What's new for HelpMaster v9.1?
HelpMaster Pro v9.1 is a major feature release that incorporates many new features. Read below for a list of the changes.
Installer
- The HelpMaster installer package has been improved to provide more options for system administrators. All pre-requisites and other dependencies (including Crystal Reports) are now bundled into the installation process and conditionally installed as required by each module.
- Each component has been isolated in the MSI database for easier command-line installation.
Database Wizard
- The Database and Reports Wizard has been re-written to simplify the upgrade process and provide additional checkbox for bypassing the backup. This allows database administrators more control over the upgrade process and will also assist in technical support issues. The database components have also been upgraded to use the latest code libraries for SQL Server 2008, while maintaining backward compatibility for SQL Server 2005.
- Full text searching configuration and setup has been improved to use the latest SQL Server 2008 syntax
- The sample and blank database have been improved for better sample data
Desktop
The desktop edition has received a lot of minor updates to correct usability, graphical and other issues. In addition to these, the following major features have been added:
- Multiple skillgroup membership. It is now possible for staff members to belong to more than one skillgroup. This allows for much more flexible security and workflow operations.
- Improved template subscriptions. Template subscriptions have been improved to allow automatic template subscriptions to all template types whenever a new staff member joins a skillgroup. System administrators can easily configure templates for staff via the Template Manager screen.
- A new staff administration screen. A new screen has been created to perform all aspects of staff administration. This is the screen that system administrators will use to configure staff, skillgroups, security from. Multiple views, and a drag 'n drop interface make this screen easier for system administration.
- Improved application security. There are now more application security options available to the system administrator. This allows an ever greater level of control and screen accessibility for staff and clients.
- Improved job security. The job security model has been completely re-worked and improved. There are now a lot more security options for staff when working with jobs. Now that staff can belong to multiple skillgroups, system administrators can configure staff to have one set of security access for one skillgroup, and another for other skillgroups.
- Client merge functionality. Do you have duplicate clients in your database? Now you can merge them together. The new merge feature allows you to merge multiple clients into one. All helpdesk history, links and other data can be selectively chosen via the new merge tool.
- Export to CSV or clipboard from every list/grid. Ever wanted to quickly export data into Excel for some ad-hoc reporting? Now it's easy - simply select whatever data is on screen, right-click and select "Export" from the pop-up menu.
- Improved import functionality. The import screen has been re-written to use XML import files. More import destination fields are now available and the interface has been improved for better field mapping visualization.
- Windows can now be docked, or undocked. HelpMaster now has the option to run in a MDI (multiple document interface), or SDI (Single document interface) mode. This makes it much more flexible when working with multiple monitors, or simply if you prefer to have your application screens "floating"
- Every screen is re-sizeable. Resizeable screens mean more flexibility and control over your HelpMaster experience. Resizeable windows also means that the screen shrinkage and re-sizing issues are greatly minimized in a MDI interface.
- More multi-threading. HelpMaster will now do a lot of the "under the hood" calculations, database lookups and other system information in other processing threads. This means more speed, less looking at a spinning hourglass mouse-pointer and better utilization of your multi-core processor.
Web
The web interface has been redesigned for a better look and feel. The home page now includes a helpdesk dashboard style interface that shows a lot more information than previous versions. Many small inconsistencies and issues have been corrected and the overall look of the web interface is now much closer to the interface of the desktop edition.
- There is now a separate field chooser for both the client and staff web interfaces. This allows system administrators to customize the fields that are displayed via the web interfaces. This is performed via the Desktop edition for easy use.
- The web settings and other properties can now be accessed via the Desktop edition.
- A new and simplified IIS configuration tool has been created to assist in the initial setup and configuration of the web interface.
- There is a new interface for uploading multiple attachments at the same time.
- There is better support for more browsers.
- Many screen that display job or action details now contain a preview panel, similar to the desktop edition. This makes viewing job information via the web interface quick and simple
- The job finder on the web has been improved to support multi-check checkboxes, similar to the desktop edition
- The Knowledge base home / search screen has been improved for a better layout
Email Manager
- The Email Manager has an improved wizard interface for creating profiles. Profiles can now be ordered via a drag 'n drop interface, and the underlying email code has been upgraded for better stability and performance.
- Improvements in stability, error recovery and configuration change awareness.
Priority Manager
- The Priority Manager has an improved wizard interface for creating profiles.
- Improvements in stability, error recovery and configuration change awareness.
Active Directory
The Active Directory manager has an improved wizard interface for creating AD profiles.
HelpMaster API
One for the developers. The new HelpMaster API allows software developers and system integrators access to HelpMaster Pro functionality via a well documented and easy to use programming object model. If you've ever wanted to create your own interface to HelpMaster, or simply extend what's already there, the API is for you. Current functionality is limited to the basic HelpMaster functions, however the API will be continually improved.
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