| HITACHI HOME | UP | SEARCH |

Answers for FAQs

How can I use Groupmax applications?

The following list gives examples of common goals and names the Groupmax applications that can help you achieve these goals. All applications are also available bundled in one set. For more information, see the Overview page. To build mission-critical systems via the Internet and intranets The Groupmax Set is recommended because it enables you to build Groupmax systems as your mission-critical systems. Installing this set is cheaper than installing the Groupware Set and the Workflow Set separately. To effectively operate workflows including form processing The Groupmax Workflow Set is recommended because it enables you to define workflows, monitor work progress, and process forms. To use basic groupware The Groupmax Groupware Set is recommended because it enables you to manage computerized documents, to centralize user information, and to send or receive information via e-mail. To effectively process forms The Groupmax Groupware Set is recommended because it enables you to computerize forms, share them among your employees, send them via e-mail, check seal authorizations and manage processed forms. To build groupware systems in intranets Web browsers and the Groupmax Groupware Set (WWW client) are recommended. Hitachi recommends Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer as Web browsers. System definition and operation management are executed at a client (for example, on Windows) while end-users use Web browsers. To build workflow systems in intranets Web browsers and the Groupmax Groupware Set (WWW client) are recommended. Hitachi recommends Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer as Web browsers. System definition and operation management are executed at a client (for example, on Windows) while end-users use Web browsers. To increase scheduling efficiency The Groupmax Groupware Set and the Groupmax Schedule Set are recommended because they enable you to user your PC to reserve meeting rooms and adjust participants schedules as well as your own schedule. You can effectively create, distribute and store minutes or meeting materials.

---------------

What kind of companies have installed Groupmax (features/numbers)?

Various kinds of companies have installed Groupmax. Many government offices were principally interested in, and installed, the mail features. Many manufacturing companies were principally interested in, and installed, the workflow features. Some companies have installed tens of thousands of client systems. For more information, see the User Sites page.

---------------

What are the superior points of Groupmax V2?

System Architecture Provides management of hierarchical organizations and addresses in multiple domains (supported by LDAP) Provides multi-server system architecture to work with large-scale systems Provides scheduling facilities for groups in a multi-server environment Provides virtual document management in a multi-server environment Provides extensive agent facilities for automatic system operation and end-user tasks Advanced Intranet Provides groupware features which can be accessed with Web browsers Links smoothly with client-server environments Document Management Provides document management for files in a variety of formats, such as files created with Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel Provides full-text searches, compound searches, focused searches and multi-view browsing Provides a virtual viewer that lists the same folders in multiple servers Workflow Provides workflow features which enable workflows to be defined visually, to be simulated, and to be managed in a multi-server environment Adds on to your existing utilities such as Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes Complies with a WfMC reference model System Management Integrates operations of multiple servers from one console Automates the distribution of interchangeable products to servers and clients Links with other systems such as JP1 and NETM/Cm2 to complete a system Environment Applies Java applet technology to Form applications Provides OCX components in Workflow applications Supports MAPI service providers in Mail clients

---------------

Can my secretary manage my mail while I am on a long vacation?

Yes. If you specify your secretary as the substitute recipient when setting up the environment, your mail will be sent to the secretary until you cancel that specification. Of course, confidential mail will not be sent to the substitute recipient.

---------------

Can I specify the date on which mail should be delivered (as you can in some commercial delivery services)?

Yes. If you specify the date on which mail should be sent in the "Deferred delivery time" part of the "Send mail" options, the mail will be sent at the time you specify. For example, if you specify someone's birthday, you can ensure that the mail is sent on his or her birthday.

---------------

What kinds of attributes can be added to mail, and is it possible to display received mail based on the attributes?

You can specify mail attributes such as Urgent, Confidential, or Reply Required. Groupmax Desktop can be used to display received mail based on their attributes. For example, you can display only urgent mail, or display only appointments in your schedule.

---------------

Can I easily send or receive mail when I am out of the office?

Yes. You can send mail from an outside PC or PDA (such as Hitachi's POSSIBLE, or Sharp's ZAURUS), or you can send voice mail by pushphone. The methods are as follows: 1. Remote LAN access Remote LAN access enables you to send mail by the PPP protocol. This method is the same as sending mail when you are connected to Groupmax via a LAN environment. 2. Non-procedure connection You can send mail with an MS-DOS PC or PDA as the client. This method enables you to easily send or receive mail because this method uses the same connection procedure as for PC networks. 3. Connecting via a PDA The Hitachi POSSIBLE PDA provides a mail communication facility that allows you to use encryption for Groupmax. Encrypting your mail enables you to safely send important or confidential mail. 4. Voice mail Groupmax Voice can process voice messages sent by telephone and can send them to a mail box that you specify. You can specify an address by following guidance over the telephone. A user who receives voice mail can hear it by using, for example, a multimedia PC.

---------------

How can I work via the Internet?

The Groupmax World Wide Web product enables you to use various Groupmax facilities over WWW servers. For example, you can use mail, scheduling, document management, workflows.

---------------

Can Groupmax Mail work with mail on other systems or different types of systems?

Yes. Groupmax Mail conforms to international standards such as the X.400 and SMTP protocols, so it can work with a variety of systems. For instance, you can set up large-scale mail system by connecting Groupmax Mail to the following systems: VOS3 HOAPMAIL system cc:Mail from Lotus Development Corp., Notes mail (via MTA), Exchange from Microsoft Corp. PC communication networks via the Internet and intranets (NIFTY-Serve, People)

---------------

What kind of product is Groupmax Voice?

Groupmax Voice is useful when you want to send or receive voice mail, or when you want to send mail by telephone while you are away from your office (for example, when you are on a business trip). Groupmax Voice Client is software which enables you to use Grompmaxup Mail to send or receive voice data in the same way you send or receive text data. Groupmax Voice gateway is software that enables a recipient to obtain a message sent over the telephone using Groupmax Voice. Some of the main Groupmax Voice features are: Enables you to record and playback a message that you want to send as voice data. Enables you to use Groupmax Mail to send or receive voice data to other personal computers. Groupmax Voice gateway processes a message sent by telephone and works with Groupmax Mail to send the message as voice mail. Enables you to send voice mail to up to ten addresses at one time.

---------------

Can I use Groupmax Voice to send mail without a personal computer?

Yes. You can send voice mail from your home telephone or public telephone using Groupmax Voice gateway. If you call Groupmax Voice gateway, over the telephone you will hear advice on how to send voice mail. By following the advice, you can easily send voice mail.

---------------

If I am operating someone else's computer (for example, on a business trip) and my ID and password are not registered for that computer, can I still see my INBOX mail on Groupmax Desktop without first carring out user registration in Groupmax Desktop?

Yes. You can see mail if you login to Groupmax Desktop as a guest user (not a registered user). Specify the same user ID and password that you usually use. Note that your customized information cannot be stored in the system when you login as a guest user.

---------------

How can I delete a file related to an icon that was deleted from a workplace window?

In the Manipulating Work Directory dialog box, delete the file related to the icon. In the manipulating Work Directory dialog box, you can confirm whether the file in the work directory is related to the icon, and then you can delete the file.

---------------

How can I manage documents conveniently?

If you use a classified index or document database to manage documents, you can efficiently search documents from various angles. For example, suppose that a business department of a company has a large number of documents for each customer: documents such as quotations, proposals, and contract agreements. In such a case, by adding the user's name to each document using a classified index, you can manage this information as a whole. You can also manage documents according to the type of document by using a document database.

---------------

Is it easy to search for information?

Yes, it is easy to search for information. You can search for the information you need according to attributes such as the document name or the date it was made. You can also search for information by using a keyword which is a word in the document. A classified index allows you to find information even when you cannot remember much about a document or its contents.

---------------

How can I develop forms for use in the Internet or for use with dedicated clients?

Groupmax Form Client-Design (Form development environment) can be used for developing forms for the Internet and for dedicated clients. Also, you can create a Java applet with Groupmax Form by linking with the World Wide Web. Technically, the forms for Web browsers are a subset of the forms for dedicated clients. Although Web browser functionality cannot be incorporated into a current dedicated client, it is possible for a dedicated client to start the Web browser, so that you can use the Web browser functionality while switching between windows.

---------------

Can I separately buy the software for individual features?

No. You cannot buy the software for individual features. Hitachi has analyzed groupware usages and provided software sets required for different types of usage. These sets enable Hitachi to reduce prices.

---------------

Groupmax V2 client sets are offered in units of licensed users for servers. Are separate license agreements required for multiple servers?

No. License agreements are not necessary for each server. For example, if 1,000 users use 10 servers, you can buy 10 server licenses and 1,000 client licenses. The number of clients registered for each server has no bearing on the license agreement.

---------------

How is the license price determined if I use clients only from Web browsers?

Groupmax V2 enables you to use basic Groupmax features from Web browsers and in such cases, you will need both server and client licenses. The client license is needed for any client that uses the Groupmax features: whether the clients are Client Server System clients or Web browser clients. If you buy Client Set licenses, you can access Groupmax from both Client Server System clients and Web browsers.

---------------

I already have Groupmax V1. To upgrade to V2, do I need to buy V2?

When the platform is Windows If you made a Total Upgrade Service contract when you bought V1, you can upgrade a Groupmax Groupware Set or a Groupmax Set free of charge, up to the number of V1 products that you bought. (Note, however, that only users who bought Flowmate V1 can upgrade to the Groupmax Set.) If you did not make the contract, you can buy the Groupmax Groupware Set and the Groupmax Set at the upgrade price. You can buy other sets and options at the V2 prices. When the platform is UNIX If you made a Basic Service contract when you bought V1, you can upgrade free of charge, up to the number of V1 products that you bought. If not, you can buy V2 at the V2 price.

---------------

Does Hitachi have volume discounts?

Yes. The HITACHI Value-Added License Plan (VAL Plan for short) provides the required features at discount prices if you continue to buy Hitachi PC software in large quantities.

---------------

How is Groupmax V2 offered?

Hitachi offers Groupmax V2 as follows: Password package License package VAL Plan license package (PCs only) User licenses (some options) Integrated CD-ROM (PCs only)

---------------

What is meant by "linkage between data warehouses and Groupmax"?

This linkage means that Groupmax is part of an amalgam of decision support systems and groupware. For example, Groupmax can work as the front end for information. Data in a workflow system can be stored in a time-based database and analyzed by varioius analysis tools. The information can then be mailed to the relevant persons, posted to bulletin boards, and you can use the Document Manager for make the information available on the Internet. The Groupmax agent facility automates routine tasks.

---------------

What's the relation to the product PDMACE, Hitachi's integrated system for engineering information?

PDMACE is engineering software that manages the configuration of products related to CAD/CAM software (including packaged software). The new Groupmax version enables you to enter technical documents and drawings managed by PDMACE into mail and workflows. PDMACE coexists with Groupmax as a cabinet of technical documents.

---------------

What's the relation to the product TEAMSTAR, the image processing and workflow system?

TEAMSTAR integrates workflow systems from ATI, Inc. with an image processing system. The new Groupmax version enables you to enter images managed by TEAMSTAR into mail and workflows. TEAMSTAR coexists with Groupmax as a cabinet of image-containing documents.

---------------

Can I reference a World Wide Web page directly from a file attached to e-mail?

Yes. You can specify a World Wide Web page's URL as an attached file. First, open the page you want on your Web browser and choose Create Shortcut from the File menu. The shortcut is created on the Desktop. Next, open a new window of the Groupmax Message Editor, and attach the created shortcut to your e-mail. When this e-mail is received, the recipient can open the specified WWW page by double-clicking the attached file. (The recipient should be using the same Web browser as you are.)

---------------

How can I send e-mail from a homepage to a Groupmax e-mail system?

Specify a message file name (*.mlf) in the HTML tag which refers to the address. To create a message file: First, create a new e-mail message in the Message Editor. Next, enter your own address in this message. Finally, save this message by choosing the Save As command. You can prepare different message files for various purposes.

---------------

I use Groupmax Mail and Address on Windows NT. Can I change the domain name of Windows NT as I like?

No. You cannot change the domain name. When the Groupmax Console is started, Groupmax checks whether the system administrator started the Console or not. If the domain name is changed, an error occurs and the Console cannot operate.