                EXCELSIOR! Professional Bulletin Board Software
                -----------------------------------------------
                 1992-1993 Sycom Design Software   Release 1.0

                                July 4, 1993


  Release 1 of  EXCELSIOR! BBS is now available.  This program is the finest
  available  for  the Amiga computer.   It is designed  under  Release 2  of
  AmigaDOS O/S.  The BBS offers features not found on any other BBS software
  package currently available.

  EXCELSIOR! operates in a dynamic environment of data structures.  Like the
  Amiga executive, EXCELSIOR! is very flexible and open-ended by eliminating
  artificial  boundries  on  internal data.  The  system is  open-ended.  It 
  supports as many lines as you want (not 24 or 100, etc).  

  EXCELSIOR! was in the  beta-test stage for over one year.  Its enthusiatic
  beta-testers  have helped  to make it a  very stable system.  Very  little
  "hands-on"  maintenance  is needed  to keep  a  system  running  smoothly.
  However,  you have complete  control over  the day-to-day  activity of the
  BBS allowing for complete customization to your requirements.  The BBS has
  been tested on Amiga 1000's through Amiga 4000's.  It also runs fine under
  AmigaDOS Release 3+ as well.

  Take  a  look  at  the  enclosed  features  list.   The  BBS  offers  many
  powerful features, some of which are state-of-the-art.


  EXCELSIOR! is now being distributed with:


  TRAPDOOR
  --------
  The Amiga's  premier  front-end mailer.  TrapDoor is a  FidoNet-compatible
  front mailer for Amiga systems.  It transfers mail from/to other  FidoNet-
  compatible  systems using  WaZoo DietIfna and ZedZap techniques as well as
  the  lowest common  FidoNet protocol,  FTS-0001 (Lotek).  It also features
  the latest  EMSI (Electronic Mail Standard Identification) handshake  that
  allows two mailers to exchange lots of interesting information at  session
  startup, such as AKA addresses.

  This EXCELSIOR!-exclusive  TrapDoor handles both sending and receiving  of
  files  and mail  packets and  is fairly  easy to set up and use.  It works
  well  with  high-speed  modems, and  includes  all  the  features found on
  standard FidoNet  mailers, such as making and processing of  filerequests,
  password-protected  mail  sessions,  automatic  nodelist  lookup  and much
  more.


  XMAIL!
  ------
  EXCELSIOR!'s  own FidoNet  mail processor.   This allows  users on FidoNet
  and  other compatible  networks to run  full-featured  systems.  This mail
  processor  allows you to  access Areafix/raid, internal '.tic' support  to
  local sub-boards (and exporting to down-stream nodes), full-logic  routing
  for import  and point  destinations  and much more.  It is  configured and
  updated  by  an  easy-to-use GUI.  Adding  and editing new echos has never
  been  easier.  Taking  full  advantage  of  the  Amiga's  GUI, you  simply
  click gadgets to add/remove echos, feed sites, etc.  XMAIL!, like the BBS,
  supports multi-domained  configurations as well  as single-domain.  Again,
  there is no limit to the number of echos, export sites, route-configs your
  system can support.  The newest "5d" address format is also supported.


  XLINK!
  ------
  State-of-the-art  linking  system.  This  allows  you  to  link  up  other
  EXCELSIOR!  systems via  standard telephone lines.  Once  connected, these
  systems allow users on other  systems to communicate with the users on any
  other system in the link.  You can link up as many systems as you want and
  have as many users on  each system!   Unlike others BBS software packages,
  EXCELSIOR! allows you to  link up more than  just conference rooms.  Users
  can talk  in real-time chat, send InterUser messages, get user info on any
  user in  the link, plus  much more!  The link  will fully  auto-configure.
  SysOps do  not need to  be present to link up systems  or perform tiresome
  "link procedures" to link up their systems.  Its  logic-controlled scripts
  allow  your  system  to  stay  linked  during  hours YOU  specify (even if
  connections  are  broken  for  some  reason)!!  SysOps  on  linked-systems
  enjoy special privileges.   You  can lock-out  individual  Sysop-functions
  between linked systems as well.  Users are actually logged into all linked
  systems whenever they log onto a system in the link.  They appear in every
  SysOps BBS monitor window and can be controlled via  GUI from there.  Huge
  24-hour linked  networks  are  possible.  Sysops  running  EXCELSIOR! with
  only a few  lines can link into  other BIG systems  giving  them many more
  nodes  their users can  communicate with.  You  can  call the support site
  at  +1-313-772-6442  to  view   the   link.  It  usually  has  4-5   other
  EXCELSIOR! sites linked up with more than 15 lines accessible!
  
  While  other  BBS  are continuously charging  you for updates,  EXCELSIOR! 
  offers more features and expandability than these packages.  The  features
  listed  below come with the EXCELSIOR!  Professional BBS package.  You  do
  not have to "register" other programs to gain these features.

  The complete BBS package is currently available for $139 (US Funds). Sycom
  is also currently offering a "TRADE-UP" program.  Owners of any other  BBS
  program  (excluding public-domain) can trade-up their current software  to
  EXCELSIOR!   The  current  trade-up  price is $109 (US Funds).  Users will
  receive the complete package for this price if the following is done:

  In  order to  qualify for  the EXCELSIOR!  Trade-Up  Program you must mail
  either:  (a)  The manual of the  current BBS software you are running,  or
  (b) the original disks for that software to Sycom.

  SYCOM MUST RECEIVE AT LEAST ONE  OF THE ABOVE TO  PROCESS YOUR ORDER UNDER
  SYSOP TRADE-UP PRICING.


  Mail all trade-ups to:

      Sycom
      Attn:  Trade-up program
      PO Box 452
      St. Clair Shores, MI 48080-0452

  Pricing effective 7/4/93
  For a limited time only

  EXCELSIOR! Professional BBS 1.0                      $139 (MSRP: $199)
  EXCELSIOR! Professional BBS 1.0 w/Trade-Up           $109


  All  funds must be in  US dollars  drawn on a  US bank.  You must  include
  the following shipping charges (call Sycom if you have any questions):

  USA and Canada:              $13
  Europe                       $21
  Australia/NZ/Asia            $25

  Overnight  and  international express shipping is available.   Please call
  Sycom to obtain exact shipping charges.

  COD orders add $4.

  VISA/MASTERCARD gladly welcome.
  Personal check (allow up to five (5) working days to process).
  Money Orders also accepted.


  ***ALL INTERNATIONAL ORDERS MUST BE DRAWN IN US FUNDS***


  The  complete demo version is available from the  sites listed below.  You
  may also send $9 to receive complete demo version on disk by mail.


  US MAIL
  -------
  Sycom
  P.O. Box 452
  St. Clair Shores, MI USA 48080-0452

  
  DATA & VOICE
  ------------
  USA Toll Free Customer Service
  1-800-243-1230     (VOICE)            M-F 9am-8pm (EST) -4 GMT DST

  International Customer Service
  +1-313-774-2153    (VOICE)            M-F 9am-8pm (EST) -4 GMT DST

  Multi-line BBS Support
  +1-313-77-AMIGA    [772-6442] 2400    24hrs
  +1-313-772-5802    USR DUAL 16.8 HST  24hrs


  FIDO/AmigaNet
  -------------
  excel@1:120/298
  excel@40:711/16


  INTERNET
  --------
  excel@tcedge.mi.org


  BMS
  ---
  site:  sycom.mi.org!tcedge
  file:  bms:pub/ebbsdemo.lha




              =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
              -E X C E L S I O R !   F E A T U R E S   L I S T-
              =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


  Registered SysOps receive:
  --------------------------
    o   Free inner-revision upgrades.  The software is always being updated
        to keep it "state-of-the-art".
    o   Complete 230+ page hard-cover manual.
    o   Guaranteed error-free copy of the BBS.
        This applies to any full release version of the BBS.  At any time,
        if you encounter ANY "bugs", you may contact Sycom and receive a
        "fixed" copy of your BBS version or a FREE update to the next
        version.
    o   Online BBS and voice technical support.
    o   Updates are available for downloading from the support BBS.

 
  Overview
  --------
    o   Requires at least AmigaDOS Release 2 O/S software.
    o   Works on all 68000 generation processors.
    o   Full featured multi-node capability (UNLIMITED).
    o   Easy AmigaDOS installer allows for fast installation of EXCELSIOR!
        and all updates.
    o   GUI configure program allows easy modification of system options and
        pre-sets.
    o   Configurable Output (All text is completely modifiable).
    o   Advanced User Interface.
    o   Written in optimized SAS/C with Assembly routines.
    o   Uses standard XPR Libraries for file transfering.  ASCII,
        Xmodem/CRC/1K, YModem CRC/G, and Zmodem included.
    o   100% residentable (including XPR routines).
    o   Runs with floppy system configurations.
    o   Uses dynamic memory allocation.
    o   Multi-tasking friendly.  System can run in the background; never
        interupting or affecting system performance.
    o   Supports all serials cards (ASDG, Supra, Commodore, GVP I/O, etc)


  Security
  --------
    o   Password Protect sub-boards and directories.
    o   32 configurable AccessGroup templates.
    o   AccessGroups can be cloned and transposed.
    o   AccessGroup configurable lines (i.e. for High-speed numbers).
    o   Allow certain baud rate logins only (daily or hourly).
    o   Lock users out of system (permanent, or pending SysOp review).
    o   Complete user capturing for certain users, accesgroups, or everyone.
    o   Keep logs on transfers, doors executed, files read, etc.
    o   Keep logs on CB module activity (per individual channel).
    o   Password protect a node's login.
    o   Full-feature "shuttle" login for private systems allowing:
        o   Mail to and from SysOp.
        o   Password match required login to normal system.
        o   New user applications.
    o   Auto-callback validation optional on new users (TOLLSAVER option).
    o   Unlimited SubOp availability for each area.
    o   Global SubOps definable for message/file bases.
    o   Age restrictions available for each area.
    o   Gender restrictions available for each area.
    o   Time restrictions available for each area.
    o   Users CAN remotely "WATCH" other users.  Actually see what is
        going on and interact with the user.
    o   Full featured listing of users online (Exactly where user is,
        what they are doing--Including transfers rates & times, etc.).


  User Interface
  --------------
    o   IPL (Integrated Programming Language).  Allows users to use system
        variables for displaying output, changing colors, and other
        powerful functions.
    o   User can custom configure the system to their specifications.
        Including time zone's, numeric output, plus all terminal settings.
    o   Full system parser.
    o   Powerful ranging system allowing "#-#, #, #" values for reading,
        marking, scanning items, etc.
    o   Full support for arguments such as "READ SINCE 4-1-93",
        "BATCH SINCE MONDAY", "SCAN ALL BEFORE YESTERDAY".
    o   Complex arguments for scanning, reading, batching such as: BYME,
        TOME, FILES, POSTS, UNVAL, NEW, etc.
    o   Forwards and backwards message and response reading.
    o   Users can get extended help for commands by entering "COMMAND ?".
    o   Each user can be allowed:
        o   Personal File Area (limits definable).
        o   Individual Plan Files.
        o   Personalize signatures for:
            Message Area.
            Transfer Area.
            Internet public & private.
            FidoNet public & private.
        o   Much more
    o   User definable macro-keys.
    o   Helpful CTRL key functions easing user inputs, similiar to AmigaDOS
        Shell features.
    o   Full cursor key support (including unlimited command history buffer).


  Door/Expansion Support
  ----------------------
    o   Full EXCELSIOR! 'C' door support.  Object-oriented interface
        allowing compatibility from revision to revision no matter how many
        changes.
    o   ARexx Interface.  Full support to allow programs written in ARexx
        to be accessable to available system functions & information.  Now
        supports mulitple BBS formats for compatibility with little or no
        modification.
    o   ABBERexx support.
    o   Paragon and CNet(ARexx) door compatible.
    o   Allows any AmigaDOS program that run in a standard shell to be run
        as an EXCELSIOR! door (DOS DOORS).
    o   Internal BBS commands can be replaced by external modules.
    

  Configurability
  ---------------
    o   Allow different BBS' running on same machine. Using new text output
        files, userlogs, etc.
    o   Full command parser for sysop customization.
    o   Multiple (unlimited) translation tables for foreign and custom
        I/O translation.
    o   Full command aliasing, allowing you to "alias" any command, to an 
        already popular command.  Configurable commands for each
        AccessGroup.
    o   Multi-lingual compatible.
    o   Expansive sysop definable/creatable commands.  
    o   Commands can be accessed globally (available at every prompt).
    o   Replacable online editor, allowing for 3rd party programs to
        replace standard EXCELSIOR! editor.  User can choose what editor
        they want to use.
    o   Configurable local editor (such as CED, TurboText, etc)
    o   Easy to use GUI (point and click) system for fast initial
        configuration, including one-touch install option.
    o   Full support for any baud rate.


  Enhanced Features
  -----------------
    o   Sysop capture buffering.
    o   Standard offline batching for new items.
    o   Activity graph that plots system activity and trends.
    o   Full Event scheduler controlling all aspects of each node.
    o   Full password-protected online AmigaDOS shell.
    o   Standard AmigaDOS shell programs control node activity automatically
        via a standard CRON program.
    o   Global/individual features allows users to be rewarded bytes for
        their uploads for each time their file is downloaded.
    o   Full accounting control, allowing detailed billing for your users.
    o   Internal online Full Screen ANSI Editor.
    o   Full featured message line editor.
    o   Full online/offline GUI (point & click) userlog editor.
    o   Full online GUI sub-board editor.
    o   Online configurable Mail Distribution Queues (MDQ) for mail
        bundling.
    o   Mass-mailer utility allows users to send mail to specfic ID or
        AccessGroup ranges (Sysop restrictable).
    o   Mouse-control support.
    o   Unlimited user/sysop questionaires.
    o   Each node can be opened as a window or a custom screen.
    o   Full palette configuration.
    o   Alternate fonts available.
    o   Automated scripts allow the BBS to shutdown and open specific lines
        when other lines are active/inactive.
    o   Audible tones available.
    o   User-selectable keymaps.
    o   Full support for true response-threading and response-appending.
    o   Full pull-down Amiga Menus
    o   Iconify the BBS in "zoomed" mode and as an AppIcon on the WB.
    o   Examine archives online (arc, lha, zoo, zip, etc..)
    o   Built-in BBSLIST database.
    o   Activity can be buffered to printer.
    o   Users can forward their email to local, UseNet, or FidoNet
        user addresses.
    o   Sysop can create macros to spawn other processes from within the
        BBS.
     

  Multi-Node Features
  -------------------
    o   Unlimited nodes creatable/available.
    o   "Master" control allows complete sysop control of all nodes online.
        All users logged in (including network-link connections) appear in
        one separate window.
    o   One-touch GUI support allows Sysop to control any user.
    o   "Real time" interuser chat.
    o   CB Module allows users to communicate with each other in a
        public or private environment.
    o   Private CB channels can be created for exclusive entrance.
    o   CB Module "ACTION" commands.  Both user & system
        definable/creatable allow users to send pre-defined phrases to other
        users on the channel.
    o   Allow XLink to "link up" other EXCELSIOR! BBS systems.
        o   The most powerful linking system available.
        o   Users can see and communicate with other users on other systems.
        o   Real-time InterUser chatting between systems.
            (Not just conference rooms like on other systems)
        o   Sysops sees logons/logoffs via their monitor window.
        o   Users sees logons/logoffs via system monitor messages
        o   Users on other linked-systems actually are logged into every
            system in the link.
        o   No need for a sysop to "update" the link status.  XLINK! is
            completely auto-configuring.
        o   Automatic link-up and stay-linked option during the days and
            hours you want!
    o   User restrictable InterUser Messaging System.
    o   Personalized CB channel settings including:
        o   Alternate handle for CB only (Sysop restrictable).
        o   Own private channel settings.
        o   Personalized "Action" commands.
        o   Entry/Exit Messages.
    o   Dial-out access allowing users to dial out from your system on 
        another line (detailed restrictions).  Specific numbers can be
        created for users to call.  Complete charging for connect and
        per minute connection can be configured for each number.


  Message/File System
  -------------------
    o   Full QWK support for message and file areas for offline reading and
        responding.
    o   User definable automated QWK batch times, bundled messages can be
        programmed to be waiting for the user any day at any time.
    o   Unlimited sub-boards.  Sub-boards can be stored in a directory 
        structure for complete organization.
    o   Unlimited items allowed in each sub-board.
    o   Sysop definable max-items for each sub-board (old items are 
        automatically removed as new ones arrive).
    o   Direct-DOS exchanges available (i.e. CD-ROM).
    o   CD-ROM buffering system for multi-disk changers.
    o   Users will be notified when users receive messages publicly
        addressed to them.
    o   Allow unlimited alternate file paths for easy area separation
        between DOS partitions and sub-boards. (CD-ROM friendly)
    o   Sub-boards can be created that only users that have been "asked" or
        "invited" may enter.
    o   Individual users can be restricted from any sub-board.
    o   BBS notifies SysOps of new unvalidated uploads upon logon.
    o   Allows full support of resumable/batch protocols.
    o   Areas can be scanned or read, globally & locally.
    o   Search pattern matching on all functions (scan, read, etc).
    o   Keyword message scanning (message body, title, description).
    o   Online ANSI Quote Machine allowing users to read, download and
        quote items via ANSI highlight bars and cursor keys.
    o   Multiple output formats for File Scans/Message Headers.
    o   Individual IO translations tables for each sub-board can be created.
    o   Areas Can Be Flagged to:
        o   Automatically add files to this area at maintenance.
        o   Convert all files in area to "preferred" archive format.
        o   Test archives for errors.
        o   Enforce minimum baud rates for each area, allowing restrictions
            for areas containing "large files" per line.
        o   Order Preferences allowing several formats:
            o   Alphabetical
            o   Newest First
            o   Oldest First
            o   Seperated
        o   Auto and force joined for mandatory reading sub-boards.
    o   Newscan/Newread date offsetting.
    o   Internal UseNet Support:
        o   Full compatibility with AmigaUUCP and WCNews.
        o   Full support for private and public posting.
        o   Configure UseNet newsgroups inside standard sub-boards.
        o   Allow integrated Internet mail to users local mailbox.
        o   Allow Internet mail forwarding to/from local & remote accounts.
        o   Create accounts on BBS to allow UUCP feeds (no "getty" needed).
        o   Support for moderated newsgroups.
        o   FAQ help files can be displayed to each user for each
            sub-board/newsgroup.
        o   Internal "owndevunit.library" support.  "Polling for news" is
            automatic.
    o   FidoNet Support:
        o   5d address format configuration.
        o   External (two-stage) BBS importer available allowing you to use
            external mail "tossers" rather than XMAIL! 
        o   Direct support with TrapDoor mailer.
        o   XMAIL! processor allowing internal support for:
            o   Areafix/raid support including:
                o  "RESCAN" (with date and day of week arguments)
                o  Configuration request.
                o  Quick command parser.
                o  Full password protection.
                o  Individual domain echo forwarding of requests.
                o  Crashmail reply option.
                o  Crashmail request auto-forwarder.
            o   Tic's support for sub-boards.
            o   File sending/attaching.
            o   Echo classes for site separation.
            o   Point and click configuration.
            o   On-the-fly exporting for pass-thru echos (no wasted disk
                space).
            o   Multiple-domain support.
            o   Auto-spooling and queuing.
            o   Netmail, HUB, and direct routing.
        o   Internal FidoNet areas using standard sub-boards.
        o   Individual origin's and domain addresses for each sub-board.
        o   Crash mail support (access definable).
        o   FidoNet email (netmail) support (access definable).
        o   File request/attach support.
        o   Auto-routing points support.
        o   Direct importing of FidoNet email (netmail) into standard user
            mailbox.
        o   System can notify your users that there have been new responses
            or posts addressed to them from ECHOMAIL areas.


--
7/4/93
(C)opyright 1993 Sycom Design Software, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This file may not be altered, broken-up, or modified in anyway.
TrapDoor is a trademark of Maximilian Hantsch and Martin Laubach
Amiga and AmigaDOS are registered trademarks of Commodore-Amiga Inc.
