about this newsletter

On Track is a publication for users of Advanced Tracker solutions. Our goal is to provide news, tips, and information to help you be more productive.

In this issue:

• Spring '07 Version of Employee Tracker is Released
• SQL Server 2005
• Windows Vista
• Emergency Assistance

Information is more valuable when it is shared, so feel free to forward this newsletter to other people. See the end of this newsletter for subscription instructions.

new and improved

Spring '07 Version of Employee Tracker is Released

Phase one of the scheduling overhaul to Employee Tracker is now released. This first step introduces the Advanced Throw and Catch substitution interface, which allows for dynamic user-controlled totaling columns, a smarter grid interface, and stronger data access logic to get the most from your available resources. The new scheduling features are described in the updated Scheduling document, available online.

A complete list of the new features and deficiency corrections can be found in the Release Notes, available online.

If you want to update, you can download the new version from the web. Follow the instructions on the web page to verify your current version number and database platform, and to download the update as well as the installation instructions. Then call the helpdesk at 1-888-531-3774 ext. 226 so we can verify your support status and supply the password to unlock the update.

Hint for downloaders: even though you may need only the Update file, we recommend also downloading the Setup file. Save the Setup in case one of your computers has a meltdown, or you acquire a new computer, and you need to install Employee Tracker from scratch. It will be far easier to install from the most recent Setup file than by trying to locate your original Setup CD and then applying the Update.

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certified for sql 2005

SQL Server 2005

Please pass this information to your IT department or computer consultants.

Advanced Tracker software is now officially approved to run with Microsoft SQL Server 2005, including support for the SQL Native Client data provider. Supported editions of MS SQL Server 2005 are Enterprise, Standard, Workgroup, Express and Developer.

We have updated the SQL Server Administration documentation to include new instructions related to SQL Server 2005, and the software downloads will now read SQL Server (instead of SQL Server 2000) to indicated encompassed compliance for both SQL Server 2000 and 2005. The updated documentation is available online.

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windows vista compatibility

Windows Vista

Please pass this information to your IT department or computer consultants.

Our software has now been proven to run successfully on the Windows Vista operating system version 6.0 (Build 6000) and higher. Supported editions of Windows Vista are Home, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate.

Some security configurations may require additional administrative tasks to ensure that applications and their related components are installed as expected, as this new operating system strives to ensure that only trusted applications are available.

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help, i need somebody

Calling Support for Emergency Help

Our Help Desk takes calls and emails for technical support during normal business hours from Monday to Friday, including most Holidays. We always attempt to get back to the customer within two hours, but there are times when this is not possible due to the volume of calls.

So what do you do if you are waiting for a call back, and you absolutely need to speak to someone right away? The answer is to call our emergency extension. Simply call 1-888-531-3774, and choose extension 505 (remember that it looks like S.O.S.!) You will be prompted to leave a message, just as if you had called our regular technical help extension (226). The difference is that the technical person on call will be paged to phone in and retrieve the recorded message, and return your call.

The next question is "what constitutes an emergency?" Obviously, we do not want our technical staff woken up several times per night to solve issues that could easily wait until the office opens. Here is the definition that is being put on our service agreements:

Emergency Definition: An Advanced Tracker Customer with current Support & Maintenance is not able to complete payroll due to an Advanced Tracker software issue or an Advanced Tracker supplied hardware issue, which cannot be resolved during business hours. Advanced Tracker will assist with hardware resolutions, however any warranties of the hardware are provided by the manufacturer. Advanced Tracker is not responsible for lack of preparedness on the part of the customer or non-related hardware or software assistance; any services deemed non-emergency will be billable.

In other words, you either a) cannot get a payroll completed because of something happening with the software, or b) you are losing data because of a problem with a clock, scanning software or retrieval software. Of course, if you feel that your situation is an emergency, even if it does not meet these criteria, use your best judgment. If the problem is going to become bigger by waiting, then it is best to call right away.

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