TopSail Software
LINX TopSail™ integrates client/server application development, execution, and network management of LINX Data Terminals into an intuitive Windows-based system. TopSail provides the tools developers need to create powerful multi-tiered client/server applications. TopSail can act as the transaction processor for your online application or you can use TopSail's Data Collector for batch file collection. And, TopSail allows you to manage your network of LINX terminals from a single workstation.
Client/Server Application
Client Application
The client application controls all user interaction. It resides in a LINX Data Collection Terminal where it collects data for transaction requests. Information can be read from the keyboard, bar codes, magstripe, digital input sensors, and serial ports. LINX terminals are fully independent computer systems, so the client application can also store transactions in the local LINX file system whenever the server is available.
The client application can be developed in either LinxBASIC or with the LINX Application Interface (available as a separate product). TopSail provides the LinxBASIC Integrated Development Environment to make editing, compiling, and loading applications a snap.
Server Application
The server application handles interaction with databases and/or back office (3rd tier) applications. It executes on a TopSail Server ( a Windows workstation running TopSail). A single server can handle hundreds of LINX clients in most applications. The TopSail server responds to transaction requests from the LINX clients and does whatever processing your application needs. Replies may be sent to the requesting terminal without regard to the underlying network topology.You choose the language for your server application. TopSail server applications have been implemented in Visual Basic, C++, Delphi, PowerBuilder, FoxPro, Access, and other popular programs. TopSail provides additional support for visual Basic server in the form of extended help files with examples for every TopSail function.
TopSail Network Management
The LINX Network Architecture supports a uniquely flexible terminal network. TCP/IP terminals can be located anywhere on your company intranet or even across the globe on the internet. LINX RF terminals are used for mobile applications or when running cable is too costly or inflexible. LINX RS485 networks are great for terminals located thousands of feet from the server. Subnetworking allows you to configure the perfect network topology for your site.
Transparent Networking On Any Protocol
TopSail supports the full range of LINX networking so that it's entirely transparent to your client/server applications. You can have LINX terminals on forklifts (RF), in offices (Ethernet), and at a guard's shack (RS485) and your server application need never be concerned with the complex network that makes this possible. The network can be reorganized without changing a line of code in any application.
TopSail Makes Network Management Manageable
Managing even a few terminals scattered throughout your plant can be a hassle, whereas you can manage hundreds with TopSail. A full suite of tools let you know what is happening and when it happened. You can log transaction information, keep track of program operations, terminal serial numbers, operating system versions, and more. You can even monitor the display of each terminal.
