CSR - Frequently Asked Questions

General

• What is CSR?
  CSR stands for Cosmos Suite Redevelopment and is the next stage of the CAMP study. It is the project that will modernize the main applications of the Cosmos Suite and is spread over two broad phases over the next five years.
• Which parts of the COSMOS suite will be affected?
  The first phase of the CSR project will focus on the CTCS environment, as it is the core of the Cosmos suite, which all other applications are built upon.
  The second phase will focus on the SPACE and SHIPS environments providing these modules direct access to the core modules, eliminating unnecessary data replication.
• When will the new application be available for installation?
  The new TOS will be tested in the European facilities of PSA-Antwerp during the five year development period. After successful and thorough testing, the application will be made available for installation on your terminals.
• What will be the costs involved?
  The result of CSR project will be new versions of all TOS modules of COSMOS. Customers with an active contract at release of CSR will get the opportunity to license the new TOS. At this moment in time, detailed information on licensing costs is not available.
• What type of licensing and support will be available?
  Only existing customers of COSMOS with active contracts will have the opportunity to switch to the new TOS environment. The exact type of licensing and support contracts will be the subject of future discussions.
• Do we have to re-train our users?
  One of the main goals of the CSR project is to minimize impact on the day to day operations and work floor. The current philosophy of the COSMOS TOS suite therefore will be maintained. However, with process streamlining coupled with the new technologies used by CSR, some changes can be expected.
  Nevertheless, we expect the impact will be small and limited.

Content

• Will CSR have new functionalities?
  The CSR project will be completely based on the existing philosophy of the current CTCS application. However to provide for the future, the CSR project will cater for faster and more manageable expansion possibilities.
• How can I add my requirements in the new system?
  The new TOS will be based on the existing philosophy of CTCS. However, it will be enhanced with possibilities for easy reporting and connectivity, by means of an open API enabled interface. As a result, you or your local IT partner will be able to build out your own extensions.
• Will the current TOS still evolve?
  The current TOS will still evolve however on a very limited basis.  As we will focus our efforts on the new TOS, development of the current TOS will be frozen as much as possible.

Platform

• Will the new application run on the same servers?
  The new TOS will be based upon open and widely used technologies like Linux and Oracle database. These environments run on several types of servers. The exact versions of OS and DB supported will be announced in time.
• What will we use for the client platform?
  All clients of the new TOS will run on current widely used Windows based platforms.

Integration

• How will the new environment hook up to my existing linked applications?
  The new TOS will be built for easy reporting and open connectivity by means of an API enabled interface. As a result, you and your local partner(s) will be able to re-build your existing links towards your own environments based on the API of the new TOS and its connectivity possibilities.

Support and maintenance

• How long will you support the existing Cosmos suite?
  The planned timeframe for the CSR project is five years, split in two phases. As a result, the new TOS will be available for earliest installation from of 2015.
• Will we be able to request dedicated changes in the future?
  COSMOS will keep track of required changes. Changes will then be assessed by a change committee for the value it adds to the application and the community as a whole. Therefore request for changes will be decided based on a general, open approach.
• Can I install additional software on these servers?
  We would not recommend it, but you could install additional software. However, you will have to determine that it does not interfere with, or degrade the performance of, the installed TOS applications. Complications with additional 3rd party software will adversely affect the speed and effectiveness of support.
• Which services will Cosmos continue to provide on the new system?
  The new TOS will be made available for all existing customers of Cosmos. Cosmos will continue in the existing mode of support as contractually agreed.
• Will I still get support on the existing Cosmos Suite?
  Cosmos will continue to provide on-going support of the current TOS system and this includes:

  • Implementation of existing EDI messages, setup and tuning
  • SQL queries and database related questions
  • Database corrections
  • Bug fixes and installation of patches
  • General help request to explain functionality
• How can I contact Cosmos to get support?
  Cosmos keeps two types of support:

  • Telephone support services: We designate one person as your principal contact, who will answer most of your calls.  You have direct access, anytime you need it. After office hours, you calls will be supported by our call center.
  • E-mail support services: When you e-mail our support desk the mail is immediately and automatically forwarded to your principal contact. They will log the query and assess it to determine whether more information is required. If it is, a request (usually a series of easy questions) will be returned. We will solve your query from start to finish on a best effort basis during office hours.
• Will I have to upgrade my current TOS?
  Yes you will be asked to upgrade your current TOS in the future. This is needed for two reasons:

  • We want our customers to use the latest and best versions available to get the best experience with the product.
  • It will be only possible to upgrade to the new TOS from of the latest available versions of the Cosmos Suite.

  Upgrades will be proposed according to available resources and can only be performed on mutual agreement.
• Which version of iSeries OS will be supported for the old TOS?
  The current TOS of Cosmos is certified on V5R4 and V6R1 versions of the iSeries operating system. Until further notice Cosmos has no intention to support higher versions of the iSeries OS.