Transforming a COTS product into a Custom defined Specific Application

April 2003

The debate between Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) products vs. Specific Developments is a common issue. Legacy RF planning tools, such as ICS telecom and HTZ warfare, have been enhanced by hundreds of functions, most being customer driven, some specific to an application, and others unique to a particular requirement. The result is a vast selection of options and capabilities that make the tools powerful yet difficult to navigate.

To offer new or task specialized users nearly immediate proficiency, or dedicate the interface to a particular set of capabilities, ATDI has developed a unique ability to customize the drop down menus, default propagation settings, splash logos, and more!

This technology was developed originally for military projects, in which different levels of users are offered a customized version of the tools according to their requirements. It has been expanded to the civilian markets, in which an equipment manufacturer, for example, can customize the tools in order to match its specifications, type of service and planning parameters.

In ICS telecom or HTZ warfare, there is a list of files that can be modified to create the custom menu, pop up boxes, ICS Telecom splash logo, as well as a few others:

Changing the menu and/or pop-ups is a matter of setting the menu in ICS telecom or HTZ warfare as you want it and then saving your project. Once saved, the files are updated and each time you start ICS telecom or HTZ warfare, your settings will be loaded.

To modify the logo and/or splash, open the .bmp from the ICS root directory files in MS Paint (or another such program), modify and save them. This will overwrite the original logo or splash files the next time you start the program.

The ICS.PRM file is the default propagation model when starting ICS telecom. To change the default, open the propagation model box in ICS Telecom or HTZ warfare and set the configuration, then save the changes as ICS.PRM in the ICS root directory.

The .SBH file enables ATDI to create a database of radios with equipment specifications and identifiers. ATDI gives the .SBH file to the customer, who will have radios pre-made once working with ICS telecom.

In addition to customizable menus and settings, ATDI also offers custom modifications to the software.

1. ATDI will program the software to meet your needs, including:

• Adding options to the menu
• Providing a client specific update
• Test and implement the changes in close discussions with the client
• Most services are provided within the maintenance contract purchased at time of license, or subsequent maintenance extension- no extra charge to the customer.

Benefits to allowing quick and easy customization of ICS telecom and HTZ warfare include:

• Simpler use of the software due to fewer options in the menus, and less searching for the correct menu
• Requirement specific software for the client, not a general off-the-shelf solution that may not 100% suit the needs of the client
• Rapid response to the needs of the client- updates on demand
• Increased proficiency, production, and time management
• Customized outputs for added value or integrated products
• Easier to use propagation settings save time during set up of a project