Microsoft Windows 10…

In June I emailed you to say don’t update your pc’s to Microsoft’s new Windows 10 operating system just yet until I had tested Mercury Systems and its sub-components to ensure the programs still work correctly after the update.

I am happy to report that two machines now are running Mercury Systems over Windows 10 without a problem.

• Machine #1 is a laptop of mine, originally running Windows 7 with Mercury Systems already installed
• Machine #2 is a customer’s brand new pc running Windows 10 pre-installed by the manufacturer, with Mercury Systems installed afresh.

In both cases Mercury Systems installed and ran without issue, including vital sub-components such as Crystal reports.  Whilst you could argue that only two machines running Windows 10 isn’t considered comprehensive testing, it’s looking good so far.

As far as Mercury Systems is concerned, I have no problem with you upgrading your pc’s to Windows 10, should you choose to do so.  Windows 10 would be a good option if you are currently using Windows 8 or 8.1, as I think Windows 10 is much better.  For additional peace of mind, for 30 days after upgrading, Microsoft will allow you to roll back the installation to the earlier operating system if you need to.

It may still be best to wait for another month or two before upgrading, as any major issues immediately after release will be found and fixed by Microsoft during that time.  So far, Microsoft is releasing the update free-of-charge to Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 customers, and I don’t know how long this offer will be available for.

A new feature to help with selecting existing clients…

As you know, when creating a new client record you are supposed to first open ‘List Clients’ and check whether the client is already contained within the database (to avoid duplicating the client).  This can take some time.

I have now added a new feature that will allow you to open the ‘New Client’ screen first, type in the client’s surname as usual, and then press return (enter).  This will open a ‘Quick-Find’ screen and automatically shortlist the matching client records.  If the client is found, simply double-click the record to load that client into the Client Details form.  If the client is not found, press escape to close the Quick-Find screen.

Hopefully this will shave a few seconds off creating a new service job or sales invoice.

This new feature will be included in the next update, which will be released towards the end of July.

Up-coming changes to Client Interactive History, Job History, Job Private History and Send Email Log screens

Some important changes are being made to the above-mentioned screens.  Effectively, these separate screens will disappear and be replaced by one ‘super’ screen that will centralise all history, communications records and activity for a selected client and/or job.  The new screen will more clearly show history entries made at client level, job level, and messages sent to the customer via SMS or Email, giving you a more concise view of client / job interaction.

These changes will be included in the next update, which will be released towards the end of July.

Microsoft Windows 10…

Many of you will have noticed a new icon in the system tray (bottom right corner) from Microsoft offering to upgrade your existing Windows 7 or Windows 8 operating systems to the up-coming Windows 10 operating system, free-of-charge when it is released in late July.

Whilst it is certainly tempting to do this, please bear in mind that we don’t yet know whether any compatibility issues will occur with your existing software programs (I am referring specifically of course to Mercury Systems, but this also applies to other software you use on a daily basis).

I have instructed one of my test machines to obtain the upgrade when it is released, and I will know very quickly following the upgrade whether any problems exist with Mercury Systems itself, Crystal Reports, or other 3^rd party components used within Mercury Systems.

So, my suggestion is to NOT hit the button to obtain a free upgrade for the time being (ensure your staff are also aware) – I will keep you all advised of the results of the upgrade on my test machine…

1. Upcoming Vacation

This is a reminder that I am away on vacation at the end of Thursday 7^th May and back at my desk on Monday 25^th May.  I will have email and some Skype capability, however this is only for emergencies so please don’t make any major changes to your computers or network until I return.

2. Support Hours

Standard support hours (when I am not on vacation…) are from 1:30pm to 6:30pm Monday to Friday.  I may be available after 6:30pm by appointment only.  Since most customer businesses close around 6pm or earlier, I am sure you will appreciate it is not a good use of time for me to wait for an occasional phone call outside of these hours, unless it is by prior appointment.

3. Mercury Systems - Annual Software Maintenance, And What It Covers...

Occasionally I get requests for new work that customers mistakenly believe should be covered by their annual software maintenance premium.

• So just to clarify, the annual software maintenance premium covers the following:-
• Software updates relating to bug fixes
• Software updates relating to new features and additions
• Technical support (by remote connection, email and telephone) during standard support hours
• Training / “How do I do…” questions during standard support hours

…essentially anything that relates to an issue with Mercury Systems (that is caused by Mercury Systems, and not due to other external factors), is covered by the maintenance premium.

I am also happy to assist, for an additional fee, if you have other issues with your network or computers such as:-

• Development of new programs, utilities and data-import routines to suit your specific requirements
• Removal of virus infections
• Printer and printing issues
• Router and firewall issues
• VPN (e.g. Hamachi) / remote connection
• Email / Internet
• Consultancy and general advice
• Additional custom reports

Please note that if you buy a new pc or server to replace an old machine running Mercury Systems, or if an existing pc or server operating system is damaged and everything needs re-installing, I can of course re-install Mercury Systems but be aware this is not covered by the annual software maintenance premium.  It is classed as ‘new work’ and is chargeable in most instances since it is the computer that has failed and not Mercury Systems (although you won’t need to purchase the software user license again).

If you have any queries re the above, please give me a call.

Sipcentric Telephony Integration

A Hatchgate customer recently switched from their regular BT phone system over to an IP- (internet) based telephone system hosted by Sipcentric, and as a result they are making some considerable cost savings plus they now have access to a range of additional telephony features they never had before.

If you think your current phone system is costing too much, it may be worth taking a look at Birchills Telecoms (www.birchills.net) who can supply a Sipcentric SOHO (small office / home office) phone system to your business for hopefully a lot less than you are currently paying.

In addition, Mercury Systems can now integrate to Sipcentric’s internet phone service, meaning that if you were to set up a Sipcentric account coupled to either virtual desktop phones or standard IP phone handsets, you can then click a ‘Call’ button within Mercury Systems to automatically phone your customer or supplier etc. (saving time and generally making life easier).

(Please note I am not in any way endorsing Sipcentric / Birchills Telecoms – I am however passing along favourable comments from an existing Hatchgate customer who has made the switch, and is very happy with the cost savings and extra features)

Vacation…

I am away from Thursday 7^th May until Monday 25^th May (12 business days).

During this time I should be able to respond to emails and occasionally hold a conversation using Skype, as I am taking a laptop with me.  It may also be possible for me to connect to your pc’s / server’s in the event of an emergency (only).

As most of you know, it is my policy to not issue program updates for a couple of weeks before going away, so updates are going to cease in the next few days.

Therefore, if you have any issues that cannot wait, please phone or email me soon.