Service Source PDF
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Product Distribution Services
Product Distribution Services (PDS) has multiple roles within Group 1, including the following:
- Distributes Group 1 products via media and Internet delivery
- Manages shipments
- Coordinates the Beta Test Program.
Each of these roles is discussed in greater detail below.
Distribution of Software, Databases and Product Updates
PDS distributes Group 1 software and databases on multiple platforms and various media as well as the Internet.
Software releases and databases are shipped on CD (or DVD, when available) for all operating systems except mainframe platforms, which are shipped on 3480 cartridges (3590 cartridges and CDs are available upon request and when available). Software and databases are also made available on the Group 1 Support site. In this situation, PDS notifies you via email that the software or database is available for download. That same email includes hot links to the appropriate Web page that contains the download.
Managing Shipments
PDS uses an online system to track all media shipments. The online system sends a Notification of Shipment email to the recipient, assuming we have a valid email address in our customer database. That email includes the following information:
- Tracking number
- Hot link to shipper's Web site
- Ship to contact name and address
- Date of shipment
- Method of shipment
- Content of shipment
If we do not have a valid email address, we will not be able to notify you. If you are currently not receiving notification via email, please provide us with the appropriate email address. You can send us an email at Product Distribution Services or you can call a PDS representative at (800) 367-6950 to update your information.
As an added service, we can notify multiple contacts via email when your product ships. To register for this service, send us an email at Product Distribution Services with the additional email addresses. Please be sure to indicate your company, your customer number, the associated product(s), and your name and phone number.
Shipping Problems
If you need to track a shipment or believe you have not received a shipment, you can contact PDS between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday (except holidays), at (800) 367-6950. A representative at this number can answer questions regarding shipping dates, tracking numbers, methods of shipment, and ship-to contact names.
Although PDS builds and tests all master files internally, it is possible that you could experience a problem with a file or with the software. If you have any problems with a shipment's contents, please call PDS at (800) 367-6950 and have the following information available:
- A copy of the packing slip or release order (which shows your customer number, product name, platform, and operating system)
- Label(s) from the media containing the problem.
Note: Due to shipment schedules and transportation deadlines, media shipment requests cannot be fulfilled on weekends or after hours, even under the Premium Support Plan. You may always visit the Group 1 Support site and download the appropriate software or database, if available.
Tapes Recycle Program
In an effort to be environmentally conscious, Group 1 would like to encourage you to send in your company's used tapes once they are no longer being used. By sending in your tapes, you enable us to recycle and reuse them, thereby helping to reduce unnecessary resource consumption.
If you would like to participate in our recycling program please return tapes to:
Group 1 Software
PDS - Tape Recycle Program
4200 Parliament Place
Lanham, MD 20706-1844
Changing the Primary Ship-To Contact
If you need to change your primary ship-to contact name, please email PDS at Product Distribution Services requesting the change. If you are changing the address (such as if your company has moved to a new location), please provide the reason for the change in the email. If there are no contractual issues, we will make the change immediately. We will then pass the information on to our Contracts Department who will make any contractual changes if necessary.
Coordinating the Beta Test Program
PDS administers the Beta Test Program, which incorporates customer involvement into the product testing process. This program benefits both Group 1 and its customers. It helps us conduct further testing in a real environment under real conditions. We cannot possibly test the software for every situation, so your participation in the Beta Test Program helps us target testing to your particular needs.
The program helps you in a variety of ways as well. You have the opportunity to see new and enhanced products before other users and are able to integrate and test new functions in your environment. Participating in the program also has the following advantages:
- Allows for early integration of a new releases into your existing IS environment
- Provides one-on-one support
- Gives you the ability to influence product design.
We rely on your feedback to make real-world enhancements to our products. If you are interested in participating in this program, please complete the Beta Test Program Participation Form found in the Group 1 Forms area of our Web site or, if you prefer, contact the Beta Coordinator using the link below.