We have had three SMARTS Traffic and Billing customers who have had a problem with a new computer. It took us a while to figure this one out, but if you purchase a Pentium 288, we will need to get you an upgraded menu program before SMARTS will work properly. Please let us know if you are in that situation.
IF YOU HAVE A TAPE BACKUP...
You have heard our strong words before on backups. Your station may have elected to use a tape backup, which is probably going to work fine for you. However, if you need to restore the tape backup, you will have to depend on support from your station staff, or a local computer dealer. We do not support tape backups. If you want our help when you need to restore a backup, you will have to follow our recommended procedure and do it on floppy disk.
The reason we don't support tape backups is that there are so many kinds, and we are not trained in all of them. If you are using a tape back up, it is a good idea for you to learn how it works, so that you are not dependent on your engineer, or someone who might or might not be available when you suddenly need to restore a backup.
There is also a problem with backing up when you are on the network. Several customers have experienced lock ups when they go off the net to back up SMARTS. We are working out a way to solve this.
TRAFFIC ORDERS SHOULD CONFORM TO SMARTS
Every so often, when working with one of you, we realize that you are working from a traffic order that does not really provide the information you need to put data into SMARTS. If you are in that situation, you might want to take the matter to your Sales Manager or General Manager. Tell them exactly what you need to enter into SMARTS, and suggest a format for a traffic order that provides all of that. We have some sample forms available for SMARTS V-7, and are working on developing some for the Windows program.
Have a great fall, and get prepared for the Christmas radio season rush!
Jan Schad