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LOSTCIRCUITS	SHORTCUTS: top page What they don't tell you
BeagleSoft ClockCard Collector's Item, Timepiece?
(Review by MS, JApril 31, 2001)

April 30, 2001

Summary

Keeping a precise time log of files and email is a must in the corporate world. Since the CMOS clocks of most PCs do not meet the accuracy requirements, most main servers use external clock sources to reset the master clock and sychronize all clients. Options are to use internet access to log into one of the atomic clocks or else use an internal clock card combined with the necessary software to generate a time stamp for all user activities. The Minnesota-based BeagleSoft company manufactures such a device, the BeagleSoft Clock Card. Using the ISA interface, the card overrides the CMOS clock upon bootup and keeps the precise time with less than 15 sec deviation per month. Given the scarcity of ISA slots and the relatively high price tag of $70 (basic software), it will be somewhat difficult to position the current version in the market. However, for older systems, particularly those that are not Y2K compliant, the resetting of the internal CMOS clock may provide an easy solution.

PC clocks have a tendency to run either late or fast, requiring to reset the system clock once in awhile. For the home user, this is of minor importance, who really cares if the clock is off by a few minutes. There are enough situations, though, where keeping an exact record of the time is not only critical but required by law. All system administrators in the corporate business know that record keeping of file transfers and email logs up to the minute can be a crucial issue when it comes to auditing of business practice. Other time sensitive issues include purchases on the spot market where a few minutes can make quite a difference and on-line stock market transactions.

The possibilities are to log into an atomic clock and use the precise time to synchronize the entire network upon any user login. Another possibility is to add the atomic clock or some other high precision clock to the main server and use this one as a reference.

Another issue that is still far from being resolved is the Y2K bug that still plagues older systems. Particularly specialty configurations for scientific applications often still use older hardware that is not Y2K compliant. Adding an external clock to those systems may, in the long run, be an easier solution than running with an incorrect time stamp or having to manually reconfigure the systems on every boot-up.

One of these devices is manufactured by Beagle Software. Essentially, it is a precision clock added to an ISA card which communicates with the system clock upon startup and overrides the CMOS clock of the system.

The Card Itself

BeagleSoft ISA Clock card

Software package
The software package contains ClockWatch Basic, Pro, Server, Client and 2000 as well as the DocuClock Date/Time Validator program
next page: => Installation, compatibility and conclusion =>
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