Solution
Q: What is Leap?
A: Leap is a web based platform that focuses on Patron Services and Circulation. Leap can be used on a traditional computer (desktop/laptop) or a tablet, freeing users to connect with patrons anywhere. Leap does not require any installation of software on a user's device.
Leap is currently not a replacement for the Polaris Staff Client, rather it is complementary. Please contact a member of the sales team if you are interested in Leap pricing.
Q: What are the software/hardware requirements for Leap?
A: The prerequisites for the server environment include:
Polaris version: 5.0
Microsoft SQL Server 2008R2, 2012, or 2012R2
Operating system: Microsoft Windows Server 2008R2 , 2012 or 2012R2
IIS 7.5 web server
SSL Certificate
.NET framework 4.5
The prerequisites for the workstation/device include:
Operating system: N/A
Modern web browsers which supports HTML 5
A complete list of system requirements for the Polaris ILS can be found in Polaris Operating System Requirements
Q: What level of SSL certificate is needed?
A: A standard Single Name Certificate is the minimum requirement. A self-signed certificate can be used in the training environment, but does not meet the SSL requirements to run Leap in a live production environment.
Q: When will Leap be available?
A: Leap will be available in conjunction with the first general release of Polaris ILS 5.0 which is scheduled for Fall 2014 (approximately mid-October).
Q: Why do I have to upgrade to Polaris ILS 5.0 for Leap?
A: Similar to any new functionality in the Polaris ILS, there is a minimum build and version requirement. Polaris 5.0 is required for Leap.
Q: Does Leap have to be installed at the whole system/network/consortia level?
A: Leap is installed at the server level - meaning it will be available for use by the entire library system or consortium. Since Leap coexists with the Polaris ILS software and can be used interchangeably, each library or user can decide whether or not Leap is appropriate for a particular workflow.
Q: What devices can be used for Leap?
A: Staff can run Leap on a tablet (iPad, Surface, etc.) as long as the device has access to a modern web browser that supports HTML 5.
Q: What HTML 5 browsers have been tested with Leap?
A: Internet Explorer 10 or 11, Chrome latest and Safari latest.
Q: What printers work with Leap?
A: Printing will primarily depend on the tablet/laptop being able to communicate with a printer. The printing hardware will depend on which printers can be connected with the workstation/device. That connection will be outside of Polaris. Within Leap we have developed some prompts to print - e.g. check-out receipts.
The table below shows the receipt printers tested with Leap using the operating systems, drivers, and browsers indicated.
Q: What is the default printer in Leap?
A: Web browsers will default to the printer that was last used to print. If the web browser has never been used to print, it will default to the printer that has been configured as the default printer.
Q: How do I switch between printers in Leap - for example printing receipts and printing screenshots?
A: Printing in Leap is handled by the capabilities of the web browser. If you are switching between printers, select the appropriate type of printer for the content being printed in the browser's print dialog (i.e. select the receipt printer when printing receipts).
Q: What does Leap look like?
A: You can view a video demonstration of Leap here.
Below is a basic view of a patron profile on Leap.
For more information on Leap including (Why we created Leap and what makes Leap different from the Polaris ILS?) download the FAQ.
