Frequently Asked Questions

CSS understands that purchasing new software is a major step for any company. It is important to make sure that the software you choose will do the job you need it too. Purchasing, installing and training are major concerns when looking at new software. CSS has compiled a list of many of the most frequently asked questions about our company and software products.

Questions About our Company
Questions About our Software
Questions About Hardware

How long has CSS been in business?
CSS entered the IBM^® midrange business community in 1985.

How many companies currently use your software?
It is difficult to determine the exact number of companies that use our software. To date, we have licensed our software to more than 250 companies.

What type of products do you offer?
CSS has been providing quality software and hardware products for the iSeries^® and AS400^® marketplace for over twenty years. CSS currently maintains and markets its custom designed applications written exclusively for the iSeries and AS400 platform. We specialize in the wholesale distribution, manufacturing and retail sales industries. As an IBM Business Partner, CSS can be your path to the latest in iSeries hardware/software products.

I don’t know exactly what I need but I know it’s not working. Can CSS help?
CSS can provide on-site consulting services. We specialize in on-site analysis and system design. CSS can come to your location, meet with your people, review your current problems and present a software and/or hardware solution that will meet your current needs and give you plenty of room for growth.

I love your software but I don’t have an iSeries?
CSS can provide you a complete quote on our software including a new iSeries machine that is configured for our software.




Does the software run on any other platforms such as UNIX or PCs?
No, we only sell software for the IBM iSeries and AS400.

How old is the software?
CSS has been offering our software products for the midrange iSeries marketplace for over 20 years. During that time, CSS has released six versions of our software package. Our current release has been on the market for over two years.

How is the software sold?
CSS issues non-exclusive licenses to use our software on your iSeries/AS400. The software is licensed to your specific iSeries serial number. Pricing is based on your iSeries processor size and modules desired.

Is the software licensed through dealers or directly through CSS?
In some cases, CSS does work through other software organizations that represent our software. In most cases, however, we issue licenses directly to the end-user.

Can the software be purchased individually as separate modules or just as a package?
Software can be purchased as stand-alone modules, money saving packages, or as a complete integrated system.

How will I know if the software I want will stand-alone?
Please review the software details page for the modules you are interested in. The system requirements section will show all the requirements for each module.

What language is the software written in?
All our software is written in RPG, ILE and JAVA they run native on the IBM iSeries.

If we need modifications to the software, will CSS make them for us?
Yes, if there are specific modifications that you need, we can provide a fixed price quote that will include the software and the requested changes. CSS has made thousands of custom modifications for other customers. Let us know what you need we may have already written it.

Do I get the source code?
CSS will provide a copy of the source code with all software licenses. You may make any changes to the code you desire. CSS will not be responsible for modifications made by third parties. You may still stay on a software maintenance contract, however your maintenance will not cover those specific changes.

How will you send me updates if I change the code?
CSS sends out software updates yearly, these updates include program corrections, new programs and enhancements to existing programs. All customers under maintenance will receive this update free of charge. You will be responsible to make sure your changes are made in a separated modification library. CSS will update our base program library only.

What is your software maintenance? Is it required?
CSS offers software maintenance on all our software. To ensure the software installation and support for the initial period goes well, CSS requires a one-year software maintenance contract with all software purchases. Software maintenance is optional after the first year.

What are the advantages of staying on maintenance?
CSS provides free telephone support to all customers on software maintenance. Yearly updates are sent out that contain fixes and other enhancements that have been made to the software. This update contains all payroll, W2 and 1099 reporting changes. All customers on maintenance receive this update free of charge.




Does CSS sell hardware as well as software?
Yes, as an IBM Business Partner, we can provide you with the latest IBM iSeries equipment packaged along with our software.

If I buy a new iSeries will I have to get all new equipment?
No, you may still use your current PC’s and most of your printers.

Can you sell me a new iSeries?
CSS only sells iSeries equipment to current customers or new clients interested in our software. We provide a custom configured machine that is designed to run our software the most efficiently.

I need a software maintenance agreement for my iSeries?
CSS can provide you an IBM software maintenance agreement that is serviced by IBM. Call our offices for a quote.

I need a hardware maintenance agreement for my iSeries?
CSS can provide you an IBM software maintenance agreement that is serviced by IBM. Call our offices for a quote.