Tarasoft Matrix® FAQ

List products compatible with Matrix®?
Tarasoft Matrix® is compatible with virtually every product in the market place. Almost all 3rd party vendors access the MLS database via a RETS server. Since Matrix® includes Matrix® RETS any RETS compliant 3rd party solution will be compatible. In the event that any 3rd party vendor is not RETS compliant, Matrix® includes an Export builder that can be used to make non-RETS compliant products compatible.

Describe the speed, performance and scalability of Matrix®.
Built purely on Microsoft .NET, the Matrix platform offers tremendous MLS system scalability and performance. The first deployment for Tarasoft Matrix® was with MRIS (North Americas largest MLS). Today, MRIS servers 58,000 subscribers and the average search time is less than 200 milli seconds, all while running off a modest hardware configuration. While well suited for large region providers, Matrix® can easily be setup for MLS’s of any size while still offering exceptional performance.

Does Matrix® allow the MLS to customize the system or do all the changes go directly through Tarasoft?
Tarasoft Matrix® empowers MLS staff to take complete control over the entire MLS platform. Extra fields and columns can easily be added by the MLS. Essentially the MLS has complete control over all data and configuration of data, all searches, all displays, all reports, the complete look and feel of the system as well as ancillary components such as RETS, Exports and News and Calendar events all through the Admin panel in Matrix®.

How does Matrix® enable property search and display using mapping technology?
Tarasoft Matrix® can be configured with any Mapping solution. Currently, in each of our deployments, Tarasoft Matrix® uses Microsoft MapPoint as the mapping solution. MapPoint images can be displayed for any data (listing and tax) and can be set up by MLS staff in the Matrix® display builder found in the Matrix® Admin panel. Mapping functionality includes the ability to view a map of any property, to view multiple properties and to view maps with driving directions. Tarasoft Matrix® also provides the ability to “map search” for any corresponding listings. Simply draw a box on the area of the map that you would like to search listings, add any other search criteria and Matrix® will find all matching listings.

How does Matrix® provide wireless access to the MLS system?
Matrix® is built entirely on Microsoft’s .NET platform and as such includes full wireless support. Matrix® will identify what type of wireless device is hitting the Matrix® URL and then automatically re-configure the display screens to accurately render the Matrix® pages on the wireless devise. There are no additional costs associated to the users with wireless access.

How does Matrix® allow for access through a web browser?
Tarasoft Matrix® is a “thin client” and requires absolutely no other files (other than a browser and an internet connection) to function. Tarasoft Matrix® is compatible with all platforms and all browsers and includes full Mac support. Matrix® adapts automatically and seamlessly to localized MLS data and can easily scale to an MLS of any size. The performance of Matrix®, even for dialup users is outstanding always averaging less then 200 milliseconds per search. This is a core requirement for many MLS providers.

How does Matrix® provide a communication solution among agents?
Tarasoft Matrix® has a new internal messaging system called “Matrix® Messaging” where any subscriber can message (like email) another subscriber on the system. These messages are optionally visible upon login, and always through the My Matrix® tab. Matrix® messaging is important because it allows subscribers to communicate with each other without reliance on email.

How does Matrix® provide various statistics on the real estate market?
The Admin panel in Tarasoft Matrix® includes a Statistical Designer providing MLS staff with the ability to create statistical information reports on any data in the MLS system. With this tool the MLS has the ability to draw on any Sales and/or Listing information to forecast future trends based on live and up-to-date MLS information.

How does Matrix® ensure the security of MLS data?
Security and performance are our two top priorities. We recommend and deploy a large number of security-inspired architectural “best practices” around each of our deployments. Data is safeguarded through the way our servers are wired and fire walled. Tarasoft Matrix® itself contains very advanced “roles based security” that allows the MLS to control exactly what each login role has access to. So you could define and limit a property appraiser user class to being able to see only Sold listings, by one example.

How does Matrix® permit electronic data exchange in the form of industry recognized standards?
Each Tarasoft Matrix® installation includes Matrix® RETS. Matrix® RETS has passed the National Association of Realtors (NAR) RETS certification testing. Matrix® RETS also includes Roles Based Security (RBS) allowing the MLS to specifically choose the exact data fields and columns that can be accessed by any third party application. In addition to Matrix® RETS, the Matrix® Admin panel also provides the MLS with the ability to create Exports for any software application or client of the system.

How does Matrix® deliver information to various types of PDA?
This is easily accomplished by the MLS utilizing the Export tool in the Admin panel of Matrix®. The MLS can quickly, in a matter of minutes, create exports to any PDA devise available on the market.

How does Matrix® allow for offline access?
Tarasoft Titan is the desktop complement to Matrix® allowing for comprehensive on and offline access. While offline, agents have the ability to search downloaded neighborhoods of homes, generate CMAs, map numerous listings, and build various reports and flyers.