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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.    What is SourceXT?

A.    Based on the Microsoft .NET framework, SourceXT is the latest technology that lets you access your Visual SourceSafe™ (VSS) databases across any physical boundaries, as long as you have an Internet connection.

It has a Server and a Client portion.  The Client software accesses VSS data through the Server.  The Server performs VSS functions to local VSS databases as requested by the Clients.  It is designed as a Web service that provides and receives files to its Clients anywhere over the Internet.

With similar user interface to the SourceSafe explorer, a Client runs on your computer helping you do source control functions.  SourceXT explorer is a user friendly Windows graphic application that looks and functions like a file explorer.

You can also use command line client to achieve similar functions if you desire to use scripting capability.

Q.    Why use SourceXT?

A.    The Microsoft VSS explorer was designed with local area file access in mind.  As your R&D teams, customers and vendors grow globally, there is a pressing need to allow access to VSS data from a remote location.  This could be for an engineer working from home, or a vendor halfway across the globe.  This is where SourceXT can help.

       One alternative solution is making the remote user appear to be local by granting VPN access.  There is much overhead for this approach, and many people find the performance is not acceptable.  Furthermore, granting and administrating VPN to vendors and development partners may not fit your IT guidelines.

Q.    How is SourceXT licensed?

A.    SourceXT Client can be freely installed on any client computers.  SourceXT Server is licensed on a per user basis.  A copy of SourceXT Server software can be installed on one computer and the total number of users accessing the Server may not exceed the number of licenses purchased.

Q.   Can I get replacement software copies?

A.    You can always download SourceXT (both Server and Client) from our website.  However, after the initial demo period, the Server requires you to install a validation file that is provided to you after you make a purchase.  Please keep in mind you product ID only works with the version of software you bought.  Newer version of SourceXT may require a new product ID.

Q.    What are the system requirements?

A.    SourceXT Client.

       The following operating systems are supported: Microsoft Windows 2003, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows ME, and Windows NT.  You also need to have Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or later installed.  You should always get the latest service packs for all these operating systems. 

SourceXT Server.

It utilizes ASP.NET technology, therefore the system requirements for ASP.NET apply: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional (Service Pack 3 recommended), Windows 2000 Server (Service Pack 3 recommended), Windows XP Professional, and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 family.

SourceXT Server needs to be installed on the same computer with an IIS (Internet Information Services) server version 5.01 or later, as it exposes its web service through the IIS.  A VSS (Visual SourceSafe client needs to be installed on this server which enables SourceXT server gain access to VSS databases.  The VSS databases you intend to access should be located on this computer or on the same local area network of this computer.

Q.    Does it support multiple SourceSafe databases?

A.    Yes, SourceXT supports multiple SourceSafe databases from one installation of the SourceXT Server.  Databases are configured in the Server Manager program.

Q.    Does SourceXT support all functions of Visual SourceSafe?

A.    Except some of the database administrative functions normally not needed for remote use, SourceXT supports most SourceSafe operations.  Check out the feature section to see a complete list of supported functions.

Q.    Does SourceXT open additional communication ports on my computer?

A.    No.  SourceXT is designed with your network security in mind.  It uses your website's standard HTTP port to for communication.  SourceXT Clients gets data from the Server works just like someone browses the pages on your website.  By not opening additional ports to your network, it does not create additional network risks.  Furthermore, SourceXT Server has built in user authentication that will block any unwanted access attempts to the service.

Q.    Is the data transmitted by SourceXT secure?

A.    Yes.  SourceXT can be used over SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol.  In a situation where secure data transmission over the Internet is desired, you can configure your SourceXT service to be accessed through SSL server.  By doing so, all files are transmitted using 128-bit encryption that is highly secure.  This is the same technology you use to access your private information (e.g. bank or brokerage account) on the Internet today.

Q.    Is there a conflict between remote SourceXT and local (LAN) SourceSafe users?

A.    No.  SourceXT users access SourceSafe over the Internet through its Server.  The Server behaves just like any other SourceSafe client on the local area network accessing SourceSafe databases.

Q.    How does SourceXT manage time stamps when the server and clients are in different time zone?

A.    SourceXT users are often in different time zone.  However, files checked in to the database are always stamped with the server time.  This is the time of the computer that SourceXT Server runs on.