Original publication date: November, 2005
Can you believe that Softshare's client activity tracking system has been around since 1989? Of course, that first version of CATS was very different from today's version. Back then, as some of you may remember, it was called DOS CATS and ran on a Microsoft DOS platform.
We've come a long way since then. DOS CATS evolved into WinCATS which, in turn, evolved into Softshare 'CATS, the client/server solution we offer today. Of course, WinCATS is still around, but it's no longer the primary data entry tool that it used to be. That job title goes to WebCATS, the Internet interface that most of you use for your day-to-day data entry and reporting operations.
When WebCATS was first introduced in 2002, it wasn't as feature-rich as its WinCATS counterpart. It was a great Web-based alternative to WinCATS, but there were still many data entry features WinCATS had that WebCATS didn't have. However, over the last three years, WebCATS has come into its own. In fact, in the last few months, WebCATS' data entry features have surpassed those of WinCATS. Not because Softshare has been neglecting WinCATS, but because we've been changing its role to an administrative-only role.
All this catches us up to the present. So what, then, is the future of Softshare 'CATS? In addition to the enhancements you've come to expect with each new version, Softshare has a long-term vision for Softshare 'CATS. With each new release of Softshare 'CATS, we'll continue to define WebCATS' role as a data entry interface and WinCATS' role as a database administration application. As a result, you'll begin noticing an increased divergence of features between the two products.
If you're one of the few programs still running WinCATS Standard, it's important to note that this application will not receive any more updates; it is frozen at build 110. If your program requires any of the new features introduced since then, such as EDMIS export capabilities, you will have to convert to Softshare 'CATS.
If you're a counselor who still prefers to use WinCATS for the bulk of your data entry activity, you'll want to start making the transition to WebCATS, or you'll miss out on all the new data entry features, such as MyWebCATS or the new contact and company reports, that Softshare is continually adding to WebCATS. We may even be removing some data entry features from WinCATS.
As Softshare concentrates on the core competencies of each product, you'll benefit with more powerful and better-focused features. Thanks for being a part of Softshare 'CATS' past, present, and future!