TAURUS provides the means for automating processes at SUG through database connectivity. The system integrates gas transportation data from VIPER with sales and accounting information for the purpose of reconciling Unaccounted For Gas (UFG). TAURUS provides data access to any computer on the Southern Union Gas network. The system is PC based and interfaces seamlessly with the both the IBM 3090-based CSS and the AS/400-based S2000 to generate customized operations and accounting reports.

Hardware and Software

The UFG NT Server and SNA Server residing at SUG’s Austin location is linked to the CSS system in Kansas City via SUG’s existing trunking system. The SNA Server acts as the gateway from the UFG NT Server to the AS/400 and the IBM 3090 computers. On a nightly basis, the UFG System communicates through the SNA Server to download new or revised data from the CSS system in Kansas City. During report periods, the UFG System will communicate through the SNA Server to also upload the appropriate data to the CSS and S2K systems. Additionally, the UFG System communicates directly to the VIPER system and retrieves information on an as needed basis.

In addition to these standard front ends, TAURUS utilizes off-the-shelf programs such as Microsoft® SQL Server™ (for database generation and management), Microsoft® Access™ (for query and reporting power), Microsoft Excel™, and Microsoft Word™. Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word can be configured to read data directly from the database.

The use of the Microsoft products ensures that the system will be expandable and flexible (a mandate for the project) and less costly to maintain. The combined security of the Novell® Server, Microsoft NT Server™, and Microsoft SQL Server ensures that only qualified individuals have appropriate access to the data.

The TAURUS system utilizes two (2) IBM-compatible PC’s running Microsoft NT Server. One server runs Microsoft SQL Server and acts as the repository of information for the UFG system. The second server runs Microsoft SNA Server and will act as the gateway between the IBM 3090 and AS/400 and Microsoft SQL Server.