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  3. UK Clubs - Switchover Strategy

UK Clubs - Switchover Strategy

  

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Turbo Dispatch Turbo Dispatch & Turbo Exchange

Introduction
To avoid any loss of service, migrating from Turbo Dispatch to Turbo Exchange should be done in a phased manor, and we would encourage the transition to be started sooner rather than later. There are too many parties involved to set a date and flip a switch for a smooth switchover. If it were technically possible to provide a gateway so that one network provider could exchange messages with another, then we would have implemented this years ago. Unfortunately the limitations of Mobitex/Turbo Dispatch prevent this.  So we suggest the two networks are run in parallel, until either BT/Trancomm shut down the only UK Mobitex network, or there are enough Turbo Exchange users to make Mobitex irrelevant.
 
We have already done much of the groundwork and every Vehicle Recovery Operator with an internet connection, is in the position to accept jobs via Turbo Exchange today. Now it's up to the clubs to upgrade their bit of the network.
 
MAN Numbers & TurboID numbers

Turbo Dispatch uses a 7 digit MAN number (Mobitex Access Number).  For compatibility with exiting software, Turbo Exchange also uses a 7 digit number called a TurboID number.

MAN numbers typically start with a 3 or 6.  In the UK, TurboID numbers start with a 9.  To date, we have been issuing Recovery Operators with TurboID numbers that match their MAN numbers, except with a 9 prefix instead of a 3.

 

Converting the Recovery Operators

All operators with an internet connection are "Turbo Exchange ready", and we have a growing list of operators connecting to Turbo Exchange.  For many operators (those running "TD8"), it's just a mouse click away and requires no specialist IT knowledge to set up.  For others, it requires a free software download and installation help is available through the usual software support channels.  MTT personal are upgrading operators during routine site visits.   See our "Get You Started" guide.

This is the important bit: The operator's software recognises the difference between a MAN number and a TurboID.  It will automatically route the messages to the correct network.  Garage Manager users are also able to assign multiple MAN numbers to an account, so if they add a club's new TurboID to the associated account, messages sent from either network will work seamlessly. GM - MultiMAN.png

 

Converting the Clubs

The clubs typically use their own bespoke interface to Turbo Dispatch using X25 lines to Transcomm.  Turbo Exchange has no control how this is implemented, and so it is the club's responsibility to develop an interface to Turbo Exchange.  We can provide, tools, technical information and source code to help with this (see developer's area).

We recommend that the clubs implement the same strategy as the operator's software.  Numbers starting with 9 are sent via Turbo Exchange, and others are sent via Turbo Dispatch/Transcomm.  Therefore, the switchover can be rolled out, at a pace that suits everybody.  It also provides a fall-back should anything go wrong during eary stages of your own implementation.

 

Suggested steps for implementation:

  1. Request test user accounts from us.
  2. Develop interface to Turbo Exchange.
  3. Test with tools provided on this site.
  4. Test with one or more Recovery Operators.
  5. Roll out.
  6. Optionally discontinue Turbo Dispatch support at a future date.
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The Future

In the past, a committee of Turbo Dispatch users got together to discuss future Turbo Dispatch. The committee has since been disbanded, so we would like to have your comments as to what what you think should replace this. Our feeling is that it would be better to set up an online forum, so that current issues can be discussed, and future enhancements can be debated. We would to hear your views: support@turboexchange.net