Scenario

A large corporate contractor in the chemical process engineering field, for instance, currently uses Mathcad Enterprise to distribute both "pre-fab" and customised document-based electronic solutions to customers. These e-books run the gamut from introductory chemical engineering techniques, to references, to custom calculation suites that solve particular engineering problems. The contractor packages the content in e-book format and then delivers a CD containing those materials directly to the customer, who must have Mathcad Enterprise for viewing and using the files. In fact, part of the service arrangement is to provide the customer with a recent version of Mathcad Enterprise. Since the contractor is also interested in finding and retaining new business, the contractor wants to easily demonstrate these solutions to prospective clients without requiring them to have Mathcad Enterprise.

Problem

How to continue creating and delivering engineering documents to companies without requiring Mathcad Enterprise for, at least, initial viewing and usage.

Solution

The Mathcad Application Server can be used to deliver these documents securely on the Web in both a freely available manner (for prospective clients) and through password-protected subdomains (for paying customers). For example, the contractor can set up a database of Mathcad Enterprise files that populates pages on a Mathcad Application Server-enabled site. Clients visit the site, entering an appropriate password, and then have access to their customised collection of documents. These documents can be updated at a moment's notice, and the client has no need for companion software to view and interact with the worksheets. The client is then free to evaluate the files at will and purchase Mathcad Enterprise if more robust interactivity and customisation is required.

Benefits

• Client can view and interact with custom calculations without needing plug-ins or other special software
• Contractor can correct errors or make changes quickly and easily and documentation remains up-to-date
• Contractor has less pressure to update or maintain older versions of Mathcad Enterprise worksheets for customers
• Prospect or client does not have to make an additional software investment

Conclusion

The Mathcad Application Server is ideal for Mathcad Enterprise contractors because it allows them to gain greater, more centralised control of the materials that are being distributed, while still allowing that distribution to be secure. The clients are happy because they don't have to worry about updating software or acquiring new software that may not be used to the fullest extent because no one has sufficient knowledge of the product. The prospects and customers do not need to make an additional software purchase, helping them to reduce their costs and adding to their satisfaction level with the contractor.

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