Software

The software that runs the Live Timing System is made up of several parts:

1. On the Live Timing laptop/PC
1. Requirement to run Live Timing
2. The Live Timing software
2. At the Server Farm
1. Data collection
2. Database system
3. Web Server
3. For the end-users
1. MyPRD
2. Practice Tree
3. Crew Chief Pro Interface, (pending track approval)
4. Specialty screens for sponsors etc.

For right now, let's just address the methods of installing, maintaining and updating the software on the Live Timing laptop/PC.

Creating a new system:

We purchase a new laptop for the track, install all the software required to support the system and all of the Live Timing software. We configure the system for the track using its actual adapter and Davis Weather system. Then we test it. Assuming time permits we normally run tens of thousands of runs through it to verify its stability and functionality.

After that, all the data is eradicated from the new Tracks site and Laptop and the system is shipped to its new home.

Remotely supporting the system:

Occasionally a system can suffer some malady. Usually it's because, for one reason or another, its environment has changed and sometimes because of a software or hardware issue.

When this occurs we have a couple of methods for helping you with solving the issue and getting you up and running as soon as possible.

1. First off talking to someone watching the computer and having them explain what it is doing is enough to get it resolved.
2. If that doesn't do it, the computer does log what it is doing to several log files, and the current hardware configuration is available through the control panel. We will walk someone through locating this information and relaying it to us.
3. Lastly, if there still are problems, we will have someone at the track send us a help request and we will log into the computer and resolve the problem.

We have had great success supporting our Member tracks with this approach. For validation of this statement ask us for a list of references that you can speak with. We and they will be more than happy to talk to you about our support.

Automatic Updates:

One of the really nice features built into the Live Timing System is the automatic updates feature.

When the Live Timing boot program is run to start up the system it does some preliminary checking of the hardware and software and then 'phones home' and get detailed information from the Server Farm regarding how the laptop should be configured and what version of each program it should be using.

It takes this information and compares it to its own configuration and program versions. If there is any discrepancy the system will automatically correct its configuration information and/or download any software that needs to be replaced.

This allows us to know exactly what software it is running and to make any changes, updates or upgrades available to the track automatically or by merely restating the Live Timing system.

In practice we have been able to completely update a computer in the field with all new software in well under five minutes.

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