Consultant eNews

The Support Department has implemented a new tool called TeamViewer which allows support representatives to view what is on the client’s screen but not have access to their computer to make any changes.  TeamViewer can be downloaded for free by the client and will be used in elevated situations as decided by STI.  When needed, TeamViewer helps us provide an even higher, more efficient level of support.

We recently made a few changes to Version 16 that you can download from our Web site. They are available in Version 16.1.2.933 or greater and will have a date of 9/14/2011 or later. 

• A change made in August to the Outlook Toolbar Plug-in caused the following message if the reading pane is not displayed: “Unable to find the e-mail in Outlook. The PracticeMaster record indicator for this e-mail will not be updated.” This was fixed. 
• You can now manually select an address type of Matter in the Client Information window in addition to Home, Business, or Other. 
• You can now edit a Matter address in the Client Information window. 
• Changing address, phone or e-mail information for the base matter will now propagate through all other matters for the client that are secure or use a Matter address, provided the information matches. This change now includes address details. 

We believe that the editable Matter address and propagation changes will make it easier for users who have converted from previous versions to continue to use the software in the manner they previously employed. These changes will allow firms to support unique address requirements without creating additional contact records. Please keep in mind that there are several disadvantages to using a Matter address including the following:  

• Lose the ability to maintain a unified contact database between Tabs3, PracticeMaster, and Tabs3 Trust Accounting
• Allows non-standard information in address fields
• Address changes to the matter record will not affect the client contact’s address
• Matter address is not updated if the contact address is changed
• Requires editing of multiple records unless you edit the base matter
• Conflict/contact searching not as easy due to duplicates
• Matter addresses do not integrate with Outlook
• Can cause issues with PracticeMaster document assembly because documents coded to retrieve address information from the Contact file will not be able to retrieve address information from the Matter address in the Client file 

Contact Bruce Policky or Technical Support if you have any questions. Once you download, additional information regarding the Matter address can be found in the Help.

As a reminder for those considering Platinum SQL, Microsoft SQL Server is not required to access Tabs3 and PracticeMaster data, or to run the Platinum SQL version.  SQL functionality is built in to the Platinum SQL Server Software.  However, Platinum SQL versions of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster can be used in conjunction with Microsoft SQL Server using the Linked Server feature.  Read on for more info!
 

Q) What is the relationship between MS SQL Server and Platinum SQL?

A) MS SQL Server has a feature called “Linked Servers” that enables SQL Server to execute distributed queries on diverse data sources such as Oracle, DB2 and Platinum SQL.

Q) Can I use Microsoft’s SQL Server instead of Platinum SQL?

A) No, STI’s Platinum software works exclusively with STI’s Platinum Server and Platinum SQL Server.

Q) Can I use Microsoft’s Linked Server feature with Platinum (non-SQL)?

A) No, the Linked Server feature requires OLE DB access, and therefore only works with the OLE DB-compatible ODBC driver that is included with Platinum SQL.

Q) How can I access my Tabs3 and PracticeMaster data?

A) Because of the open nature of Platinum SQL’s ODBC and OLE DB support, your database is easily accessible by 3rd party programs such as Microsoft Office (32 & 64 bit editions), Crystal Reports, and, with the Linked Server feature described above, MS SQL Server.

Q) How do I perform database maintenance such as adding indices and database backup?

A) Tabs3 and PracticeMaster are designed to not need the services of a Database

Administrator (DBA). Instead of using a database management tool to add an index or make a backup, you can perform these tasks within Tabs3 or PracticeMaster using screens designed to work like the rest of our software. Platinum also supports the Windows VSS backup system.

Who should use Platinum SQL?

• Firms who would like accelerated ODBC performance, or have several people using ODBC
• Firms that would like to use their 64-bit server processor and memory to handle large data files or many users with increased speed and performance
• Firms who want to use Office 2010 64-bit (or any other 64-bit program) to access the data via the ODBC driver
• Firms who want to use MS SQL Server Linked Server feature to query the Tabs3 / PracticeMaster database

A new PracticeMaster WorkFlow white paper is now available right here on eNews!  As you know, WorkFlows are a powerful new feature found in version 16 of PracticeMaster Premier.  They allow a firm to operate more efficiently, and be certain that important steps aren’t missed.  A WorkFlow can respond to activity in PracticeMaster by automatically adding an appointment, sending an e-mail, and much more!  The white paper lists six examples of how a WorkFlow can be used.  We would love to get suggestions on how you are using this feature to not only sell PracticeMaster, but how you are implementing it for everyday use in your firms.  We may even add your ideas to the white paper, or to our sample data!

We have a new white paper – Understanding Platinum SQL.  Use it as a quick refresher on how Platinum SQL works and why firms should use it.  Email it to your large clients to generate leads.  Use it as a leave behind after presentations to large firms.  You can find it in the Marketing / White Papers section of eNews, and here is a direct link.

As always, let us know if you have suggestions for making it better.

https://enews.tabs3.com/branding/whitepapers/Platinum_SQL_Whitepaper.pdf

As firms and resellers install version 16, one of the most common topics for support calls is Outlook integration.  We’ve created an Outlook Integration Guide to help you and your clients understand the nuances of setting up Outlook integration.  This guide is a 35 page PDF located with our other manuals.  From our main web page, it is found under Support|Documentation|Manuals Version 16.  A few of the items you’ll find are:  

• Getting started
• Basic concepts               
• Synchronization types
• PracticeMaster & Outlook integration with Microsoft Exchange
• PracticeMaster Platinum Exchange Connector Integration
• FAQ
• Troubleshooting
• Technical information

Contact a member of Technical Support at 402-419-2210 with any questions regarding Outlook integration.

The update process is well under way.  Our plan is to update customers on maintenance when version 16 was released by year’s end.  If you have a firm that would like an update earlier, contact a member of the Sales Department.  These updates are sent in batches, and usually get sent out every two to four weeks.