for making copies.

Multiple original documents can be printed without having to sign each one individually.

This can help increase productivity in the workplace or at home with no learning curve required -- it's a true, immediate productivity tool.

Cost   The base price for a signature TrueType font is $75.  Add $20 for initials also.  Quantity discounts are available.  Contact RISS for specifications, details, and instructions.


Compuserve Forum

Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc. unveils

 CompuServe Support Forum

WOONSOCKET -- Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc. has just announced the availability of its new Customer Support Forum on CompuServe.  "The CompuServe Support Forum is an excellent complement to our own customer support BBS," says CEO Eric Robichaud, "because users already familiar with CompuServe can just come in and use the Forum.  It's a lot easier to access than our BBS, and offers more services.  Of course, all of our international customers can now access us via CompuServe where, before, international data calls to our BBS were too expensive, if even possible [due to noisy connections on many international calls]."

By typing GO RISS, and accessing section 5, users can access the three major services of the Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc. Support Forum: messaging, files, and conferencing.  Through the messaging section, which is analogous to a large, public Bulletin Board System, customers can communicate directly with RISS personnel, almost in real-time.  "The messaging section is an invaluable asset," says Glenn Miller, the Manager of Technical Support at RISS.  "Through this facility, our customers can quickly and easily ask questions and seek support at any time of the day or night.  The public nature of the message section is a major asset, because it instigates conversations involving other customers as well as our staff, which not only helps us achieve better results, but also provides a lot of good brainstorming on recommendations and features that we can use for future versions of our products."

The file library of the forum will undoubtedly be the most traveled section of the forum.  The file library is kept stocked with product samples, product information, update information, answers to frequently asked questions, program patches, help files, and the like.

The conferencing area provides a place for people to talk with one another "live," in real-time, and is expected to be the site of special meetings and presentations, as well as a place for users to directly interact with technical support personnel for immediate answers to pressing questions.  The conferencing area is not expected to be the most heavily utilized section of the forum, but will certainly be a benefit to users.  "I originally met my wife on a conferencing system, " notes Eric Robichaud, "so it can't be all that bad!"

###

"SOFTWARE ENGINEERED TO BE THE BEST"

Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc.

P.O. Box 748, Woonsocket, RI 02895

Tele (401) 767-3106, Fax (401) 767-3108


Press Releases


RISS Icon Pak

The graphical, point-and-click nature of Windows goes a long way towards making computers easier to use.  The use of graphical elements, to represent features and functions, helps us to recognize what we want to do and be able to do it without memorizing commands, key sequences, and menus.

Fortunately, users are able to customize Windows by installing their own graphical symbols, called icons.  This allows users to customize Windows with symbols that are meaningful to each individual user.  It also allows people to personalize their computer system.

Unfortunately, most of us are either not very artistic, or don't have the time to sit around drawing new icons.  Enter the RISS Icon Pak...

The RISS Icon Pak is a package containing 2001 unique and interesting Icon images for use with Windows.  The icons are conveniently arranged, categorized, and divided into separate libraries for quick and easy location of icons.

The RISS Icon Pak comes complete with its own Icon Viewer utility, for quickly and easily perusing the icon libraries and installing or changing icons in Windows.

A completly automated "SETUP" program performs installation on "auto pilot."

Cost    $16.95.  This deluxe package includes 2001 icons, plus an enhanced Icon Viewer utility which offers easy point-and-click changing of any icon.  All orders add $5.00 shipping and handling.


Sound Source Co-development Agreement
MULTIMEDIA NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE * CONTACT: MARK BANKINS (805) 494-9996

SOUND SOURCE INTERACTIVE, RHODE ISLAND SOFT SYSTEMS

ANNOUNCE CO-DEVELOPMENT RELATIONSHIP

Following the release of T2: The Screen Saver, Sound Source Interactive has announced a co-development relationship with Rhode Island Soft Systems, Inc. to create screen savers, games and utilities for DOS and Windows 3.1.

Sound Source, based in Westlake Village, CA, holds multimedia licenses with Paramount Pictures, Carolco Pictures, Turner Home Entertainment, Lucasfilm Ltd, New Line Cinema and other studios.

Rhode Island Soft Systems’ background includes development of large- and small-scale software and networking projects, both mini- and micro-based.  Their current focus is on delivering DOS and Windows-based consumer software products, via the retail channels and through OEMs, according to Rhode Island Soft Systems CEO Eric Robichaud.  Current products include screen savers, TrueType font packages and telecommunications software.

The two companies collaborated in the first quarter of 1993 to develop one of the most popular utilities of that year: a screen saver based on Terminator 2: Judgment Day.  Featuring the voice and likeness of Arnold Schwarzenegger, plus special coded morphing effects, the product is still experiencing high sales, and has attracted the attention of film studios interested in developing screen savers, games, and interactive educational tools.

Armed with a license from Carolco Pictures, Sound Source developed the sci-fi-themed utility with the East Coast firm, communicating only via telephone and modem.

“We finally met, nearly a year after starting the project and six months after finishing it,” said Sound Source CEO Vincent Bitetti.  Before embarking on their next effort -- a science-fiction game -- Bitetti said the two companies’ creative teams met “the old-fashioned way.”

Robichaud acknowledged the crucialness of meeting face-to-face, “...especially before a project, just to set some parameters for each other,” he said.  “It’s really about making our respective jobs easier.  The methods in which they work are a mystery to us, and vice-versa.  This isn’t about setting limits; it’s more about opening doors to other possibilities.”

For games, screen savers and other utilities, the actual graphics work and coding will take place at a 3,000-plus mile distance.  Concepts and structure will likely be discussed in a similar manner, both developers agree.

Well into the Information Age, such working relationships have become matter-of-fact.  With an onslaught of fast and inexpensive telecommunications devices, as well as the proposed Information Superhighway and other technological advances, the need for “in-person” contact should diminish.

In early 1993, Sound Source consulted with several programmers to create a screen saver based on the hit film “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”  Rhode Island Soft Systems stood out from a crowded pack, say Bitetti.

After several weeks of telephonic meetings, says Robichaud, Sound Source set him a contract.  “From then on, our modem was inundated with graphics and storyboard animation.  There was no need for us to be in the same building.”

Thrilled with T2’s outcome, Bitetti and Robichaud soon agreed to further the relationship.  “They delivered the project on time and on budget,” says Bitetti.  “That’s a rarity in this business.”

Regarding the working distance, Bitetti and Robichaud agree that it’s a positive situation.  “Space is a good thing, even when it’s three thousand miles away,” Bitetti said.  They need to breathe, and so do we.”

“Distance will allow each of our companies to focus on our tasks,” said Robichaud.  “We tend to communicate very well, anyway.  For these projects, the phone is just as good as being there in person.  Plus, this way we can make faces at each other.”

Sound Source Interactive

2985 E. Hillcrest Dr., Suite A, Westlake Village, CA 91362

Tele (805) 494-9996 * Fax (805) 495-0016