Surpass Generation 5 provides powerful new and enhanced features in an easy-to-use, updated interface librarians will love. Though Surpass has always included centralization capabilities, Generation 5 also presents its greatly enhanced centralization product under the new name Surpass Centriva. Centriva is ideal for multi-branch public libraries and for entire school districts wishing to run a single centralized system with web-based catalog access.
Centriva is built on the powerful features and easy-to-use interface of four generations of existing software. “Rather than starting from scratch, we have expanded already mature and stable Surpass,” said Jarrett Volzer, President of Sales and Marketing. “Users choosing Surpass Centriva benefit from years of refining and streamlining centralization capabilities.”
One goal for Surpass Centriva was to provide individual libraries in a centralized system local control without sacrificing the benefits of centralization. Multi-site locations desiring to operate from a single, combined database can centralize with Centriva and still choose to allow the highest level of local library control.
“Individual libraries in a district have site-specific needs we don't think should have to be sacrificed to centralize,” Volzer explained. “With Centriva, you can either set rules and settings centrally or easily allow individual libraries to customize them.”
Surpass Centriva is largely web based to provide the low maintenance technicians demand from centralized software systems. The web-based catalog does not require installation on individual computers throughout a system or district.
To offer the speed, flexibility, and customization capabilities not possible with web-based circulation, Surpass has chosen to retain a desktop client at the circulation desk.
“Surpass Centriva is the ideal solution for districts with technicians that need a low-maintenance system but whose librarians are not willing to forego the efficiency of desktop client circulation,” Volzer explained. “The ease of use and speed of a desktop client simply cannot be matched.”
With the release of Surpass Generation 5, users benefit from the insight of library professionals around the world. All Surpass products are largely built and enhanced as a result of feedback and suggestions from Surpass users.
“Customers post ideas and suggestions to a ‘wish list,' which directs product development,” Volzer shared. “We realize the professionals who use the software know their needs better than anyone, and we listen. Customers are delighted to see the inclusion of features they requested.”
Surpass Centriva's unique user interface allows users to actually design their own data entry and editing screens, so they can display exactly the information they need to see for a given task. Other benefits include automatic AACR2 MARC punctuation, customized cataloging templates, patron written book reviews and more.
Surpass is already receiving customer praise for the just-released upgrade. “We've been using the new features, and are impressed with the changes,” said Amy Marler of Atlanta in an e-mail to Surpass Software. “The speed of reports is amazing! Surpass has done an outstanding job developing Generation 5 and supporting it.”
Try Surpass products free by downloading them at www.SurpassSoftware.com or calling 706-625-5399 to request CDs. Surpass customers with a current support contract may download the upgrade free at www.SurpassSupport.com.