Solver FAQs - Questions About Pricing and Availability

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How do I obtain the new Solver?
How do I install the Solver?
What is the trial version? What problem types and sizes does it handle?
How do I obtain an unlimited-use version?
Why do I have to pay extra for an unlimited-use version?
Where can I find out more about the new Solver?

How do I obtain the new Solver?

If you receive 1-2-3 97 Edition or SmartSuite 97 on CD-ROM, look in the CD subdirectory \EXTRA\123\SOLVER for the file SOLVE123.EXE. If you purchased 1-2-3 97 or SmartSuite 97 on floppy disks, or if you have upgraded to 1-2-3 or SmartSuite 98 (Millenium) Edition, you can download the file SOLVE123.EXE from this Web site or from the Lotus Customer Support web site. To download SOLVE123.EXE from this Web site, sign up now -- if you haven't already -- for our Private Web for Solver Users (it's free!), click on the Download hyperlink, and follow the instructions. The download file is about 630K.

How do I install the Solver?

Simply run the program SOLVE123.EXE on the PC where you have 1-2-3 installed. (The latest version of SOLVE123.EXE supports both 1-2-3 97 and 1-2-3 98 (Millenium) Edition.) Click the Setup button on the welcome dialog, then click OK at the confirmation dialog. You don't have to specify anything else -- SOLVE123.EXE finds out everything it needs to know from the 1-2-3 installation. The next time you start 1-2-3 after running this program, the Solver choice will appear on the Range Analyze menu, and the example workbook SOLVSAMP.123 will appear at the top of your Recently Used Workbook list.

What is the trial version? What problem types and sizes does it handle?

SOLVE123.EXE installs a limited-use trial version of the new Solver. This version handles all problem types up to the maximum size supported by the Solver (for details, see How large can my Solver models be?), but is limited to 100 problem solution attempts (clicks of the Solve button on the Solver Parameters dialog). For more information on the trial version, click the Help button on any of the Solver dialogs.

How do I obtain an unlimited-use version?

When you first click the Solve button to solve a problem, a dialog will appear explaining use of the trial version and inviting you to purchase an unlimited-use license. A shorter version of this dialog reappears every tenth time you click Solve, reminding you that you have 90, 80, etc. "solves" remaining. At any time, you can reach this same dialog by clicking the Help button in any of the Solver dialogs, then clicking the Register button.

It is very easy and convenient to purchase an unlimited-use license: You just enter your name, address, credit card, etc. on an electronic form, and select purchase options. The software will then complete the transaction via your Internet connection or a modem call to an 800 number, or you can speak to an operator on an 800 line, or fax or mail an order form printed out by the software. The Internet and modem methods will give you an unlimited-use license instantly; with the other methods, you will enter an unlocking code you receive. Purchases via the Internet are automatically secured by RSA encryption.

The present cost of an unlimited-use license is $50. You may also purchase prepaid telephone support at discounted prices when you purchase the license.

Why do I have to pay extra for an unlimited-use version?

The new Solver is a product of Frontline Systems -- Lotus is simply distributing the trial version as a convenience to its users. No money is changing hands between Lotus and Frontline Systems -- the only revenue received by Frontline Systems comes from purchases of unlimited-use licenses and fee-based telephone technical support. If you don't need the Solver or just want to evaluate it, you pay nothing. But if you have a serious Solver application, Frontline Systems believes that you will find the $50 license fee well worthwhile.

Where can I find out more about the new Solver?

You'll find extensive information -- more than 60 pages -- about our Solvers on this Web site. Because our Solvers for Excel, 1-2-3 and Quattro Pro use the same underlying optimization "engine" and have many similarities in their user interface, report formats and programmability features, you can benefit from exploring all parts of this site. You can send us email, or reach us by phone at (702) 831-0300, or by fax at (702) 831-0314. Please bear in mind that telephone support is fee-based, but don't hesitate to call if you have a question.

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