MARS FAQ

Why should our agency upgrade to MARS?

MARS is designed to replace your existing DOS-based AIMS system. Microsoft has announced that the Windows ME (Millenium) version of Windows is the last to support DOS based programs.

Reasons to change to MARS

Easy to use - Point & click screens	Document Imaging
Simplified access to data	Expanded data fields
Stores all historical information	Drill down to details
No "End of Day"	End of Month in 1 hour or less
Print only the reports you need	Less Paper
Letter Writer with Spell Checker	Expanded Client Action Logs
Store commissions for each company - each line of business	Easy access to Suspense items - Transfer suspense items
Appointment Calendar	Download

When can our agency upgrade?

irs-aims is scheduling agencies for conversion to MARS now. If your agency is currently using the AIMS DOS Based system, please contact irs-aims for detailed instructions for preparing your AIMS data for conversion and scheduling your conversion date.

What features are available in MARS?

MARS includes an SQL data base system, accounting, reporting functions, and on-line help needed by most agencies. Additionally the system includes, suspense, appointment calendar, letter writing, and claims tracking. Advanced features such as ACORD Form processing, Imaging, ASK? MARS inquiry system, and Personal Lines Download are also included.

What is current programming status for additional MARS features?

The following features will be added to MARS in future releases. Approximate availability dates are shown:

Commercial Lines Policy Coverage Screens	Beginning October 2000
Commercial Lines ACORD Forms	Beginning November 2000
Data Bridge from MAGIC for Windows Rating	Jan 2001
Commercial Lines Download	Mid 2001
Prospect Tracking	Mid 2001

What are the most critical steps in preparing for upgrade to MARS?

Allow adequate time for hardware upgrades or replacements.

Agencies have reported it taking as much as 6-8 weeks for purchase and installation of a new file server. In addition, you need to allow time for the new equipment to run several days before loading the new MARS system. It is easier to isolate any problems you may encounter with new equipment before you start adding new software to the environment.

Follow the MARS hardware recommendations and system installation guidelines. .

MARS is a 32 bit Windows based system. Machines that meet the minimum hardware requirements will provide reasonably acceptable performance. For optimal performance, the recommended hardware guidelines or better should be followed. The MARS hardware recommendations indicate the network operating systems which are supported. MARS has not been tested or certified in any other operating system environments and will not be sold or supported on other than our recommendations.

Follow the recommended schedule for installation.

MARS programs and sample data are provided as soon as your hardware is in place. Please allow adequate time to install the software. Software is loaded on the server and setups must be completed on each workstation. Every workstation should be operational before sending your final conversion data.

Start your AIMS data cleanup early.

Purging policies and clients may take multiple End of Month processes to complete. Deleting companies, producers, etc. may depend on the purging of policies. Adjusting company and producer account balances may also take multiple EOM processes to complete. Your system must be cleaned up and in balance prior to final conversion.

Make sure your backup can be read by IRS-AIMS.

We often have difficulty reading backup tapes. In order for us to read your tape you must be using the same kind of tape backup equipment and software as those shown in the MARS hardware requirements. Even then, use a NEW tape when sending your test conversion data and the final conversion data.

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