RSSDaemon

What does RSS stand for?

The acronym stands for Remote Support Server.

What are RSS Server and RSSDaemon? How are they related to Project Nexus?

The RSS Server and the RSSDaemon are the two integral parts of the new remote support communication platform we are developing. The RSS infrastructure is the backbone of the Project Nexus.

We are currently at the beginning of the rollout of the Phase 1 of the Project Nexus. Phase 1 consists of the global RSS server and RSSDaemon rollout, which we all will be a part of. By installing RSSDaemon software on all of our Intel/Windows based machines and integrating it with the server in the RC, we, as a service organization, will be able to significantly improve our remote support capabilities.

Project Nexus at a Glance

The aim of the Project Nexus is the development of a secure, stable, scalable, broadband based, service connectivity solution that will be tightly integrated with a host of proactive and reactive service tools thus forming a common, Creo wide service “tool box”. According to the proposed Project Plan there are two distinct phases in this project – basic and extended functionality.

After the first phase of the Project, the short-term benefit to Creo Inc will be a new, truly global, service connectivity platform that will include a wide selection of reactive support tools. In the long term, the expected benefits are based on the implementation of proactive service modules that will be implemented across all of Creo products that will facilitate continuous or on-demand proactive monitoring and troubleshooting.

Our goal in the second phase of the project would be to develop a proactive remote service infrastructure that will enable us to support advanced service features. When completed, Project Nexus should provide the base needed to support a unique service offering thus securing Creo a distinct advantage in the field of graphic arts service providers.

The plan is to roll out Phase 1 by May 01/2003 and complete it by Nov 01/2003. The Phase 2 is dependent on the platform Phase 1 will provide, and as such, will follow the Phase 1. We are expecting to begin working on the Phase 2 sometime in the fall of 2003. The duration of this phase will largely be determined by Creo’s ability to implement the Nexus technology in all Creo products that require remote support capability.

This project by its truly global nature promotes best practices through Creo Remote Support Community. It is aligned with all of the major Creo initiatives. If implemented, it significantly decreases the network security risks on our sites and thus greatly reduces Creo’s legal liability in that regard; it can help in customer retention and potentially play a role in the increase of contract based customers; it can serve as a platform for many other initiatives like Media Bundling, equipment rentals etc.

Expected benefits upon successful implementation of Project Nexus:

Benefits to Creo:

• Significant Efficiency improvements in remote support connectivity.
• Significant decrease in operating costs for the Creo remote support community.
• Decreased need for site visits.
• Drastic decrease in administration of the connectivity infrastructure.
• Potential increase in service revenue due to new capabilities.
• Proactive service tools become viable and realistic.
• Nexus RSS can provide the infrastructure that enables initiatives like media bundling and rentals that require proactive monitoring.

Benefits to clients:

• Shorter downtimes and greater mean time between visit (MTBV) due to better and faster connectivity.
• Enormously increased network security over the existing solution.
• Potential introduction of new service features and discounts.

To learn even more about Project Nexus, please contact Sinisa.Nojkovic@creo.com.