Total Order Plus 2012.A is now being used at Mindware and seven other customers for beta testing. We have started a new features list of what has been incorporated into this new version of our software.  Some of the highlights are the importing of UPS WorldShip tracking information into Total Order Plus invoice history during the daily closing in WorldShip, ability to edit the customer and NOF Bill To information and credit card information is now stored in its own maintenance file, allowing you to protect the data with a password. Click here to view the entire list of new features . . .

Printer Compatibility and UnForm Language

Many of our customers are purchasing new printers that are not compatible with UnForm. There are a few guide lines that you can follow that will make the selection easier. One thing we do know for sure is if you purchase Lexmark printers, they are all compatible with UnForm.  Other printers such as HP, Ricoh copiers, etc. are not always compatible with UnForm so you will need to find out the printer language for each printer.

A specification of PCL5, PCL5e, or PCL5c, coupled with a mention of PCL fonts, is a good indication that the printer will be compatible with all versions of UnForm. Unfortunately, not all printers that support PCL5 include PCL fonts. Without such fonts, all text output produced by UnForm is rendered in Courier and is not scaled. Therefore, verify that the specifications mention PCL fonts or at least verify the printer is returnable if it turns out not to handle PCL fonts.

A specification of PCL6 does not indicate PCL5 support, as PCL6 is a poorly named, entirely different, print language that is not compatible with UnForm's PCL5 output.

A mention of PostScript 2 or higher indicates compatibility with UnForm 7 and above.

If no print languages are mentioned in the specification, the printer is probably a host-based (also called GDI) printer. This type of printer has no capability to render print streams and is incompatible with any form of UnForm output.

If you have any questions about the compatibility of a specific printer with UnForm, send us an email with the printer manufacturer and model, the UnForm version you are using and we can review the printer specifications and respond.

The Federal Communications Commission is planning to rapidly roll out several new ways for people in the U.S. to call the emergency 911 line. Speaking yesterday at the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials annual meeting, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski said that his organization has developed a "five-step action plan" to deploy Next Generation 9-1-1.Next Generation 9-1-1 is the next phase of the emergency service. It's designed to offer users more ways to contact emergency officials, as well as improve the network to ensure it holds up for the new communication technologies.