by: Jeffery Sloman
FirstClass delivers the mail, but it doesn't stop there. Besides traditional e-mail services, it also offers groupware features similar to Lotus Notes but on a more modest scale and at a much lower cost.
FirstClass uses a client/ server architecture that largely accounts for its excellent performance. The newest version of the program, which I tested in beta, runs its server side under Windows NT 3.5x. FirstClass supports both Windows and Macintosh clients. The clients for both platforms are built on common code, and are completely compatible with either server. Connections can be made to a FirstClass server using several transports--AppleTalk, IPX (NetWare), TCP/IP and dial-up access via modem.
The FirstClass client uses a desktop paradigm with file folders and child windows that are within the main, or parent, window. Double-clicking on a given folder leads the user to documents or other folders within that folder. FirstClass' e-mail capabilities are very solid. Mail can be marked as private, personal, normal or company to ensure appropriate security. The system maintains a history for each message, including who read it, if it has been forwarded or replied to, and when these activities happened.
FirstClass offers public and private conferencing using the e-mail facility as the transport. Any FirstClass user can be authorized to create and administer a conference, so managers can determine the level and type of conferencing appropriate for their departments.
Forms processing--creating and routing forms--is another FirstClass function. The FirstClass Designer is a graphical application that you use to create sophisticated forms. Because of its complexity, the learning curve is fairly steep. The forms that you create can interact with enterprise databases and thus reduce an office's paper flow by putting common forms online.
In many ways, FirstClass is a highly advanced bulletin board system. In fact, it has a command-line interface that can be used by a VT100 terminal emulator. Through this interface, particularly when combined with the available TCP/IP connectivity option, FirstClass can be offered to users outside your organization for things like tech support and sales. The remote user license pricing is designed to make this an attractive option.
Administration of a FirstClass server is accomplished primarily through the software used for the mail clients. A user granted administrator privileges can add and remove users and set systemwide options. You have a great deal of control over user profiles, choosing from a checklist of options. Maintenance functions are also available.
Behind the scenes, FirstClass' infrastructure ensures that all these features remain available and easy to use. For example, full directory synchronization will maintain up-to-date databases on all servers in your system, including user lists. So, when a user is added or deleted at one site it will be propagated to the other sites supporting FirstClass. Since FirstClass servers are accessible by a number of transports, it's especially important that the system maintains a complete routing table so that mail messages destined for remote sites not only reach the recipient but do so based on the least-cost route.
FirstClass crosses communication categories by integrating features usually found in three or more products. It offers easy administration and a wide range of useful functions, and has a mature, well-thought-out infrastructure.
--Info File--
FirstClass
Price: $495 (server and five clients); additional user packs available.
In Brief: FirstClass offers e-mail with enhancements such as groupware functionality.
Disk Space: Server, 4MB; client, 1.57MB
System Resources: Server, NA; client, 20%
RAM: Server NA; client, 1MB
SoftArc
800-SOFTARC, 905-415-7000