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Getting Started

System Requirements

The Scoring Program

The currently supported scoring programs are:

Support for other scoring programs may be added if there is sufficient interest.

With Rapscore and ASE 8, the upload of results can be fully automated. ASE does not have that at the moment, the results are uploaded via a Web form. The automated results upload is a convenient option for clubs that keep the scoring computer on their premises.

Internet Connection

This is a must if your club wants to have an automated results upload. You could still upload results even if you don't have an Internet connection, but it requires a bit more effort.

Dial-up, permanent and semi-permanent (like cable or ADSL) connections are supported. We supply you with the software and the instructions on how to set up the system for automatic uploads.

For manual uploads, the club does not need to have an Internet connection. It's sufficient that a person delegated by the club to upload results has a private connection. The transfer is very quick, so if you're charged on the basis of connection time, the cost would be negligible. If you are charged by data usage, it will also be small as data is not that big, compared to some other files, like pictures.

The Web Site Choice

If you don't already have your own web site that you want to keep, you will need to decide what kind of web site you would like. There are two options:

  • simple template based site
  • site based on the content management system (CMS)

The simple template based site has all the main elements any bridge club web site. It's very easy to use and doesn't require much effort to maintain. The downside is that its structure is rigid and the flexibility it does have may not be enough for your club.

A CMS-based web site offers more flexibility and features (see a discussion for more details), but requires more work and some learning, although not very technical.

In a nutshell, if you don't have someone work on CMS-based site (ie. to contribute regularly and do a bit of maintenance work), then a simple template based site is probably a better option. You can always switch to CMS-based site once it becomes clear that the needs for your club are such that you need it and that you have enough manpower to get into it.

How Long Does It Take To Get It Going?

If you use Rapscore or ASE 8, you need to install and configure the software for uploading the results. If you use ASE or ACBLScore, there is no setup. Scorebridge does not require any setup either - you just get a special email address to which you send your result file as an attachment.

If you don't have a web site, a template one can be set up for you within 1 hour. This includes your special web address, too. You would have to then fill in information specific to your club.

If you opted for a CMS-based site, then you may need someone to spend about 2 hours working through a documented tutorial, that will result in an initial web site. You can then tweak it, rearrange elements, etc to your heart's pleasure. However, it may take longer because it also involves learning of some new concepts.

I Want To Try It Out, So Where Do I Go From Here?

First of all, all new clients are offered a free trial period. Free means zero cost to you if, after the trial, you decide this service is not useful to your club. So, your first step would be to send an email to support, asking for a trial period. Please specify the name of the club/organization you're representing, the scoring program you use, and if you don't have a web site, which address/name for the web site you would like.

Have Questions?

If you have more questions, please contact support.