|
Top
Below are our most frequently asked question. If
you have a question about Maxiworks Software and it is not provided here, please
feel free to contact us via e-mail and one of our staff will gladly take your
call.
1.
Why
do I need to change my current email program?
2. We
have MS Exchange Server, can we still use it or will it become redundant?
3. If
we use Maxiworks with MS Exchange Server how can we back up email?
4. How
do we know that the system is as secure as you say it is?
5. What
data backup options are available?
6. What
identity management options does the software offer?
7. What
identity protection options are available?
8. Can
we share diary appointments, view other user diaries and allow others access to
our diaries?
9.. What
security does Maxiworks offer for wireless connections?
10.. How
complex or difficult is the software to use?
11. Why is Maxiworks SPAM solution superior to other solutions in the
market?
12. Can Maxiworks help prevent my
computer from virus infection?
13.
Do I have to pay
a license fee each year for Maxiworks software?
14. Is
support and help desk services provided by Maxiworks?
15. Are
Maxiworks software updates free and how often will they become available?
16. Does
Maxiworks software require a Patch Management schedule?
17. What
is involved in deploying the biometrics and smartcard access methods
18. How
does Maxiworks’ Biometrics and Smartcard solutions differ from the competition?
19.How
safe is the Biometric and or Smartcard data stored on the bio/smartcard’s IC
chip – do I place myself or my company at risk if I loose the smartcard?
20. If
a desktop/laptop computer is lost or stolen can the data be access or the
security be compromised?
21. What
is the minimal computer configuration necessary to run Maxiworks?
22. How
easy is the transition to Maxiworks software?
23. How
much extra work is involved to implement and manage my own security
infrastructure?
24. How
transparent is the use of certificates and security keys for the user?
25. Where
are the Maxiworks Public and Private Keys stored?
26. How
do I import my current settings (i.e. address book, messages, diary, tasks,
etc.) into Maxiworks?
27. How
do I access my email remotely?
28.
With
Maxiworks software, what happens when an employee is terminated?
1.
Why should I need to change my current email program?
A
- Current email programs are limited in functionality and do not
deliver you complete control and management of the email download process. By
using Maxiworks, you will improve your performance, work more efficiently and
eliminate many of the email issues and associated threats you face each day.
This is demonstrated in the mail server preview and filtering, that allows the
user to preview messages while still on the server, before and without
downloading the mail to their local machine. In addition, Maxiworks contains
better messaging capabilities that include voice and text option, which can be
used individually or together as part of the same message.
Back to top
2.
We
have MS Exchange Server, can we still use it or will it become redundant?
A- Yes Maxiworks will operate with your existing MS Exchange Server for email-only.
Through Maxiworks’ diary, resource management and global addressing
capabilities, all of your diary and address book sharing will be accomplished
using the Maxiworks Server.
Switching to Maxiworks for diary & address sharing will provide your
organization with several important benefits. For example, better staff and
resource management, user data and application access rights with complete
security. Plus there is the authorized access via the internet from anywhere anytime
allowing excellent remote access solutions.
Back to top
3.
If
we use Maxiworks with MS Exchange Server how can we back up email?
A
-Backing up you email messages on MS Exchange Server is not impacted by
Maxiworks. If you have MS Exchange Server, you can select within the options of
Exchange Server the ability to backup all email received. This provides the
‘must retain all messages sent and received’ practice required to be compliant
with email storage and verification.
Back to top
4.
How do we know that the system is as secure as you say it is?
A
- All Maxiworks software is based on specific user identity to access the
software. The software can not be opened by just anyone like other conventional
software applications. Maxiworks is a multi-user application and all individual
user identities are established and controlled by an Administrator. Additional
Administrator tools and controls include time-set shutdown due to user
inactivity, smartcard, biometric and PIN authentication, as well as application
monitoring to disable any unwanted software installs for executing on a
particular machine.
Furthermore
Maxiworks security is a complete end-to-end solution for data, application and user security.
Throughout the design, all aspects of access are managed at the very least by
passphrase encryption. The passphrase encryption protects the data at the server
as well as when the data is in transit and again after it is received. The
passphrase that protects the server database is not known to the user, but
provided as part of the administrators set up for that user. All Maxiworks
applications are certificate certified to the
system therefore eliminating the chances of any other application 'spoofing' a
Maxiworks software product identity.
Back
to top
5.
What data backup options are available?
A
- At the Administrator level, all data that forms part of Maxiworks can be
backed up with a single mouse click. Maxiworks contains its own back up system,
which will back up the entire data set. This includes all user profiles, e-mail
settings, account details, e-mail messages & attachments, filters, templates,
and the Organizer’s appointments, tasks and planners. Additionally, all address
book contact details, Vault keys and passphrases, web browser favorites and Note
pad/Desktop Stickers are also backed up. These same options are available to the
user when operating in a stand-alone mode.
Back to top
6.
What identity management options does the software offer?
A
- Maxiworks has an integrated User or Multi User ID / Passphrase (PS)/ Pin
(PIN) / Smartcard (SC)/ Biometric (BIO) identity management system. The system
has a default setting of User ID and PS. The Administrator can then choose to
update individual user access to any of the other methods available (SC or BIO)
– individually or in any combination.
Back to top
7. What identity protection options are available?
A
- Maxiworks incorporates an anti-key logging system that protects each and every
key stroke you type. We extent this protection to include all non-Maxiworks
software programs installed on the PC. With Maxiworks anti-key logging, you get
100% protection against key loggers and data snifters. It will protect for
example, user names and passphrases, online banking log-in details, credit card
numbers used in online transactions and any data that is entered.
Back to top
8.
Can we share diary
appointments, view other user diaries and allow others access to our diaries?
A
- Yes. Maxiworks comes complete with its own Personal Information Manager (PIM) that
includes diary, calendar, task-pad and multiple yearly planners. Diary events
can be shared throughout your network (Maxiworks Diary Server software
required). For example, managers can view employee diaries and personal
assistants can edit and make appointments for managers. In network mode,
managing resources can also be achieved. Resources can be defined as people or
items. Examples include board/meeting rooms, laboratories – or just about
anything that needs to be managed.
Back to top
9.
What security does Maxiworks offer for wireless connections?
A
- Total security can be achieved across a wireless network using Maxiworks. By
its nature, all data and network traffic between Maxiworks Servers and Maxiworks
desktop users is encrypted. The connection type, whether wired or wireless, does
not interfere or change the performance or security options available to the
user. Because Maxiworks was developed to protect and secure data over the
Internet, wireless is just another method of delivery – the strength of the
Maxiworks security is neither affected nor compromised.
Back to top
10.
How complex or difficult is the software to use?
A- You will be amazed at how easy it is to use Maxiworks. Maxiworks software is
designed to provide, directly at your fingertips, the essential functions and
services necessary to maintain the highest levels of productivity. There are no
extra toolbars or excessive buttons that add complexity, just the critical
applications users need to perform at optimum levels. All applications are
familiar in look and feel, with easy navigation and simple one-click operation.
Users will be able to begin using Maxiworks software in just a few minutes. All
they need to do is click the icons that correspond to their needs, and the
system does the rest for them.
Back to top
11.
Why is Maxiworks SPAM solution superior to other solutions in the market?
A
- Maxiworks Anti-SPAM solutions are superior to other solutions because of the
following:
a)
Using Mail
Server Preview
– This is not to be confused with the “preview” pane included in most email
clients. First, the Mail Server Preview allows users the ability to actually
preview the list of pending email message while they still reside on the mail
server. This powerful feature permits the user to actively select which email
is being downloaded to their inbox. It will quickly become obvious which email
is SPAM. Second, the user can further elect to safely preview the message
contents and attachment types, once again while the message remains on the
server and prior to any download to their desktop.
b)
Exchanging
your Digital ID
– Like Yahoo, with its domain keys, and AOL’s “Sender Permitted Form” (SPF),
Maxiworks offers you your very own Digital IDs. A Digital ID is also referred to
as a Digital Certificate, which you can send to the specific people that you
only want to receive email from. Maxiworks refers to this as your “Trusted
Senders.” Once a Trusted Sender has your Digital ID, each time you receive an
email message from that particular sender, Maxiworks will automatically identify
these emails and process them accord to messaging rules set up by the user
(message filters). All other email, including messages from people that may not
yet have your Digital ID, can still be viewed before downloading to your inbox.
The difference with Maxiworks is it operates on the global standard of Digital
Certificate/Digital ID, so any program that supports x509 compliant Digital
Certificates is compatible.
c)
Aggressive
email filtering
– Maxiworks offers users the ability to set incoming email message filters (or
message rules) based on message subject (i.e., subject contains), message type,
senders name, senders domain, and Digital Certificate options. For example,
message filters can be set to automatically delete mail from know offenders, or
download messages from particular senders and place them in specific pre-defined
email message folders.
Back to top
12.
Can Maxiworks
help prevent my computer from virus infection?
A- Maxiworks provides users with additional capabilities to help prevent virus
infection. However, Maxiworks should not be considered an antivirus solution.
Maxiworks protects a PC from email borne viruses by providing several critical
levels of defence at key points in the email process. First, it allows users to
see the header/ senders details, and read the contents of the e-mail message
before electing to download it to their PC. Secondly, besides identifying
e-mails with attachments, it also displays the attachment size, name and type.
Attachments are, of course a primary source that most virus authors use to
deliver their viruses. Thirdly, to have control over external references, (i.e.,
active x, video, image and music files,) another popular means for delivering a
virus to a PC without the user knowing. Finally, in the event a user downloads a
virus-infected e-mail to their PC, Maxiworks secures the user's address book
data, thwarting a virus' attempt to replicate and spread. In other words – the
virus will be stopped dead in its tracks!
Back to top
13. Do
I have to pay a license fee each year for Maxiworks software?
A
- There is no annual license fee associated with using Maxiworks software..
Maxiworks does not have a software assurance pricing model, in that we charge
our customers each year for new software products we may or may-not release.
When you purchase Maxiworks software you only pay once. Hotfixs, and product
updates are provided free of charge. Only new versions and product upgrades are
offered as purchased options.
Back to top
14.
Is
support and help desk services provided by Maxiworks?
A- For business customers, Maxiworks provides the option to purchase an Ongoing
Maintenance Agreement (OMA), which is charged annually as a percentage of total
software cost. This entitles the customer to have direct telephone support with
the company and, in some cases depending on the customer requirements, may
include specific on-site support. Normal support, without an OMA, Maxiworks and
it’s agents provide help desk services via direct email contact. Nonetheless,
many support and help desk issues can be resolved by accessing the dedicated
Maxiworks.net website.
Back to top
15.
Are Maxiworks software updates free and how often will they become available?
A
- Maxiworks is constantly improving the application and adding new features and
capabilities. Updates will fall into one of three categories. If an update
contains only hot fixes, it will be provided free of charge and available as
soon as it has been thoroughly tested by Maxiworks. If the update contains
marginal enhancements, which are continually being done to the software, these
will be provided at no cost to customers with Ongoing Maintenance Agreements and
may be provided free of charge to other users at the sole discretion of
Maxiworks. It is anticipated that these types of updates will occur on average
every two months. The third type of update, containing major modifications,
improvements and enhancements to the application, will not be provided free of
charge. Such major software releases will be significant enough that they will
be classified as a Major New Release and will be priced accordingly. Although
Maxiworks is continually developing and striving to vastly improve the
functionality and capabilities of the application, there is no set time table
for these major releases.
Back to top
16. Does Maxiworks software require a Patch Management schedule?
A - Unlike competitive software, because the software was originally designed
using solid code foundation with no vulnerabilities, Maxiworks does not have a
Patch Management schedule. Patch management came as a result of and is usually
required for software where either a security or application breach has been
identified. Breaches, which if left un-patched could cause the system to crash
or be compromised. Consequently, patches were developed as a quick fix to
problems identified with the promise that the next version will not have the
same associated risks. Although this promise has yet to be realized, Patch
Management has now become an everyday part of most administrators’ lives.
Because Maxiworks is a totally secure application with no vulnerabilities, you
will never need a Patch Management schedule. It should be pointed out that Patch
Management is provided for Outlook, Internet Explorer, Word, etc., but mostly
for operating system flaws and/or weaknesses in protecting your data. Back to top
17.
What is involved in deploying the biometrics and smartcard access methods
A
- Deploying smartcard and biometric (Bio) access methods with Maxiworks requires
minimal administrator involvement. This is in line with the goal of one person
administrator management. To establish the Bio/smartcard access methods requires
the use of an independent or integrated Bio/smartcard reader installed on the
Maxiworks Desktop or Maxiworks Server. A unique aspect of Maxiworks is the
option to have either or both client user access and administrator server access
driven by Bio/smartcard security. The Bio/smartcard reader is connected to the
Maxiworks desktop or Maxiworks Server via a USB port. First, connect the
reader, and then do an operating system (OS) “shut down restart.” Upon restart,
the Windows OS will then recognize the Bio/smartcard reader and the Maxiworks
software will automatically configure itself to allow immediate operation when
Bio/smartcard access methods are selected.
Back to top
Once installed on the
Maxiworks Desktop or Maxiworks Server, the administrator can define the desired
access method, selecting from the following options:
·
Bio/smartcard/PIN
·
Bio/smartcard/Passphrase
·
Smartcard only
·
User
name/passphrase
·
Bio/passphrase
and smartcard default.
Maxiworks Bio/smartcard comes
complete with its own issuing software platform for establishing your company
details and that of your individual user to the smartcard. The software comes
complete with its own user name passphrase access method, so that only
authorized persons can access the software to issue smartcards.
To issue a smartcard is vary
simple. First, open the issuing platform (user name and passphrase
required). Second, insert a new smartcard into the Bio/smartcard reader
installed on that particular Desktop or Maxiworks Server. Third,
enter the details required within the user profile set up. Forth, if the
biometric option is selected, capture and record the user’s fingerprint by
placing it on the biometric section of the Bio/smartcard reader. Maxiworks
software will confirm that it has captured the fingerprint. Fifth, enter the
last details and click ‘complete’ – this includes PIN and backup. Lastly, remove
the smartcard from the Bio/smartcard reader and your biometric smartcard access
is complete.
Back to top
18.
How does
Maxiworks’ Biometrics and Smartcard solutions differ from the competition?
A
- Although it depends on the specific implementation, Maxiworks operates in
similar ways to other biometric and smartcard solutions. Nevertheless, one
important distinction is that Maxiworks’ biometric and smartcard solutions are
100% failsafe with in-built security and anti fraud measures. The Maxiworks
biometric and smartcard solution has been developed and designed to carry the
ultimate in security, offering a three factor verification standard that
includes:
a)
Something you
know - your PIN/Passphrase
b)
Something you
have - your smartcard.
c)
Something on you
- your fingerprint
One major key difference with
Maxiworks biometrics solution is the user’s finger print is stored on the
smartcard – and only the smart card. Using this method of storage places a 100%
guarantee that the user is one in the same. Most biometric systems rely on a
central storage system where the data is maintained. Although this is a workable
solution, the issue is what protection exists to safeguard the biometric
readings that are stored on this central system?) To protect against fraud each
smartcard will only allow 8 attempts to get the data correct. After this the
card will no longer operate. Each smartcard utilizes the ACOS1 Chip which
provides up to 8kb of data storage compared to most cards which are at 1 to
maybe 4 kb.
Back to top
19. How
safe is the Biometric and or Smartcard data stored on the bio/smartcard’s IC
chip – do I place myself or my company at risk if I loose the smartcard?
A
- If a Bio/smartcard is lost or stolen, there is no risk or concern because the
data contained on the IC chip is absolutely secure. As the data to each section
of the chip is entered and verified by the card authority (administrator or
same), subsequent to saving the data, the electrical circuit that interfaces to
that section of the card is broken. By breaking the circuit, it renders it
impossible for any process to modify or retrieve the data. The data can only be
read and verified by the bio/smartcard reader, using the correct fingerprint and
PIN/passphrase. The Bio/smartcard also contains additional security. It will
only allow the user 8 attempts to successfully enter the correct login details
and biometric fingerprint before the card ceases to operate. Once the card
suspends operation it is rendered useless and can no longer be used, and a new
Bio/smartcard must be issued for that user.
Back to top
20.
If a desktop/laptop computer
is lost or stolen can the data be access or the security be compromised?
A
- If a computer
with Maxiworks installed were lost or stolen, the data can not be accessed. To
access the data the non-authorized individual would need the correct user name
and passphrase key before they would be able to gain access to the application
and data. The data stored on the machine is not accessible through or by any
other means. This includes copying a file to attempt access on another machine.
To open a copied data file, the thief would not only require the user name and
passphrase of the individual, but also the Local Administration Service (LAS)
data key from the original machine, for which he would also need to have the
administrators name and passphrase key.
Back to top
21. What is the minimal computer configuration necessary to run Maxiworks?
A
- For
Maxiworks Desktop to run properly, the minimal configuration requires - Windows
2000/XP (SP 1 & 2), 256 MB RAM (512 preferred), 10 MB space on hard disk,
speakers, soundcard and Internet connection.
A
- For Maxiworks Servers to run properly, the minimal configuration requires –
Basic with PC used as Server - Windows 2000/XP (SP 1 & 2) and 256 MB RAM (512
preferred). For LAN /WAN – Windows Server 2000/2003/Small Business
Server/Exchange/ Maxiworks requires 512 MB RAM (1GB preferred), 7 MB
installation hard disk space, and a minimum of 40 GB hard disk free space.
Back to top
22. How easy is the transition to Maxiworks software?
A
- Maxiworks has taken great pains to ensure an easy and quick transition to
Maxiworks software. The GUI and clickable functionality (i.e. drop down menus
and buttons) were designed to have a high degree of
emulation to existing popular
applications, bringing user familiarity that will significantly lower the
learning curve and make the transition effortless.
Back to top
23.
How much extra work is involved to implement and manage my own security
infrastructure?
A
–Maxiworks has transferred all the power of implementing a security
infrastructure to your organization. As an organization, no matter the size, you
have the ability to generate and manage all Root Certificate-Authority
(CA)-Certificates, Intermediate CA Certificates and End-Entity (EE)
Certificates. The initial setup may require some additional time. But once
implemented, there is little to no involvement required. Initial setup can be
reduced depending on how you wish to establish your security infrastructure. For
example, one option is that the head office elects to manage the creation,
verification and distribution of all certificates, including all users at the
head office, branch office and sub-office levels. In this scenario, the initial
set up will require the head office to create and manage individual EE
Certificates for each user.
To ease this operational
workload, alternatively, you may choose to manage and maintain the users at
different office levels. For example, the Root CA Certificate would be managed
within the head office, which they would issue to the branch or sub-offices.
Subsequently, each branch and sub-offices, could be tasked to create an manage
their own Intermediate CA Certificate, and subsequently instructed to create the
EE Certificates for their users. Although the security infrastructure is
ultimately defined and controlled by the head office, this method will
considerably reduce the initial workload of the head office. In all cases,
regardless of where the Root, Intermediate and EE Certificates are generated,
all certificates (Root, Intermediate and EE) produced are always verified and
signed by the head office Root CA Certificate.
Back to top
24. How transparent is the use of security keys for the user?
A
- Keys can be generated in an organizational hierarchy (see answer to “How
much extra work is involved to implement and manage my own security
infrastructure?”) or directly by end-users (self-signed EE Certificate).
In an enterprise organization, the administrator has an option to allow or
prevent the creation of self-signed EE Certificates by end users. In all cases,
once the keys are generated, whether established by users themselves or an
administrator; implementation of all encryption within the Maxiworks software is
accomplished with the click of a button. There are no complicated steps
required to encrypt or decrypt text or voice messages, attachments, or data.
Back to top
25. Where
are the Maxiworks Public and Private Keys stored?
A -
Maxiworks stores
the Public and Private Keys on the end-users PC/machine. If an administrator
generates the Public and Private Key pairs, they can distribute them to
individual end-users via email. Each end-user key pair is stored and exported in
an encrypted manner, requiring a passphrase to gain access and for subsequent
loading onto each end-users desktop PC/machine.
Back to top.
26.
How do I import my current settings (i.e. address book, messages, diary, tasks,
etc.) into Maxiworks?
A
- Any data or information from existing applications can easily be imported into
Maxiworks software, including address book contacts, email folders, email
messages, diary appointments and tasks. Address book, diary and email data can
be imported using the CSV format. First, export the desired data in CSV (for
Windows) format from your existing application. Then, simply select ‘Import’
from the top tool bar within that particular Maxiworks module, point to the file
you want to import, and the import wizard will complete the rest.
Back to top
27. Can I and how do I access my email remotely?
A
- Maxiworks allows you to access your email remotely. However, this will
firstly depend on your ISP and, secondly, on where and when you can get an
Internet connection. If the email is hosted through an ISP, you will need to
check and see if the ISP provides external POP access. Some ISPs do not provide
this unless you have SSL Certificate Authentication. If you are using your own
email server, like MS Exchange, your administrator will need to make available
external POP access. As for the Maxiworks client, there are no new settings or
requirements, just an Internet connection. Nevertheless, if you wish to send
email, you may be required to change the sending SMTP address to that of the ISP
you are using to access your email.
Back
to top
28.
With Maxiworks software, what happens when an employee is terminated?
A
-
If and when an employee is terminated, the Administrator can elect to deactivate
the user immediately – by clicking User Active status from within the desktop
Local Administration Service (LAS). Likewise, the administrator may choose to
just change the password for that user. Both of the above methods allow the
Administrator to make backup copies of that particular user data, for storage
and warehousing. Unless there is no requirement to maintain the user’s data or
settings, both can be deleted directly from within the LAS. Any deleting of
user’s by the LAS has an immediate effect.
Back to top
| 
