Searchlight 5.0 Supports Windows, Telnet

Posted on Tuesday, 6-04-96, 5:31 pm

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September 30, 1996 -- Searchlight Software is now shipping Searchlight 5.0, a
major upgrade to its popular BBS software product that adds support for Windows
95, Windows NT and Telnet hosting on the Internet. Searchlight 5.0 includes
both a DOS version and an advanced 32-bit Windows version that remains
compatible with most DOS based doors and utilities.

"Our customers have been asking us for a Windows version of Searchlight for
years," said Searchlight President Frank LaRosa, "but the requests have really
been pouring in since Windows 95 was released. At the same time, we know that
many of our customers need a DOS based product and don't want to see
Searchlight abandon the DOS platform. Version 5.0 responds to both needs with a
simultaneous DOS and Windows release".

"The Windows version of Searchlight 5.0 is a tremendous technical advance over
current releases. It's a true 32-bit product, with native support for Windows
multitasking and Windows communications drivers. The configuration and
maintenance programs are all Windows based, and use Windows GUI controls. This
software is fast, modern, fully capable of taking advantage of today's powerful
Pentium and 486 platforms, and can share a machine with other Windows programs
and tasks without performance problems." As a true Windows product, Searchlight
5.0 does not rely on DOS or DESQview and can take advantage of the full amount
of memory available in a Windows PC.

Searchlight 5.0 inherets a lot of its advanced technology from Spinnaker,
Searchlight's advanced interactive Web server system. According to LaRosa, the
work needed to complete Spinnaker's conferencing and file library capabilities
had a direct impact on Searchlight 5.0. "We learned a lot creating Spinnaker,
and that is going to make Searchlight 5.0 extremely reliable as well as
extremely compatible with Spinnaker". LaRosa noted that Spinnaker and
Searchlight 5.0 can reside on the same Windows 95 or Windows NT computer,
eliminating the need for operators to run two machines in order to offer both
character-based and Web based services.

Searchlight 5.0 for Windows continues to support DOS based door programs
(including BIOS and DirectVideo support) through a special gateway system that
lets DOS programs communicate with the Windows-based Searchlight. Version 5.0
provides its own Fossil driver emulation, allowing operators to run
Fossil-driven door programs under Windows or DOS without the need for a
separate Fossil driver package.

Built-In Telnet Support

Searchlight 5.0 for Windows includes native support for Telnet, the internet
protocol most often used to access character-based services. When run on an
internet-connected PC, Searchlight acts as a Telnet host and becomes accessible
to any Telnet client on the internet. "Searchlight 5.0 works hand-in-hand with
the tremendous built-in internet capabilities of Windows 95 and Windows NT,"
said LaRosa. "The setup is easy, and there are no additional software utilities
or drivers required. With Searchlight 5.0, you can run a true global BBS."

True Credit System Added

Searchlight 5.0 includes a new credit based accounting system. Users can have a
credit "account", and sysops can "charge" users for features like file
downloading or time spent in a particular area. Unlike time based accounting in
Searchlight 4.5, credits are a persistent attribute of a user's account, so
credits purchased or spent one day are not reset during subsequent visits.
Sysops who run pay BBS systems can use credits like cash, requiring users to
"pay" for individual BBS features.

DOS Version Included

Systems using DOS are not be excluded from the new version of Searchlight BBS,
because the company includes a DOS build of Searchlight 5.0 with every upgrade
package. "We recognize that many of our customers prefer to continue using a
DOS version, so we are going to continue making one," said LaRosa. "When you
purchase or upgrade to Searchlight 5.0, you'll actually receive two complete
versions -- one for Windows, and one for DOS." Although the DOS version of
Searchlight lacks Telnet support, it is built from the same source code as the
Windows version and includes the new credit accounting system, as well as
dozens of smaller additions and changes accumulated from user feedback since
the last release.

Searchlight 5.0 Continues Support for RIP, ANSI and Text

Unlike other Windows BBS products, Searchlight 5.0 does not use a proprietary
client program and does not require that callers have Windows. Searchlight
continues its strong support for RIP graphics, ANSI, and plain-text modes,
making Searchlight 5.0 the most accessible Windows BBS system in the world.

"Proprietary clients didn't make sense in the DOS world, and they don't make
sense in the Windows world either," said LaRosa. "Our new version of
Searchlight continues to support the ANSI, RIP and Text based clients that
users depend on. With Searchlight 5.0, you don't have to ask your users to
download multi-megabyte client programs, you don't have to exclude users who
come from non-Windows systems, and you don't have to give up your investment in
ANSI and RIP based artwork."

Searchlight 5.0 also maintains support for existing Searchlight BBS file
structures and add-on utility programs, eliminating the need for complex
upgrade procedures. "With 5.0, you can install and go," quipped LaRosa.

Upgrades Shipping Now

Customers currently running earlier releases of Searchlight BBS can upgrade to
Searchlight 5.0 at a cost of $50 for single or three-line licenses, or $75 for
ten or unlimited line licenses. The upgrade fee includes installation disks for
both the Windows and DOS version of Searchlight 5.0 and a new printed manual.
Shipping is extra and depends on location.

New customers can purchase Searchlight 5.0 starting at $99 for a single-line
package. See the order form page for multiline pricing.

Orders for Searchlight 5.0 may be placed at Searchlight's Online ordering page,
or by telephone at 1-800-988-LITE.

For more information, please contact Searchlight at:

800-988-LITE Sales
216-631-9290 Support
216-631-9285 BBS
support@searchlight.com
Copyright 1997 Searchlight Software, Inc.



                            Searchlight BBS Software

Searchlight BBS Version 5.0

+--------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| Overview:                            | Feature Summary:                      |
|                                      |                                       |
| Searchlight BBS is one of the most   | ------------------------------------- |
| popular dialup BBS systems in the    | * 32-bit Windows Support              |
| world. A computer, modem and phone   | Includes 32-bit Windows 95/NT and     |
| line are all you need to set up a    | 16-bit DOS versions Windows versions  |
| robust Searchlight BBS system        | support Telnet hosting                |
| featuring configurable menus, an     |                                       |
| easy to use graphical interface,     | ------------------------------------- |
| message conferences, file            | * Graphical Interface                 |
| libraries, email, chatting, and      | Easy to Use  True GUI Interface       |
| more. You can even install optional  | Vector & Bitmapped Images  Digital    |
| programs, like online databases,     | Sound                                 |
| order entry systems and surveys.     |                                       |
| Your BBS can be used with just a     | ------------------------------------- |
| modem -- or it can operate on the    | * Non-Proprietary Client              |
| worldwide Internet using the Telnet  | Works with any RIP, ANSI or TTY       |
| protocol.                            | terminal Graphical clients for        |
|                                      | Windows, DOS & Macintosh              |
| Searchlight 5.0 gives you the best   |                                       |
| of both worlds: a DOS version you    | ------------------------------------- |
| can run on older machines, and a     | * Fully Configurable                  |
| 32-bit Windows version you can run   | Build Custom Menus  Edit Prompts and  |
| on modern Windows 95 and Windows NT  | Strings No complex script languages   |
| equipped PCs.                        | Nothing extra to buy                  |
|                                      |                                       |
| Files:                               | ------------------------------------- |
|                                      | * External Doors Support              |
| ------------------------------------ | Door.Sys, Dorinfo.Def, PCBoard.Sys    |
| * Searchlight BBS Demo Software      | Support Run any DOS Program Online    |
| (DEMO450.ZIP, 1042k).                | Run Doors on the Same PC as Your BBS  |
| ------------------------------------ |                                       |
| * Searchlight BBS Documentation      | ------------------------------------- |
| (DOCS450.ZIP, 237k).                 | * Fully Internet Compatible           |
| ------------------------------------ | Integrated Support for Email and      |
| * Various Support Files are          | Newsgroups Supports Popular Telnet,   |
| available including upgrade          | FTP, WWW Addons                       |
| patches, development tools and free  |                                       |
| add-ons.                             |                                       |
+--------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
|        An online demonstration system is available at (216) 631-9285.        |
|               You may also Telnet to our BBS at 207.54.137.11.               |
+--------------------------------------+---------------------------------------+

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Searchlight Benefits

An Easy to Use Interface: Many BBS programs let you use the Remote Imaging
Protocol (RIP) to draw menus with graphics and mouse buttons. But that's all
they do. They don't offer true GUI features like scrollbars or pick lists.
And they can't build RIP menus, so if you change their defaults, you have to
purchase a paint program and draw the new screens yourself.

Searchlight BBS has RIP support built-in, not tacked-on. Our fully graphical
RIP interface lets you use a scroll bar to navigate through message lists and
file directories. You can read messages and tag files with mouse clicks and
select choices from pick lists, dialog boxes and graphical menus. And since
Searchlight creates RIP on the fly, you can reconfigure your system without
manually redrawing the screens. We can even incorporate your favorite RIP
files automatically.

And Searchlight is the only BBS software that gives you Local RIP Graphics --
so you can see and use the RIP graphics interface on your computer (or any
computer on your LAN). Other BBS packages make you call your BBS from another
computer if you want to see RIP, and they can't give you a RIP interface at
all if you're using a LAN.

 RIPterm/RipTel Support: TeleGrafx' exciting new RIP products are the only
non-proprietary hosts that support multimedia objects like photographic
quality images and sound effects -- and Searchlight is the first BBS software
to fully support RIPterm 2.0. You can display JPEG images, associate WAV
sounds with events, and display any RIPterm 2.0 compatible file with
Searchlight. Our configuration program makes it easy to use images and sounds
without learning the RIPscrip language or using a RIP paint program. Just
plug in your filenames and go!

And Searchlight supports both RIPterm 2.0 and RIPterm 1.54, so you can give
your RIPterm 2.0 callers multimedia features without sacrificing support for
callers using the older version of RIPterm. No other BBS software offers you
this flexibility -- Searchlight does it automatically.

Simple, Effective Configurability: Some BBS programs offer little or no
opportunity to customize their default menus and prompts. Others make you buy
add-on compilers or source code and force you to write complex program scripts
to make even minor changes.

Searchlight gives you simple, point and click customization so you can easily
modify our menus, build new menu branches, change prompts and terminology,
even redesign your entire system. Install doors and external utilities by
typing the appropriate DOS commands into a form -- you don't need to
understand batch files or error levels. Install your modem with one keystroke -- we detect your
modem brand and automatically make the optimal settings.

Comprehensive Doors Support: A hobbyist might want to run external programs
("doors") to let callers play games. A business might need to let callers run
custom applications online. Some BBS programs don't support doors at all --
others make you purchase a shell utility (like Doorway).

Searchlight supports the most popular door formats, so you can run programs
made for any BBS system. And we're the only BBS to include built-in support
for DOS shells and text-based DOS programs. Just select the "direct video"
option and you can run any DOS program online -- including programs like
FoxPro, dBase, and Paradox or applications created with Clipper or Clarion.

Internet Support: These days, the ability to interface to the global
"information superhighway" is essential. Searchlight's Uumail option offers
seamless support for internet mail addresses, so you can send and receive
internet messages as easily as you do local messages. Your callers don't have
to join a special conference or learn a special procedure to send internet
mail. Just add a "send internet mail" button to your menu -- Searchlight does
the rest!

And when you're ready to move beyond mail and usenet into the realm of ftp,
telnet and world wide web, you'll be glad that Searchlight is fully compatible
and extensively field tested with quality third party internet utilities from
companies like Murkworks, Zialink and Mystic Valley Communications.

A Complete System: Some companies sell you a stripped down package and charge
extra for the features you need most. Every copy of Searchlight BBS includes
our menu editor and language customization tools, the most popular file
transfer protocols, Fossil and DigiBoard support, a QWK mail host, a built in
DOS shell and a full set of Sysop utilities. We even include a free RIP
terminal that you can distribute to your callers.

Great Customer Service: Searchlight Software offers an unconditional 30 day
money back guarantee with no restocking fees. If you add lines, we credit 100%
of your purchase price toward the upgrade. Voice technical support is free,
and it's available both before and after the sale.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specifications:

  * RIP Graphics
    * RIPscrip v2.0 support.
    * Local RIP graphics on the BBS computer.
    * Automatic transfer feature that makes Searchlight faster in RIP mode by
      downloading frequently used menu files and icons on an as-needed basis.
    * Built-in RIP GUI features including scroll bars, pop-up menus and dialog
      boxes.
    * Full screen message and file browsers with mouse file tagging.
    * RIP menu designer and style editor.
    * Copy functions that allow you to easily duplicate existing RIP styles.
    * Automatic selection of RIP, ANSI or Ascii screens.
    * Regulate doors and menu choices by RIP availability or RIP version
      number.
    * Users can select large or small font for viewing and entering messages.

  * Full-Screen Editor
    * Supports most common cursor control keys, function keys and WordStar
      command sequences.
    * Uses full ANSI set for fast screen updating.
    * Mouse support (RIP & local).
    * Quote individual lines from original message.
    * Upload text with any internal protocol.

  * Menu Building
    * Create and edit menus with mouse-driven menu editing tool.
    * Copy functions that allow you to easily duplicate existing menus.
    * Up to 64 commands per menu with no limit to total number of menus in
      system.
    * Nest menus up to 40 levels deep.
    * Over 100 internal command functions can be arranged in any way you
      choose.
    * Add door programs to any menu.
    * Execute up to 64 commands in sequence.
    * Regulate access to commands and menus by 10 criteria, including RIP
      version.
    * Design custom RIP, ANSI or Ascii screens for any menu (or use built-in
      displays).
    * A point-and-click method of assigning conferences and file directories
      to any menu.

  * Doors System
    * Run any text based DOS application online without third-party add-on
      products.
    * FOSSIL emulation feature that lets you run doors and other programs that
      require a Fossil driver through Searchlight's built-in communications
      drivers or DigiBoard ports.
    * Compatible with most existing Door products.
    * Emulates DOOR.SYS, PCBOARD.SYS, DORINFO.DEF.
    * Built-in DOS shell capability.
    * Write your own door programs without serial programming.

  * Modem/Serial Support
    * Supports any base address and interrupt (IRQ).
    * 16550 buffered UART support.
    * FOSSIL driver support.
    * Support for Intelligent DigiBoard multiport cards.
    * Support for intelligent Equinox multiport cards.
    * Support for generic BIOS/INT14 drivers.
    * Supports connect speeds up to 115,200 baud.
    * Hands-free automatic modem configuration.
    * Windows version accepts incoming internet (telnet) connections.

  * Message System
    * An "instant reply" feature for chat messages that lets you chat without
      interrupting your work in progress.
    * No limit to number of conferences or messages per conference
    * "One file per conference" storage architecture offers the best
      combination of speed, size and reliability
    * Fast message searching in headers and/or text
    * Indexed personal message scans
    * Full thread maintenance including global thread operations (kill,
      forward, download entire threads)
    * Message forwarding, carbon copy, text upload & download, auto purge of
      old messages
    * Attach binary files to messages
    * Support for much larger messages.

  * Users and Security
    * Unlimited number of user accounts.
    * Encrypted user passwords for maximum security.
    * 24 independent security flags plus 256 levels.
    * Over 16 million security combinations.
    * Regulate access to conferences, file areas, menu choices, doors, menu
      branches, quoting, netmail features, and more.
    * Read-only conference areas.
    * Upload-only and download-only file directories.
    * Mutually exclusive security groups.
    * Alias names.
    * Caller ID logging.

  * Electronic Mail
    * True private mailboxes for each user
    * Read new mail automatically at log-in
    * Recipient name lookup and name completion
    * Internet address support
    * Multizone (4D) Netmail support
    * Carbon copy, alias and group names
    * Automatic mail logging feature

  * File Transfer System
    * Unlimited number of directories and files.
    * All directories indexed by name and date.
    * Files from multiple DOS directories may be combined into a single
      Searchlight directory.
    * Individual file passwords.
    * Copy, delete, rename and move files.
    * View internal directories of ZIP, LZH, ARJ and SQZ files.
    * File descriptions up to 400 lines.
    * Dynamic download counts in directory listings.
    * Tag files with mouse clicks or single-keystrokes.
    * Built in Zmodem, Xmodem/CRC & Xmodem/1K.
    * Up to 15 external protocols supported including HSLink.
    * Auto-processing of uploads supported.
    * Partial filename completion.
    * Improved CD-ROM handling procedure that optimizes file transfers from
      CD-ROM discs and other low speed media, especially on multiuser systems.
    * Local upload and download for LAN use.
    * Supports automatic FILE_ID.DIZ importing.

  * Multilanguage Support
    * Offer up to 64 languages online.
    * Language files can redefine some or all text prompts and menus.
    * Callers' language choices saved as default for future logins.
    * Choose from popular languages offered by Searchlight Software or create
      your own translations with included tools.

  * Sysop Utilities
    * All sysop functions are available from a remote location.
    * Most sysop functions can be run with callers online.
    * Purge old users & messages by date, access level, content, and other
      criteria.
    * Rename users (changes name in messages, too).
    * Global adjustments to user access levels & attributes.
    * Rebuild indexes & repair damaged files.

  * Expandability
    * Multizone Fidonet (echomail & netmail) support.
    * QWK offline mail module included free.
    * Internet mail support.
    * Compatible with all front-end mailers & mail tossers.
    * Free high-level software development kit for rapid development of new
      applications.

  * System Requirements
    * Minimum 350K RAM per node.
    * Supports most multitasking operating systems including DESQview
      (recommended) and OS/2.
    * Supports most local area network (LAN) systems with unlimited nodes on
      a LAN.
    * Supports up to 10 lines on a single PC (requires 33mhz '486, DESQview
      operating system, Intelligent DigiBoard).
    * Internal program structure that reduces Searchlight's conventional
      memory footprint.

  * Upgrades and Technical Support
    * Free unlimited technical support.
    * Voice support available during business hours.
    * Continuous support via BBS, CompuServe, internet mail, and
      Fidonet/SL_NET conferences.
    * No additional charge for support BBS access.
    * 100% of purchase price credited toward license upgrades.

Prices and Ordering
Other Searchlight Products

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Copyright 1997 Searchlight Software, Inc.



                  Searchlight Software, Inc (Price List Page)

Searchlight Software Price List

Here's a complete list of Searchlight Software's products and prices. You can
order Searchlight products online using this Web page. Start by selecting the
products you want, and then follow the numbered instructions. If you prefer to
order by phone, call 1-800-988-LITE during business hours (10am to 6pm EST).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Select the product(s) you wish to order:

                  +----------------------------------+------+
                  | Spinnaker Web Server for Windows        |
                  +----------------------------------+------+
                  | [_] Spinnaker Web Server         | $495 |
                  +----------------------------------+------+
                  | [_] Spinnaker Database Engine    | $150 |
                  +----------------------------------+------+
         +-----------------------------------------------------+------+
         | Searchlight BBS Software Version 5.01 Now Shipping!        |
         +-----------------------------------------------------+------+
         | [_] Searchlight BBS Single Line                     |  $99 |
         +-----------------------------------------------------+------+
         | [_] Searchlight BBS 1-3 Line                        | $179 |
         +-----------------------------------------------------+------+
         | [_] Searchlight BBS 1-10 Line+                      | $299 |
         +-----------------------------------------------------+------+
         | [_] Searchlight BBS Unlimited Lines+                | $399 |
         +-----------------------------------------------------+------+
   + Includes Spotlight and Super Survey

            +-----------------------------------------------+-----+
            | Searchlight 5.0 Upgrades                            |
            +-----------------------------------------------+-----+
            | [_] 5.0 Upgrade for Single & 3 Line Customers | $50 |
            +-----------------------------------------------+-----+
            | [_] 5.0 Upgrade for Ten & Unlimited Customers | $75 |
            +-----------------------------------------------+-----+
                +--------------------------------------+------+
                | Searchlight Products                        |
                +--------------------------------------+------+
                | [_] Uumail Internet Mail/News Tosser | $129 |
                +--------------------------------------+------+
                | [_] Online Checks Direct             | $129 |
                +--------------------------------------+------+
                | [_] Spotlight User Editor/Profiler   |  $35 |
                +--------------------------------------+------+
                | [_] Super Survey                     |  $35 |
                +--------------------------------------+------+
                | [_] Fred Chat Central                |  $25 |
                +--------------------------------------+------+
                   +---------------------------------+------+
                   | License Upgrades                       |
                   +---------------------------------+------+
                   | [_] Single to 3 Line Upgrade    |  $80 |
                   +---------------------------------+------+
                   | [_] Single to 10 Line Upgrade   | $200 |
                   +---------------------------------+------+
                   | [_] Single to Unlimited Upgrade | $300 |
                   +---------------------------------+------+
                   | [_] Three to 10 Line Upgrade    | $120 |
                   +---------------------------------+------+
                   | [_] Three to Unlimited Upgrade  | $220 |
                   +---------------------------------+------+
                   | [_] Ten to Unlimited Upgrade    | $100 |
                   +---------------------------------+------+
                  +-----------------------------------+------+
                  | Third-Party Products                     |
                  +-----------------------------------+------+
                  | [_] Holonet Signup Package        |  $75 |
                  +-----------------------------------+------+
                  | [_] DigiBoard PC/8e (with Cables) | $675 |
                  +-----------------------------------+------+
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(2) Enter your shipping information:

   Your Name:
Company Name:
     Address:
                      City:   State:
    Zip Code:   Country:
  Email Addr:

 Telephone #:
 SLBBS Reg #:  (If you are already a Searchlight Customer)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Select a Shipping Option:

  (_)  USA Two Business Day Shipping for $12
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------------------------------------------------------------------------
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  (_)  Charge to my Credit Card:
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       Card Number:   Expiration Date:

  (_)  I will send a check or money order.
       Send your payment to: Searchlight Software
                             6516 Detroit Ave
                             Cleveland, OH 44102 USA

       Make checks in US funds payable to "Searchlight Software";
       Include your complete name and address with your check.

  (_)  Please call me for payment information.
Important: Credit Card transactions submitted via the Internet are not secure.
Although there is little risk involved in sending your credit card over the
internet, if you prefer not to do so, check the "Please call me" box above and
one of our sales representatives will call you to obtain your payment
information. You can also check the "Please call" box if you prefer to use COD,
company Purchase Order, or another method of payment. If you prefer, telephone
ordering is available until 6pm weekdays at 1-800-988-LITE.

Ohio Residents: Sales tax will be added to your order.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) If you have any comments or special instructions, enter them here:


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Copyright 1997 Searchlight Software, Inc.
