SharePro Deployment FAQ
This document answers some commonly asked questions at the time of finalization.
1. How will data from our existing system be migrated to SharePro? What will be migrated and how long will it take?
See the “Migration FAQ” for the answer to these questions.
2. Will we be charged separately for developments pertaining to Statutory requirements in the future?
Historically, we have never charged separately for any Statutory developments to our clients. For instance, GST, Enhanced Supervision, Support for Quarterly settlements, Interoperability, frequent file format changes, etc., have been delivered to our clients without any extra cost. However, this cannot be guaranteed as the exchanges or regulators may demand expensive or extremely time-consuming requirements in the future. So, we cannot say never.
3. At the time of Migration, we may have certain requirements, like special reports, options, etc .that were available in our earlier system. Will you charge for that development?
Historically, we have never charged for developments that are essential to your operations and are imperative for smooth operations. However, it is advisable that all your special needs are enumerated and discussed before we start the migration process to ensure a happy shifting. When this is done beforehand, we have a chance to discuss the rationale of the requirements and evaluate whether they improve the way SharePro operates. If yes, we usually agree to such developments, if not, we will have a chance to say no, or impose a charge. It has been our experience that very often new users demand modifications because they were used to working in a certain way. We prefer showing them a better way or go ahead with developing the suggestions.
A common Google sheet b/w broker and us will be maintained for easier dialogue and note-taking.
4. Will we be able to suggest modifications in the system in the future?
Yes. SharePro is a product and sum total of all the suggestions from our clients. Whereas all suggestions for improvement are welcome, your suggestions usually go through a screening process and evaluated for criteria like universal applicability, logic, feasibility, etc., and is accepted or declined depending on suitability. The changes are prioritized and then allotted to coders. Higher priority is given to inspection-related compliance or otherwise urgent requirements are queued accordingly for development. Sometimes, new circulars break into the queue and force us to rearrange the priorities. Below is a snapshot of queued modifications in the system as recorded in our internal CRM.
5. Will you do customized developments for us in the future?
We assume that customized developments here means special developments for you and are not covered in the point above. Remember that SharePro is not a customized code. In other words, all users of SharePro use the same piece of software. And all of them download newer versions of the system from our website and deploy at their ends. We hesitate to do developments which do not benefit everyone. If changes to the core of the system have to be made, it sometimes may not be possible to make customized developments. However, if totally unavoidable, we may choose to do so at a charge.
6. How will brokers from other states (apart from Kolkata) be serviced?
StanSoft provides online support. This means that our support executives usually connects to your systems using tools like Anydesk, Chrome Desktop, AMMYY, etc., and looks at your issues. This way, we reach you in minutes and usually provide a solution promptly. Your call is also recorded (if on the hunting number) and a ticket is raised, and finally closed, with each step being emailed to you.
However, in rare situations, if a visit is completely unavoidable (mostly in cases of training situation), we shall visit you and you shall have to bear the traveling and lodging costs in your city.
7. Can we deploy SharePro on the cloud?
Yes. Many users of SharePro have their servers on the cloud.
The core-component of the SharePro suite is a client-server application. This means that the main system running at the HO is an exe connecting to a database. This provides the possibility of a rich interface and effective workflow. But, this also means that this core-component, if deployed on the cloud, will need to be executed using one, or both, of the following methods :
a. RDP or Remote Desktop Environment.
In this method, an RDP server is set up in the cloud with multiple users connecting and running their separate sessions of the software. This method is advised for users doing bulk data handling and processing.
b. EXE-VPN-Database model
In this model, the exe file of the core-system is housed in the local network and connects to the database on the cloud using VPN connectivity. We have experienced almost zero or very little latency in this model as binary data travels between the server and the local machine.
8. StanSoft charges a License Fees instead of a One-time cost and AMC? Explain.
SharePro works on a Licensing model and we prefer to charge on a regular basis rather than a one-time Cap fees model. The Licensing model is fair and ensures that we provide consistent and quality support year after year.
However, for brokers who insist, we allow a Cap-AMC model at approx. 2.5 times the usual Licensing fees
9. How are the License Fees calculated?
We charge on a Segment basis. License fees are calculated based on charges for NSE-CM, BSE-CM, NSE-F&O, CDSL, etc. separately.
The total fees will depend on the segments you opt for.
We also charge for Ancillary systems, like PMS, NBFC, MTF and SharePro Live (real-time surveillance) separately.
Usually, the systems not included in your proposal are listed separately within the proposal itself.
10. What is the Umbrella period mentioned in the proposal?
Our proposal mentions an Umbrella Period. This is a period of time when we do not revise our License fees with the broker. However, this is not definite.
Beyond the Umbrella period, we reserve the right to revise our fees. However, it is worth mentioning that StanSoft revised its fees only in 2019-2020 after 25 years of servicing this domain. Therefore, it can be said that a fresh revision is not expected soon.
11. Do we get a UAT server to test and implement the system?
SharePro is tested before its release. However, errors are often released and mistakes can happen. Thanks to the domain and stiff regulatory deadlines, there are many luxuries that we cannot afford – like multi-layer testing. Some brokers may want to set up a parallel UAT network to deploy new releases, test them and then deploy them on production servers. Unfortunately, StanSoft cannot provide UAT support free-of-cost. Usually, 30% of fees are charged to set up and support a UAT system
12. When is the License Fees Payable?
Invoices are raised for a period of time. At the start of a new cycle, a new invoice for 1-year will be raised and the License Fees is to be paid upfront for the entire year. Licenses are not available for shorter periods. To allow us to concentrate on support and development, we expect our clients to pay the License fees within 15 days of the invoice.
13. What are the Hardware requirements of deploying SharePro?
Usually, your existing servers should do and perhaps work better with SharePro. However, there is always a general rule for judging the hardware requirements of a new deployment: get the best you can afford.
However, you can refer to http://www.stansoftware.com/hardware-requirements/ to make a fair judgment of the hardware requirements.