Once an Export-It installation is made the install CD is no longer required. Although it could be used to install the application on a new platform [computer] the "cloning" process is usually both quicker and simpler when a workstation is to be added to a "networked" topology. And when a computer is to be replaced the new machine can be easily setup with Export-It by "cloning" the application setup from the old platform that is being replaced.
The Cloning a Platform topic provides step-by-step instructions on how to "clone" an existing Export-It installation from one machine to another. However, there are two kinds of platforms which can be distinguished by their Platform "local" Folder structure:
Most platforms will be entry stations which can perform all application functions except for Secure EDI [SEDI] communications. A user logon on such a machine will not have “SEDI” subfolders (red ghost folders in illustration at right).
A platform [computer] that is both SEDI capable (i.e. with Microsoft Enhanced Cryptographic Provider) and which has “SEDI” subfolders (red ghost folders in illustration at right) is a potential “Comms Station”. Not every machine which could run SEDI need be so designated, but at least one must have the “SEDI” subfolders. And, no matter how many SEDI capable platforms exist in a topology, there must never be more than one "Secure EDI [SEDI] User" logon active at any point in time.
The distinction between platform types is important because a SEDI capable “Comms Station” platform requires additional actions to be able to realize its SEDI capability. Secure EDI communications requires that five (5) ActiveX [AKA “COM”or Component Object Model] libraries be registered and, if communications with Customs ICS is required, installation of a Digital Certificate that complies with Customs requirements. See the Moving or Replacing SEDI topic for details.
There is also the more extreme situation where a platform cannot be "cloned" because the only existing SEDI machine had a catastrophic fault (e.g. HDD crash) or a computer to be replaced or upgraded is no longer accessible. In such a case it is possible to "recover" a platform from the Database "server" Drive as described in the following Recovering a Workstation topic.
