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Hi,

agendo uses an interesting approach (my idea...that is why I think its interesting :)   ). There is no need to have extra programs and it works in any equipment with a computer and a browser (we have it on linux, macos and windows). Basically, it uses a java applet with which you can only confirm the entry in a certain computer (mac address) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAC_address.

For now, the only control is that you need to confirm in situ a pre-scheduled entry. However, in the next couples of weeks, we will extend the technology in a way that the applet is able during confirmation to check when login was made and when last user login ended.
http://www.cirklo.org/agendo_features.php

We also have it integrated with ekrano, a type of home automation wireless device that send alarms whenever there is a equipament usage without reservation. Things really started to work much better....specially on mondays...if you know what I mean. We use it to monitor FACS pressure, -80 (without the reservation stuff...), confocals and other expensive equipment. 
http://www.cirklo.org/ekrano.php


Agendo is open source and its available at https://github.com/cirklo . If you are a computer geek you can set it up yourself. However, experience says that it is rather better to use it as SaaS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_as_a_service. Therefore, we offer hosting.

All the best,
Nuno Moreno, PhD
Head of Equipment Management @ IGC
CEO @ CIRKLO


On Mar 15, 2012, at 2:24 PM, Bjorn Tyrberg wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
> 
> We have an interest in tracking use of our microscopes for billing. To do this we 
> have tracking software that links to our billing system. The problem is that if the 
> user does not log in to the computer, they do not get tracked. Does anybody 
> know of a solution where the power to the microscope can be controlled by log 
> in to a computer, essentially making scopes unusable unless logged in to 
> computer?
> 
> Tx
> Bjorn Tyrberg