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- **************************************************************
-
- Welcome to the
-
- Distributor Networking System
-
- Amway(R) Version 2.15
-
- (Evaluation Copy)
-
- by
-
- Victor Nguyen & Bill Palmer
-
- Copyright (c) 1993-96 by PC DataNet Co.
- All Rights Reserved
-
- **************************************************************
-
- This README file contains important information about the
- Distributor Networking System (DNS) software program, as well
- as your rights and responsibilities as a user of the program.
- Please read this file in its entirety. To print this file
- (7 pages), type the following at the DOS command prompt:
-
- COPY README.TXT PRN
-
- To print the abbreviated user guide, type the following:
-
- COPY MANUAL.DOC PRN
-
-
- To print the file which contains registration information,
- type the following:
-
- COPY REGISTER.TXT PRN
-
-
-
- Distributor Networking System README.TXT
-
-
-
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- -----------------
-
- New Features in Version 2.10.................................1
-
- The Shareware Concept........................................1
-
- System Requirements..........................................1
-
- Installing DNS...............................................2
-
- User Manual..................................................3
-
- Program Overview.............................................4
-
- Evaluating the Program.......................................6
-
- Registration.................................................7
-
- Restrictions.................................................7
-
- Modifications................................................8
-
- History.....................................................10
-
- Distributor Networking System README.TXT
- Page 1
-
- NEW FEATURES IN VER 2.10
- ------------------------
-
-
-
- THE SHAREWARE CONCEPT
- ---------------------
-
- DNS is a copyrighted work protected by the United States and
- the international copyright law. It is not free, freeware,
- or in the public domain. It is distributed as Shareware, which
- means that you may use it for a brief trial period at no cost;
- if you determine that it fits your needs and you continue to
- use it, you must register with the author by paying the reg-
- istration fee. If you choose not to pay the registration fee,
- you must stop using DNS after the initial trial period and
- remove it from your computer; you may still keep copies of it
- and pass them on to others as outlined below.
-
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
- -------------------
-
- The DNS program was developed for IBM-compatible systems
- running DOS (Disk Operating System) Version 3.3 or later.
- DNS requires 512KB (Kilobytes) of internal memory and a hard
- disk with at least 2.0MB (Megabytes) of free space for both
- the program and all the data files. Of course, you can never
- have too much internal memory or hard disk capacity; the
- more, the better.
-
- The DNS program will run on AT-class (20286) or higher per-
- sonal computers with CGA, EGA, VGA or super VGA monitors,
- color or monochrome.
-
- Performance is slightly sluggish (but quite acceptable) when
- run on a 10 MHz, 286 computer; it runs great on 386- and 486-
- based machines.
-
- Distributor Networking System README.TXT
- Page 2
-
-
- INSTALLING DNS
- --------------
-
- First, make a backup copy of the DNS distribution disk and
- use the backup as a working disk.
-
- You must use the INSTALL program to install DNS. The files
- on the distribution disk(s) are in compressed form and have
- to be properly decompressed.
-
- To install the DNS software, place Disk #1 in the floppy drive
- and type the following commands at the DOS command line (the
- "C:\>" prompt is provided by the operating system):
-
- C:\> A: (Switch to drive A)
-
- A:\> INSTALL
-
-
- Follow the on-screen instructions. The installation program
- will attempt to create a directory called DNS on your hard
- disk, in the path you specify.
-
- RECOMMENDATION: Install this demo version of DNS in a "sample"
- subdirectory, which you may refer to later to see how a
- particular feature works. If you later install the registered
- version in the same directory, the sample data files, described
- below, will be erased.
-
- This demo version contains sample data files, which allow you to
- learn how DNS works without having to enter a lot of data. For
- example, you can process incoming orders that have already been
- "received" via modem and watch new orders being created in your
- system. You can practice browsing the network tree structure of
- the fictitious distributorship, look at customer records,
- generate bonus reports, etc., with minimal typing.
-
- During the installation process, two settings in the file,
- CONFIG.SYS, will be checked to see if they are adequate to
- run the DNS program. The required values of the settings are:
-
- FILES=75
- BUFFERS=10
-
- The installation program can make these changes for you, or
- you can make them yourself, using any text editor.
-
- If the FILES and BUFFERS settings had to be changed, you will
- have to reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.
-
- Distributor Networking System README.TXT
- Page 3
-
-
- USER MANUAL
- -----------
-
- The instructions included in the accompanying user guide,
- MANUAL.DOC, are abbreviated, but they should be sufficient
- for you to perform most typical operations. If you use the
- program for a short time, you will have a good feel for the
- way it works and you should know if you like it enough to
- register. The printed user manual, which may be purchased
- when you register, contains more complete descriptions
- of the menu options, as well as sample screens, reports, etc.
-
- One appendix in the manual provides an overview of general
- modem communications; other appendices list the common names
- and footnotes used by the DNS program. In addition, the
- manual explains the reasoning behind some of the features of
- the DNS program. As of this writing (April, 1995), the
- manual contains about 150 pages.
-
-
- Distributor Networking System README.TXT
- Page 4
-
- PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- ----------------
-
- The DNS computer program was developed to help Amway(R) dist-
- ributors take care of those every day tasks which are vital
- to keep the business going, but are time-consuming, boring for
- the most part, and overall, unproductive. Order processing
- and downline tracking are two of the most useful features of
- the program, but there are many others which will help
- eliminate the drudgery of conducting a multilevel marketing
- business. The DNS program is inexpensive, and therefore
- available to anyone who has an IBM-compatible computer (XT-
- class or higher). Some features of DNS include:
-
- * Low cost. DNS software is more capable than the nearest
- competitor's software, which sells for several hundred
- dollars
-
- * Customer Records
- - Full customer information maintained
- - Traverse the network tree, up and down
- - Track PV, BV, Business activity, Bonus information
-
- * Order Processing
- - Fast, easy item selection by five different methods:
- 1. By stock number
- 2. By item description
- 3. By a partial item description
- 4. By common name of the item
- 5. By browsing a section/category subset
- - Receive orders over the modem, unattended, then
- process them automatically when you return
- - Quick Order items you use all the time by selecting
- from a list
- - Compare cost per use of Brand X and Amway(R) items
- - Merge two or more orders into one
- - Send orders via modem to your upline
- - Track undelivered items
-
- * Network System Reports
- - Print, view on screen or save to a file
- - Orders and bonus reports for any or all of your
- first level groups
- - Distributors, by group or alphabetical listing
-
- * Calendar and Expense Tracking
- - Flexible and easy to use
- - Include separate notes for schedule and expenses
- - Reports covering specified date ranges: print, view
- or save to a file
-
- Distributor Networking System README.TXT
- Page 5
-
- * Prospect Records
- - Keep track of contacts, call backs, etc.
- - Easily convert a prospect record to a distributor or
- retail customer record
-
- * Built-in Bulletin Board System
- - General modem communications package
- - Set up a newsletter to keep your downline up-to-date
- - Select host mode and allow your downline to send
- orders, messages or other files (or download files
- from your system) while you're away
- - Dial numbers automatically or manually
- - Chat online with the other party
-
- * Price list Database
- - Modifiable by the user
- - Note: The shareware version of the price list data-
- base may be outdated when you use it. When you reg-
- ister, you will receive the current version, almost
- 1900 records as of this writing.
-
- * Miscellaneous Utilities
- - File maintenance (view, copy, delete, rename, etc.)
- - Generate mailing labels for selected groups of
- distributors/customers
- - Database maintenance (reindex, pack, zap)
- - Backup and Restore your valuable data files
-
- * Pop-up Calculator
- - For quick calculations
-
- Distributor Networking System README.TXT
- Page 6
-
- EVALUATING THE PROGRAM
- ----------------------
-
- If you fairly test the program for a few weeks, you should
- know if it will be useful to you in your business. If you
- decide not to register, you will not have wasted your money
- on a program that looks good on the storeshelf, but then
- works differently than you expected. On the other hand, if
- you like it, you know exactly what you're getting when you
- pay the small registration fee.
-
- After you install DNS, add a few customer and prospect
- records and use the program to conduct your business for a
- few weeks. A "canned" customer database is shipped with the
- shareware version, so you don't have to type in a lot of data
- to see how the system works. No orders have been created in
- the canned system, but a few canned modem orders are included
- to simulate your having received downline orders via modem,
- using the host session in the communications part of the prog-
- ram. When you process these orders, new orders will be created
- in your system.
-
- Add orders for your customers and for yourself; merge a few
- orders and print the combined order to see how orders and
- their items are tracked by the program.
-
- If you have a modem, have a friend help you evaluate the
- communications portion of the program. Your friend will
- need a computer with a modem to test the general communica-
- tions. To test the multi-level business aspects of the
- program, your friend will need to install DNS on his or her
- system, too. Log on to each other's system and upload orders,
- upload and download other files, check your order status, read
- each other's newsletters, chat online, etc.
-
- Use the Customer Menu to look up, add, edit or delete cust-
- omer records. Browse the network tree structure up and down,
- viewing different aspects of your customers' business activ-
- ities. Use the Reports Menu to view or print system reports
- covering orders, bonuses and distributor groups.
-
- Track prospects through several callbacks and meetings, then
- convert them to either wholesale or retail customers.
-
- Track your own meetings, appointments, to-do lists and ex-
- penses, then print out reports covering various time periods.
-
- Add, edit or delete items in the price list database; modify
- the footnotes or add your own.
-
- Use the Utilities menu to print labels, backup your data and
- perform general file maintenance.
-
-
- Distributor Networking System README.TXT
- Page 7
-
- REGISTRATION
- ------------
-
- A separate file, REGISTER.TXT, contains information on how
- to obtain the registered version of DNS.
-
-
-
-
- RESTRICTIONS
- ------------
-
- Under the following conditions, you may freely copy and dist-
- ribute this shareware version of DNS:
-
- You may not modify or disassemble any DNS files, nor
- distribute any modified or disassembled versions of DNS.
-
- You must include all the files on the DNS distribution disk(s),
- without modification.
-
- PC DataNet assumes no warranty for any claim of damage you may
- sustain by using this software.
-
- PC DataNet has no obligation to revise the program to correct any
- fault in this software.
-
-
- Distributor Networking System README.TXT
- Page 8
-
-
- MODIFICATION HISTORY
- --------------------
-
- Changes in Version 2.15
- - Eaches item cost was not being calculated correctly when
- adding to an order
-
- Changes in Version 2.14
- - PV and BV were not being computed correctly under certain
- conditions (e.g., adding/deleting items on an order). This
- has been corrected.
- - A common problem in several parts of the program was that
- a file was not available when an attempt was made to open
- it, or that it was already open and a sharing violation
- occurred. I believe (hope) I caught all of those instances.
- - Several problems in the communications menu were caused by
- undefined variables. A definition file had been temporarily
- removed during development, and I forgot to put it back in
- prior to shipping.
- - Phone numbers were added to the line of sponsorship printed
- at the bottom of an order.
- - Other minor and/or cosmetic changes were made to improve the
- way the program flows.
-
- Changes in Version 2.13
- - An item can be assigned to one of 9 different tax rate groups,
- as well as to one of 9 shipping groups. You can select a
- subgroup of items (from a section, category and subcategory), and
- then pick only the ones you want from that subgroup, to assign to
- a selected tax rate or shipping group.
- - The Inventory price list menu has been enhanced to make it
- easier to maintain your own price list.
- - You can save private items across database updates, so you don't
- have to re-enter them each time the database is updated.
- - Some files were getting too large and were broken into smaller,
- separate files; this should be largely transparent to the user.
-
- Bug fix in Version 2.12
- - When editing a price list item, a change to the taxable field
- would appear to take effect, but would subsequently be
- changed back to the original value.
-
- Changes in Version 2.11
- - Eaches item cost put back in. Several users felt that it is
- necessary for ordering single items from upline, since the
- upline distributor may want to charge a different price.
- - Suggested retail price for individual items on an order was
- added (available by pressing the <F8> key after selecting
- Edit -> Items after an order is displayed). When filling in
- the SA-1 order form, you need each line item's suggested
- retail price in one column.
-
-
- Distributor Networking System README.TXT
- Page 9
-
-
- - During installation, an index file is now intentionally
- deleted to force a reindex of the price list database. If
- this is not done, a new price list installed over an old one
- will use the old index files. This could cause incorrect
- product descriptions to be displayed, or valid items not
- to be found.
- - Some minor cosmetic changes to properly align text, etc.
-
- Bug fixes in Version 2.10
- - PV & BV were not being passed upline for items added to an
- existing order.
- - The system owner's ADA number and the price list datestamp
- were susceptible to getting garbled if there was any kind of
- hiccup in the system. This should not happen now.
- - Under certain conditions, the file pointer for the customer
- database would end up in the weeds. This caused memos to be
- attached to the wrong customer and other problems.
- - Shipping & Handling were not being added to the order correctly.
-
- Modifications in Version 2.10
- - The PV bonus structure is now flexible and can be tailored to
- accomodate those used in some other countries.
- - Registration validation at startup was relaxed even further.
- - For the registered version, the price list database was broken
- out and placed on a second diskette for distribution.
- - The format of the product descriptions was modified to more
- closely match that of the SA-13. Eaches items are listed as
- separate items, with their own stock numbers (beginning with
- "W").
- - Some parts of the Inventory utility were improved (PgUp & PgDn
- keys can be used instead of selecting Next/Previous options).
- - The system owner can now change the ADA number of any retail or
- wholesale customer.
- - A retail customer can now be converted to a wholesale distributor
- and placed under a distributor of the system owner's choice.
-
- Known Bugs in Version 2.10:
- - Shipping & Handling for special items is not added automatically;
- for example, paper products exempt from the $4/4% service charge
- should have $4.25 added automatically to the suggested retail
- price and distributor cost for shipping & handling. This is
- planned for a future release, but until it is incorporated, the
- user can adjust the shipping & handling, as well as the order
- totals, manually.
-
- Planned Modifications for future versions:
- - I started to make the order number an edit field, at the
- suggestion of one of my dealers, since distributors have
- different preferences for numbering systems. It turned into a
- messy, time-consuming task. So in the interest of getting the
- current version released, I backed out the changes. I plan to
- incorporate the idea into a future release.
- - Inventory: Quantity On-Hand, Re-order point, Case Quantities;
- - Private items saved across price list updates.
- - Grouping of inventory items for tax purposes.
- - Modem setup needs to be simplified.
- - Line of sponsorship, with phone numbers,all the way to the top.
- - Add phone numbers to line of sponsorship on printed orders.
- - Online help needs work.
-
-
-
- Distributor Networking System README.TXT
- Page 10
-
- History
-
- Features added in Version 2.01:
- - A Quick Order shopping list has been added to the Order Menu.
- When you want to order staple items, select this option and
- pick the items by pressing the space bar. You don't have to
- mess with stock number, PV, BV, wholesale & retail cost, etc.
- - Brand X comparison, on the Quick Order menu, allows you to
- make a quick comparison of the cost per use of any Brand X
- product with the Amway(R) equivalent. You supply the size,
- estimated uses and cost for Brand X, the information for the
- currently selected Amway(R) equivalent product is obtained
- from the current price list database.
- - Modem order processing: the user can watch the new orders
- being processed, one at a time (you can see who the customer
- is, the unconfirmed totals, and the new order number being
- created in your system).
- - The shareware version now comes with a few canned modem
- orders, so you can see how this feature works.
- - A bug was fixed which would not let the program run from a
- subdirectory; it had to be located off the root directory.
- Modifications:
- - The product description display screen for the various
- product types is now the same for all. This is in response
- to the new SA-13 format.
- - The security personality of the program is completely dif-
- ferent, greatly relaxed from the previous version. The full-
- size database may be used by the demonstration version,
- without restriction.