Developing TABS Compatible Software

The TABS system was originally developed to be compatible with any
kind of BBS on any type of computer. The process that follows are 
the steps and format for developing a TABS compatible program. 
These procedures should be followed regardless of whether your 
developing a DOOR, module or program.

FILE FORMATS:
First the system must read in a code list into its active list 
of subscription IDs. The name of the code list is SID#####.TAB 
(where ##### will be any 5 digit number). This file has the form 
of seven digits followed by a carriage return and line feed, 
as in:

6534565<cr><lf>
3264597<cr><lf>
4987547<cr><lf>
9368725<cr><lf>
...

This new codes file will be read in and added to a active ID list 
called ACT_SID.DAT. This file will be the list that your software 
should actively use to verify user. Once the active file is 
created the SID#####.TAB file may be deleted or renamed to a 
.BAK name. A provision must also be made to allow the sysop to 
import addition codes into the active file. One way to do this 
that would make it easy for the sysop is to check for the 
SID#####.TAB file and if it exists, then read the additional codes
in. This importing is required because the delay between when a 
user calls the 900 number and gets a code, and when they actually
call the BBS and use it. This allows the users SID to be good 
forever, until they redeem it.
 
Regardless of whether a code is valid or not always keep a 
tracking file of all the actions of the program in a file 
called TABS_LOG.TXT. This file will contain the following 
information:

[Valid or illegal] [user name] [Sub. ID#] [time] [date]<cr><lf>

ex.
*VALID* Paul Johnson 1234567 09:34 10/05/93
*ILLEGAL* John Smith 2434234 09:11 10/06/93

Note:   the exact format of the TABS_LOG.TXT file is not critical 
	since it is only used for sysop reference.


PROGRAM SCREEN LAYOUT:
You may wish to provide an introduction screen describing the 
process, it could look like this:

*****************************************************************
		TABS 900 Redemption Center

This Module will allow you to pay for access on this BBS via a 
$10.00 call to a 900 number. Once you call, you will be asked to
enter in the number of this BBS (7 digits only), do not include 
the area code. The voice system will then speak a seven digit 
Subscription ID to you. This SID is entered on the following 
screen where your account will be upgraded.
*****************************************************************

NOTE:   Due to FCC regulations if you mention the 1-900-622-TABS 
	number you must provide,
	   1. You must be Over 18 , or have parental permission
	   2. The cost ($10.00)
	   3. The providers name ( True Media Inc.)



The system will have to ask the user code a 7 digit SID such as:

 Please enter your 7-digit Subscription ID:

The system should then check for the number in the file:  
ACT_SID.DAT. If the number is found in the active file then 
the entry is removed(or flagged) from the file. 

If the subscription ID is found then increase the access of the
user (if possible on the particaular BBS your developing for). 
It would be nice if the sysop could choose the definition of 
access, allowing modification of users:

	1. Security
	2. Time allowed
	3. Or, useful options for your particular BBS.

Once the access has been updated tell the user that they have been 
validated with a message such as:

	You Subscription ID has been VALIDATED. Thank you for 
	using TABS.

Finally, if the entered code was not found, then it is considered 
invalid. A message should be displayed telling the user that the 
code was invalid, such as:

	The Subscription ID ####### is invalid!

A FINAL NOTE FROM TRUE MEDIA:
We appreciate all the support that the BBS industry can give us, 
and we are dedicated to helping you develop TABS for all packages
and computers available. If you need addition assistance, such as
source code to our packages or modifications to our existing 
programs you may contact:

  True Media Technical Support:   407-722-3150
  The SysOp's Edge BBS:           407-722-3406 
  (direct Email to: Paul Leppek)