The first version of the InDepthRep Program was written to work on the DOS platform, and was very useable if somewhat rudimentary. Because of his years of experience in the industry, John knew that the program needed to follow a logical progression pattern, so that it would be easy and instinctive for his employees to use. Many hours were spent on the general layout and ideas on how the program should flow. Instrumental to this idea was John’s wife, Gloria. As a current inside sales and quotation person, she brought real world experience and everyday use ideas to the design process. This first version was to lay the foundation for the basic program which has continued to this day.

The second version of the program was written to take advantage of the Windows NT®, Windows 95® and Microsoft Access® platform. With its promise of better management and faster speed, the Windows® operating systems became the platform of choice for this and all subsequent versions of the program. This version introduced the now familiar table layout design and the ability to work visually and quickly due to the many special features which could now be used. Also for this release the program became more than just a quote program, as it introduced the concept of contact management and sales analysis to the basic program.

The third version of the program was rewritten with the release of the Windows 98® operating system. This version also started to introduce the tracking and follow-up features that set the program apart from any other on the market. Features such as quote follow-up reports, sales analysis reports, and the ability to download the data to non-networked machines meant that now all employees, whether in the office or in the field, could now access the data for immediate viewing and use during sales calls.

The fourth version of the program was a major step forward. It was released after the Windows 2000® and Windows Server 2000® platforms were released by Microsoft®. It allowed for many upgrades to the program that enhanced not only usability but speed as well. Due to the stability of these platforms, the program was now deemed ready for wide-scale distribution to other companies.

The fifth version was a small re-write to take advantage of the features and stability of the Windows XP® operating system. This also marked the addition of some very key features to the program. Some of the features added, allowed for even more in-the-field follow-up possibilities. This included automatic cross reference of competitor’s products to the quote form, automatic prior approval letter generation, ability to send quotes by both fax and e-mail, the ability to create mail and e-mail merges to allow mass communication with companies and/or individuals within companies. The program was also modified to allow more default settings that were global in nature and reduced the amount of time for data entry.

The sixth version of the program was a major change in the principle mechanics of operation. All previous versions of the program had been written around the concept of a network installation with users within the office connecting to a server located on premises. With the advent of widespread high-speed internet connections, and the flexibility of the Windows XP® and Windows Server 2003® platforms, the program was re-written to be a remote application. Using the remote desktop connection program embedded within Windows XP® Professional edition, and the remote management capabilities of the Windows Server 2003® platform, the program now runs remotely from any computer, and will allow for even greater flexibility for its company users and their employee’s.

The seventh, and current, version of the program added several important new features to the already excellent base. While this version continued with the principle of remote access, it also furthered this principle by adding the ability to remotely store information within the program. The additional of the Paperless Office Module allows customers to store, within the program, for easy retrieval from any location, PDF copies of important office documents, as well as pricing books and job specification manuals and drawings. This feature is built into the program at no additional cost to the user. This version also introduced the Quote Followup Report allowing for easier and more detailed follow up of quoted jobs.