Support News

MetaCommunications Support News - June 2009

ctrue — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: Jump to Virtual Ticket from SQL Report Links

SQL Server Reporting Services includes a feature that allows for the embedding of URL links in the body of a report. This functionality can be used to create OpenURI links to jump into Virtual Ticket from the body of the SQL Report. For example, suppose you have a report which shows a list of open jobs in the database and you would like to have a link on the report that allows you to jump to that job in the database. For an example outlining the setup of this feature, see Knowledge Base article 16375.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16375

Q&A with Technical Support: Resolving IIS 404 Messages

Why do I get a 404 message when trying to install the Portal Integration Tool through the Workgroups Portal on OS X?

When trying to download and install the Macintosh version of Portal Integration Tool through the Workgroups Portal you may receive a 404 message if your Internet Information Server is incorrectly configured. If the MIME type information for the .dmg file type is missing from IIS it will need to be created in the Internet Information Services Manager. MIME information identifies the types of content which can be served up to a browser from a web server. The web browser will inquire as to the type of content about to be downloaded. If no information is available, typically a 404 error will appear.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16374

Smart Tip of the Month: Configuring a Cancel Button Option

In some situations, you would like to be able to cancel an operation you have started with a button. For example, you may have a script that copies information from one record to another. When users incorrectly click any button tied to a script that performs automated actions, you run the risk of invalid information being in your database. By using the MetaScript Confirm function, giving the user the ability to cancel their unintended operation is simple. For an example of using this function, visit MetaCommunications Knowledge Base article 16376.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16376

Additional Resources: Developer Center Release Nearing

The release of the much anticipated MetaCommunications Developer Center is nearly here. Final usability testing is currently in progress. The MetaCommunications Developer site is a community based resource which will allow customers and developers alike a centralized location for searching for solutions, knowledge, tickets, answers to questions and much more. Be looking for an announcement very soon!

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16374 – Resolving a 404 Error When Downloading the Portal Integration Tool in Mac OS X
This article describes how to resolve a 404 error message that can appear when attempting to download the Portal Integration Tool on a Mac OS X computer.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16374

16375 – Configuring SQL Reports to Jump to Virtual Ticket via OpenURI
This article describes how to build links in SQL Server Reports that use OpenURI links to open Virtual Ticket to specific records.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16375

16376 – MetaScript Example - Using the Confirm function to Provide a Method For Cancelling an Action
This article provides an example for using the MetaScript Confirm function which can be used to allow users to confirm or cancel their scripted actions.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16376

16377 – Troubleshooting the MetaNotificationForwarder Solution
This article describes steps which should be reviewed when attempting to troubleshoot the MetaNotificationForwarder solution, which forwards Virtual Ticket Notifications to email.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16377

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - May 2009

ctrue — Fri, 01 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: Start a New Record with OpenURI

Beginning in Package 160, new Virtual Ticket records can be started using the OpenURI functionality of MetaScript. For example, suppose you would like a button on your main job form that starts a new Change Order record and displays it in the Virtual Ticket browser in edit mode. Using OpenURI, the new record is started in the browser for the user to complete and add to the database. MetaCommunications Knowledge Base article 16370 contains an example of how to use this new functionality.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16370

Q&A with Technical Support: Opening a Custom Query from a Button

Can I open a custom query by clicking a button?

In a recent release of Virtual Ticket, the capability to open finds and custom queries dynamically was implemented. MetaCommunications Knowledge Base article 16371 contains an example MetaScript function that requires the name of the desired custom query be passed to the function. An administrator can then call this function from a button and open the query.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16371

Smart Tip of the Month: Dynamically Change Button Labels

Button controls in Virtual Ticket and Digital Storage Manager provide a powerful method for allowing a user to initiate different actions. The label that appears on the button may simply be a static text value, or they can be set via MetaScript. Knowledge Base Article 16372 contains an example that changes the button label depending on the value of another field on a form.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16372

Additional Resources: Rimage Network Publisher and SDK Pack for Office 2003

When archiving with the Rimage Helper through Digital Storage Manager, the burning of files to CD or DVD can be automated if the Rimage? Network Publisher component is installed and configured. Network Publisher watches a specific location on the network for specially formatted text files containing information about which files should be burned, the location of those files, and additional format data. When such files are found, Network Publisher initiates the CD/DVD burning process based on the information contained therein.

For more information visit:
http://www.rimage.com

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16370 - Start a New Record Through OpenURI
This article describes how to start a new record in the Virtual Ticket browser using the OpenURI MetaScript functionality.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16370

16371 - Open a Find or Custom Query using a Button
This article provides an example for opening finds and custom queries using a button on a Virtual Ticket form.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16371

16372 - Dynamically Change a Button Label
This article provides a MetaScript example for dynamically changing the label that appears on button on a Virtual Ticket form.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16372

16373 - Changing the Database Owner Account
This article provides a method for changing the account that is listed as the database owner in Microsoft SQL Server.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16373

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - April 2009

ctrue — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: Workgroups 2009 Released

The beginning of this month saw the release of Workgroups 2009. Features new to Workgroups 2009 include improvements to OpenURI, performance improvements over slow networks and wide area networks, printing improvements, contextual menu selection items for custom query results and much more. For more details see the release notes for MetaCommunications Package 160.

Q&A with Technical Support: Controlling Emails

How can I control which emails are sent to me by Approval Manager?

When you are managing many proofs through Approval Manager, you may want to control the emails you receive. A stored procedure can be created that allows you to dictate which emails should not be received by various users of the system. See knowledge base article 16365 for details on implementing this system change.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16365

Smart Tip of the Month: Mass Deleting a Keyword

Have you ever added a keyword to several files and wished you could remove it in one operation? The option to do so is available in Virtual Ticket or Digital Storage Manager. Perform the following steps:

Find the Digital Resources that have the keyword you would like to remove.
Select all of the files so they are highlighted, then click Edit.
Enter your keyword into the keywords field with a minus symbol in front of the keyword. For example, if you would like to remove the keyword 'Dog' from several files you would enter -Dog.
Click the Update button and your keyword will be removed.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16368

Additional Resources: Office 2007 Compatibility Pack for Office 2003

In last month's edition we mentioned added support for Microsoft Office 2007 documents by Virtual Ticket and Digital Storage Manager. To process those files, you must have Microsoft Office 2007 or Microsoft Office 2003 with the Compatibility Pack for Office 2007 installed on the machine doing the thumbnailing. The compatibility tool can be downloaded from Microsoft.

For more information visit:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/HA101686761033.aspx

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16365 - Controlling emails from Approval Manager proofs
This article describes how to limit the emails which are received from the Approval Manager system.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16365

16366 - Moving a database to another server via backup and restore
This article describes how to move a database to a new SQL Server using the backup and restore method.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16366

16367 - Resolving error -9870 when dragging and dropping files to Virtual Ticket
This article describes an issue that some users may experience when performing various mouse actions including drag and drop in Virtual Ticket.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16367

16368 - Mass Delete a Keyword from Digital Resources
This article describes how to delete a keyword from a Digital Resource in Virtual Ticket or Digital Storage Manager.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16368

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - March 2009

ctrue — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: Office 2007 Support

Support for Microsoft Office 2007 has been added in the most recent releases of Workgroups. This means that in addition to supporting older .doc, .xls. and .ppt files, newer .docx, .xlsx and .pptx files are supported and can be thumbnailed in Virtual Ticket and Digital Storage Manager databases without making any changes to file type settings in the database.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16363

Q&A with Technical Support: Separate Maintenance Plans

Should I set up separate SQL maintenance plans to cover my full and transaction log backups?

Our documentation currently describes a method that uses one maintenance plan to do all backups and maintenance but contains multiple procedures scheduled throughout the day and requires multiple file cleanup tasks. An alternative method exists which uses two maintenance plans but requires less scheduled tasks during the day. Full details of this alternative method can be reviewed in knowledge base article 16362.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16362

Smart Tip of the Month: Posting Status from Virtual Ticket to Twitter

Blogger Chris Brogan recently posted a list of 50 ideas business can use with Twitter. Expanding upon Mr. Brogan's blog, we thought it might be useful to have Virtual Ticket automatically post what people are working on to a team or corporate Twitter account. This can be an excellent way for teams to casually stay informed of what one another is doing, or even for keeping customers informed of the progression of their projects. By incorporating the solution in Knowledge Base Article 16361 Virtual Ticket can automatically post tweets to Twitter via the Twitter API when records are added, updated or otherwise modified in Virtual Ticket according to the criteria you define.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16361

Additional Resources: SQL Query Examples

Earlier in this edition, we discussed setting up maintenance plans in Microsoft SQL Server. Should you ever be in need of help with your MS SQL backups, TechRepublic has numerous articles related to SQL server with issues, solutions, and additional tools for backing up your databases. Also, the MetaCommunications Server Installation Guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up your own MS SQL Server maintenance plans.

For more information visit:
http://search.techrepublic.com.com/search/sql+backup.html

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16361 - Sending Status Info to Twitter from Virtual Ticket
This article provides an example of how to send status updates from Virtual Ticket to Twitter.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16361

16362 - Setting up Separate Maintenance Plans for Full and Transaction Log SQL Backups
This article describes how to set up separate SQL maintenance plans to cover both full and transaction log database backups.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16362

16363 - Thumbnailing Microsoft Office 2007 Files
This article describes what is required for Microsoft Office 2007 files to be thumbnailed in Virtual Ticket or Digital Storage Manager.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16363

16364 - Configuring Image Portal to Connect to a SQL Server Instance With an Underscore In It's Name
This article describes how to configure the Image Portal to connect to a Microsoft SQL Server instance that has an underscore in the instance name.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16364

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - February 2009

ctrue — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: Zoom In/Out Enhancement

To allow for greater control over the zooming on forms in Virtual Ticket, a new zoom percentage popup button has replaced the + and - magnifying icons in the Virtual Ticket browser window. Now users can choose the zoom percentage they would prefer from 50% to 400%.

Q&A with Technical Support: Sorting a Static List via MetaScript

How can I execute a MetaScript when certain fields are edited?

By using a Regular Expression in MetaScript, you can watch a field or group of fields and trigger the execution of a specific script when a specific field has been edited. For example, suppose you have series of fields whose names contain '30Days' and '60Days' and you only want MetaScript to update a last edited date field when one of the '30Days' fields are edited but should not execute when the '60Days' fields are edited. This task can be accomplished by setting up a loop with a regular expression that looks for '30Days'. Knowledge Base article 16358 contains an example script for this scenario.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16358

Smart Tip of the Month: Removing Text Via MetaScript

You may have a scenario where you would like to display some information already contained in a field but is included with other information you do not want to display. For example, suppose you would like to display the name of the sales rep on a Quote Print form you send your customers. The Sales Rep name information is contained in the Employee_2_Name field in the Estimates-Quotes folder type but the field also includes the employee number information in the following format [10] Joe Smith. Using the MetaScript String Split function, you can drop the employee number information by identifying a character ( ] ) which it will be easy to split the value into two different items. Then you can choose to display the information after the splitting character. Knowledge Base Article 16357 provides an example for solving this scenario.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16357

Additional Resources: SQL Query Examples

Earlier in this edition, we discussed enhanced functionality to the Custom Query capabilities of Workgroups. The following web site provides a cheat sheet of common SQL queries including: locating items that are in one table but not another, doing aggregates, inserting information, updating information, and much more.

For more information visit:
http://www.paragoncorporation.com/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=27

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16357 - Removing Text Via MetaScript
This article provides an example of using the MetaScript function String().Split which can be used to split a text string into multiple parts based on an identifier.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16357

16358 - Executing MetaScripts Based on Field Naming Conventions
This article provides an example of how to execute a MetaScript when changes are made to fields named according to a naming convention.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16358

16359 - Error When Editing a SQL Server Maintenance Plan
This article describes a problem that can occur when attempting to modify an existing SQL Server 2005 Maintenance Plan.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16359

16360 - Open Workgroups Portal Links in a New Tab or New Window
This article describes a feature which allows for the user to easily open links in Workgroups Portal in new tabs or new windows.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16360

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - January 2009

ctrue — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: New Options for OpenURI

In the upcoming release of Virtual Ticket, the OpenURI MetaScript functionality has been expanded to allow the opening of Virtual Ticket Finds and Custom Queries. With this new functionality, the criteria can be passed to the find through OpenURI command and the search initiated and results returned in a new window. MetaCommunications Knowledge Base article 16355 contains an example which shows how to use this new functionality.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16355

Q&A with Technical Support: Change the Administrator Password

Is there a way to reset Administrator password?

If you have Administrative rights to the server and the proper SQL credentials, the Administrator password can be changed. A new feature has been added to the MetaCommunications Server Configurator application that allows the Administrator's password to be reset. Knowledge Base article 16356 explains how to change the Administrator password.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16356

Smart Tip of the Month: Using the Finder Plug-In to Locate and Edit Digital Resource Metadata

When the Production Pack is installed, a new Virtual Ticket or Digital Storage Manager item appears in the OS X Context Menu. When displayed several options appear for you to select from: Move, Archive, Set Archive Date, View Job Tickets and View Digital Resources. In situations where you would like to add metadata to a series of files in the database, simply right-click the desired file(s) and choose the View Digital Resources option from the Finder Plug-in. The selected files will be located and displayed in Virtual Ticket or Digital Storage Manager browser window. At this point you can edit the metadata associated with the Digital Resource

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16354

Additional Resource: Online QuickBooks Help

MetaCommunications Support staff was recently able to help resolve a customer's issue related to reporting in QuickBooks using the QuickBooks Online community found at http://community.intuit.com/quickbooks. Further review of the site shows that it provides a wealth of additional information regarding QuickBooks including a Q&A section, Online Help, an option for getting help locally, and a library with various articles.

For more information visit:
http://community.intuit.com/quickbooks

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16353 - Viewing an address in Google Maps from Virtual Ticket
This article provides an example MetaScript for displaying an address in Google Maps from Virtual Ticket.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16353

16354 - Locating and Editing information with the OS X Finder Plug-in
This article provides instructions for using the OS X Finder Plug-in for locating and editing Digital Resource metadata.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16354

16355 - Using OpenURI to display finds and custom queries
This article provides an example for using the OpenURI functionality with Finds and Custom Queries in Virtual Ticket.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16355

16356 - Changing the Administrator password via the ServerConfigurator
This article describes how to change the Workgroups Administrator user password using the ServerConfigurator application.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16356

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - December 2008

ctrue — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: Home Page Customization

In the most recent release of Workgroups Portal, users have the ability to set a preference for what tab should appear as their home page. By clicking the Preferences link in the upper right corner of the Workgroups Portal, a new drop down list has been added which allows the ability to specify which page displays when they log in. For example, users who work primarily from the Production tab can have the Production Home page instead of the My Items page appear first upon logging in.

Q&A with Technical Support: Logging in to the Same Form and Record

How can I get Virtual Ticket to display the same form and record each time a user logs in?

Some system administrators have implemented the concept of a home page in Virtual Ticket where the home page form is a jumping off point to other forms in the system. This can be implemented by distributing a .vts file with the proper parameters configured to log the user into the system and display the desired record and form. Knowledge Base article 16349 provides an example .vts which accomplishes this.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16349

Smart Tip of the Month: Modifying the Browser Window Object Chooser

The Virtual Ticket object chooser button can be modified to display information other than the ID field value by using a custom stored procedure to determine what should appear for each object type. For example, in the Employees folder type you may rather see employee names instead of the employee number when you click the object chooser. To make this change, a stored procedure must be configured and added to the database. An example exists in MetaCommunications Knowledge Base article 16351.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16351

Additional Resource: Developer Community

MetaCommunications will soon be unveiling a new developer community website for developers and administrators of Virtual Ticket. The website contains forums for discussing development topics, tools for sharing and reusing code snippets, and an area for publishing and downloading solutions. Watch the MetaCommunications website for a release announcement in the new year!

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16348 - Determine the size of tables in the database
This article provides an example SQL query which can be used to determine the size of the tables in a Workgroups database.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16348

16349 - Using .vts files to automatically open a record and form in Virtual Ticket
This article provides an example .vts file which can be used to always open Virtual Ticket to the same record and form.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16349

16350 - Viewing the size of extended previews in the database
This article provides an example SQL query which can be used to calculate the size of all extended previews in the Workgroups database.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16350

16351 - Modifying the Browser Window Object Chooser in Virtual Ticket
This article provides an example stored procedure which can be modified what appears in the Object Chooser list in the Virtual Ticket browser window.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16351

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - November 2008

ctrue — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: Proof Filtering

In the most recent releases of Workgroups, greater proof filtering has been implemented to allow users to quickly locate and work with proofs. A new Filter field has been added to the Proof Manage, Productions and Review tabs. To locate a proof using the new filter, simply enter a keyword. A wild card character (*) can be used when a keyword may be contained within several fields within the Proof record (proof name, description, file name, proof number, etc).

Q&A with Technical Support: 64-bit System Support

Can I install the MetaCommunications Application Server software on Windows Server 2003 64-bit operating system?

In the most recent release, support has been added for running the MetaCommunications Application Server and the Workgroups Portal software on systems where the Windows Server 2003 64-bit operating system is installed. This support will also allow for the use of the 64-bit version of SQL Server 2005.

Smart Tip of the Month: Sending Custom Email

It is no secret that email can be sent by the Workgroups suite. Emails can be sent for notifications from Virtual Ticket and Digital Storage Manager, proof notifications from Approval Manager, and account setup notices from Job Manager and Approval Manager among others. Users can also send custom email from Virtual Ticket and Digital Storage Manager by using MetaScript. Knowledge Base Article 16345 contains an example form which shows how to build your own tool for sending email in Workgroups.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16345

Additional Resources: Configuring Your Email Server

For Workgroups to be able to send email, it is necessary for the system to be configured to know what SMTP server should be used for the email to be sent. In most cases, the SMTP server also needs to be configured to allow the email from Workgroups to be "relayed" or sent.

The following articles provide information on SMTP server security:
http://www.auditmypc.com/freescan/readingroom/relay.asp
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/895853

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16344 - Fixing an error during installation caused by disabled Web Service Extensions
This article describes how to resolve an issue that can be experienced when installing the Workgroups Portal software.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16344

16345 - Sending Custom Email from Virtual Ticket or Digital Storage Manager
This article describes how to set up forms in Virtual Ticket or Digital Storage Manager to send custom emails.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16345

16346 - Troubleshooting problems with the MetaSQLMail job
This article describes how to troubleshoot problems with the MetaSQLMail job that exists for each database and relays email to an SMTP server.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16346

16347 - Non-fatal error during database link startup
This article describes an error that can be seen when attempting to start a database link in the MetaCommunications Application Server Shell.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16347

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - October 2008

ctrue — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: New Location for Notification Setup

In the most recent version of Virtual Ticket, the Notification Setup window has been moved into the File Cabinet window. This change makes for a single point of setup for forms, finds, permissions and notifications. To locate the notification setup for each folder and document type, simply expand the folder or document type. A new option for Notifications will be listed under Finds and Forms in the file cabinet.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16341

Q&A with Technical Support: Changing the SMTP Server Address

How can I change the SMTP server address?

If you change the address of the SMTP server in your environment and your MetaCommunications software is configured to send emails, you will have to change the SMTP server address setting used by your MetaCommunications software. How you change the SMTP server address depends on which MetaCommunications software you use.

If you use Workgroups Portal, you can change this address in the SMTP Server Address settings in the Email Notifications Administration page. See the documentation for further details.

If you do not use Workgroups Portal, the SMTP server address used by your MetaCommunications software is specified in the name of a SQL Server Agent Job run by Microsoft SQL Server. The name of the SQL Server Agent Job contains the address of the SMTP server (DBNAME-MetaSQLMail-SMTP.example.com). You can use SQL Enterprise Manager (SQL 2000) or SQL Management Studio (SQL 2005) to modify the name of this job to correspond with your new SMTP Server. To do this, expand the SQL Server Agent and click Jobs. Locate the email job and edit the job name by right-clicking on it and choosing Rename.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16343

Smart Tip of the Month: Relating Fields from Other Folder Types

Have you ever wanted to make a relationship between fields in a folder type you created in Virtual Ticket? By using a MetaScript solution available in the Knowledge Base, it is possible to make relationships between fields in different folders. This will allow you to display information from one folder type in any other folder type. The only requirement is the need for matching identifying values to link the two record types together.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16342

Additional Resources: Improving IIS Performance

You may be able to improve the performance of your web applications by changing the idle timeout settings for IIS 6.0. From time to time, IIS 6.0 will recycle the w3wp.exe process. As a result, you may notice that pages in Workgroups Portal and Image Portal appear to load slowly the first time they are opened. You can improve this by changing the idle timeout settings that control how often the w3wp.exe process is recycled. MetaCommunications Knowledge Base article 16339 provides step by step instructions for changing this setting.

For more information, visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16339

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16339 - Disabling the "Shutdown Worker Process after being idle" option in IIS
This article describes a method for improving the performance of Workgroups Portal.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16339

16341 - Locating the Notification Setup Window in Workgroups 2008
This article describes the location for the Notification Setup Window in Workgroups 2008.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16341

16342 - Creating relationships between fields in unrelated record types
This article provides an example of how to create a relationship between fields which are in unrelated record types in Virtual Ticket.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16342

16343 - Changing the SMTP Server Address settings
This article describes how to change the SMTP server address setting that are used by the Workgroups suite to send email.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16343

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - September 2008

ctrue — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: MetaScript Editing Enhancements

Several enhancements have been made to the MetaScript editing capabilities of Virtual Ticket and Digital Storage Manager. Syntax highlighting, brace matching and line numbering have been added to all MetaScript editor windows, providing developers with the ability to more easily recognize syntactical errors in their scripts as they work. Also, the ability to directly edit script files previously uploaded to the Stored Scripts window will help save time by not requiring round-tripping or re-uploading .js files just to implement changes to a script. In-place editing allows developers to simply edit and save the stored script file directly in Virtual Ticket. Changes are reflected as soon as the corresponding forms are reloaded.

Q&A with Technical Support: Open a folder created by the Folder Helper Solution

How can I get a new folder created by the Folder Helper Solution to open directly to the new folder?

An enhancement has been made to the MetaCommunications Folder Helper solution so that it uses the MetaScript OpenURI call to automatically open the newly-created Job folder in Windows Explorer. (An example using AppleScript is coming next month.) This streamlines placing files into newly created job folders as it removes the need for users to manually navigate the network looking for the job folder. An example has been added to the MetaCommunications Knowledge Base showing how to make use of this latest enhancement.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16337

Smart Tip of the Month: Create Add, Update and Delete buttons on a form

The Virtual Ticket Browser uses standard buttons in the upper right corner of the browser window for adding, updating, editing, and deleting records. You can make your user interactions with records more efficient by creating buttons directly in your forms for record Add, Edit, Update, and Delete functions. Additionally, if your corporate vocabulary differs from the default button labels ("Add", "Edit", "Update", and "Delete"), you can use any vocabulary you want on the buttons placed in your forms. For example, you could use the term "Submit" instead of "Update" or "Remove" instead of "Delete" if it makes more sense within the context of the form than the standard labels of the buttons in the upper right of the window.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16336

Additional Resources: Use WebEx API from Virtual Ticket

Users of Virtual Ticket who host internet meetings using WebEx may find the WebEx API guide helpful for creating meetings directly from within Virtual Ticket. By using the OpenURI MetaScript feature and the list of options available in the API guide, you can schedule a meeting by building a customized URI containing all of the information needed for your WebEx meeting. Expanded WebEx API documentation is available to members of the WebEx Developer Program. Entry level membership is advertised as free on the WebEx website. Visit MetaCommunications Knowledge Base Article 16335 for an example that illustrates how to create your own WebEx meeting from Virtual Ticket.

For more information on the WebEx Developer Program, visit:
http://www.webex.com/partners/program-tiers.html

To download the guide, visit:
http://www.webex.com/pdf/partner/webex_wp_MeetingServiceAPI.pdf

An example MetaScript Form can be found here:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16335

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16335 - MetaScript Example - Using the WebEx API to create meetings
This article provides an example of using the WebEx Communications API to create meetings from Virtual Ticket using MetaScript.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16335

16336 - MetaScript Example - Making Add, Update and Delete buttons on a Virtual Ticket form
This article provides an example form which shows how to place Add, Update and Delete action buttons on Virtual Ticket forms using MetaScript.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16336

16337 - Using OpenURI to open a job folder created by the Folder Helper solution
This article provides an example for automatically opening a folder that has just been created using the Folder Helper solution.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16337

16338 - There is no property set for MetaSQLMail job for database "..."
This article provides a solution for a problem that can be experienced when logging into Workgroups Portal for the first time.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16338

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - August 2008

ctrue — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: Data Export Enhancements

In the most recent release of Virtual Ticket, data export enhancements have been added to the product that make working with exported data easier. Include the column headers with your data export to make working with the file in external applications like Microsoft Excel easier. In addition, a new option provides the ability to export only selected rows, allowing you to export only the items you need.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16331

Q&A with Technical Support: Create Record from Find Results

How can I create a new record from the Find results window?

Using a brand new feature in Virtual Ticket, the find results window allows new folder type records to be created using the form that was used in the Find. Simply right click in the list of Find results to see the New option in the context menu. Choose the form from the submenu and fill out the form as needed. With this option, and depending on the workflow, a user can work almost entirely from the find results window.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16334

Smart Tip of the Month: Example - Button Availability

MetaScript can be used to control the availability of buttons placed on forms. For example, suppose you need a button on your Job ticket to only be available until the first time it is used, and thereafter become inactive. The example form in Knowledge Base Article 163XX shows how to make this scenario work.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16332

Additional Resources: Opening Tab Delimited Text in Microsoft Excel

Earlier in this edition, we mentioned using Microsoft Excel as an option for viewing data exported from Workgroups. There are some steps that must be taken in MS Excel to ensure that you view the information correctly. If you have imported data in Excel previously, it becomes second nature; if you have never imported data in Excel, the following article will describe the way to do it correctly:

http://www.gotknowhow.com/

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16331 - Enabling the "Include Column headings" and "Export only selected rows" options
This article includes information on how to enable the "Include Column headings" and "Export only selected rows" data export options in Virtual Ticket.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16331

16332 - Using MetaScript to Determine Button Availability
This article provides an example for determining a button's availability using MetaScript.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16332

16333 - Resolving the error "core.lists has not properties" when using the CopyTicket functionality in Virtual Ticket
The following article provides a fix to the error "core.lists has not properties" when using the CopyTicket functionality in Virtual Ticket.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16333

16334 - Create a new record from the Virtual Ticket Find results window
This article describes how a new Virtual Ticket folder type record can be created in the Find results window.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16334

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - July 2008

ctrue — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: Workgroups 2008 Preview

If you have visited the MetaCommunications website recently, you may have noticed the banner announcing the upcoming release of Workgroups 2008. Some features of the upcoming release include fully functional administrative capabilities in the Windows version of Virtual Ticket and Digital Storage Manager, universal binaries of the Virtual Ticket and Digital Storage Manager Mac OSX clients, home page customization in Workgroups Portal, reporting enhancements, the ability to create new folder records from the find results window and much, much more. Stay tuned to the website and this newsletter for release announcements.

Q&A with Technical Support: Database Backup Report

What is the Auto login feature that is shown when setting up email notifications in Approval Manager?

The auto login feature, which can be enabled in the email notification setup section of Approval Manager, is meant to provide Collaborative Users who may not regularly log in to the system an easy way to access Approval Manager without having to keep track of their credentials. When a collaborative user receives an email indicating they have a proof to review, the link to the proof contains additional information which will authenticate the user into the system automatically.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16328

Smart Tip of the Month: Example - Creating New Records with MetaScript

Suppose you want to be able to generate new database records from a Virtual Ticket form you use as a centralized point of data entry. With the CreateTicket() MetaScript function, folder type and/or document type records can be created automatically by simply passing the necessary information to the function. MetaCommunications Knowledge Base Article 16327 contains a usage example and a form which incorporates the function into a reusable example.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16327

Additional Resources: Microsoft SQL 2005 Upgrade Resources

If you currently use Microsoft SQL Server 2000, at some point you may consider upgrading to SQL Server 2005 to take advantage of new technology, new features or to be on the latest software. Several online resources are available which will help you through the process of upgrading your current SQL Server version to the latest.

The following websites provide good information on the topic of upgrading:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sql/2005/sqlupgrd.mspx
http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/general/0,295582,sid87_gci1188595,00.html#
http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/general/0,295582,sid87_gci1175006,00.html

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16327 - MetaScript Example - Using the CreateTicket function
This article provides an example for using MetaScript to create new document type or folder type records.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16327

16328 - Setting up auto login for Approval Manager collaborative users
This article describes how to configure Approval Manager so that collaborative users can bypass the login screen using the auto login functionality.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16328

16329 - Displaying the record creator's name
This article provides an example of how to retrieve and display the name of the user who created the record.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16329

16330 - MetaSQLMail job fails after SQL Server name has changed
This article describes a problem that can occur if the name of the server that SQL Server is installed on has been changed.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16330

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - June 2008

ctrue — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: Job Profitability SQL Report

The Job Manager Job Profitability custom query has recently been turned into a Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services report. This Reporting Services report version of the Job Profitability custom query provides the same search criteria options and report data as the custom query version, but gives users the option of returning the report as a PDF, Excel document or CSV file. This report is available in all newly created Job Manager databases or is available for download in MetaCommunications Knowledge Base article 16325 for databases created prior to package 156.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16325

Q&A with Technical Support: Database Backup Report

What is the best way to confirm that database backups are happening?

Knowledge of successful database backup is crucial to any disaster recovery plan. There are several methods for confirming that SQL database backups are completing as scheduled, including viewing the SQL backup job history, setting up the Microsoft SQL Server Mail functionality to send an email on backup success and failure, and using the database backup report included with the MetaReportGenerator solution. The MetaReportGenerator solution makes the process easy because no direct modification of the SQL Server setup is required to make the solution work. Knowledge Base article 16149 contains the details for downloading and configuring this report.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16149

Smart Tip of the Month: Example - Identifying Empty Fields with MetaScript

Recently, a Virtual Ticket system administrator inquired about producing alerts if a field in a form is left blank, contains a null value, or contains a space. Making the field required for entry accounts for the first two scenarios, but it does not account for a field where a space has been entered. Knowledge Base article 16324 contains two example functions, (one function for character fields and one function for integer fields) which can be used to determine if a field has been left blank.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16324

Additional Resources: Microsoft SQL Server Maintenance Plan Resources

Earlier in this article we discussed the importance of verifying the successful backup of SQL databases. The link below provides additional information on how SQL Server 2005 maintenance plans can be created.

http://www.sql-server-performance.com/articles/dba/creating_backup_jobs_p1.aspx

In addition, the MetaCommunications Server Installation Guide provides important details on setting up your own maintenance plan.

For more information visit:
http://www.meta-comm.com/documentation/

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16149 - Updated! Using MetaReportGenerator Solution
This article describes the MetaReportGenerator solution that generates reports on various aspects of database activity and e-mails them to the Administrator.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16149

16324 - Identifying Empty Fields with MetaScript
This article provides example MetaScript functions which can determine if a Virtual Ticket field has been left blank.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16324

16325 - Job Profitability SQL Server Reporting Services Report for Job Manager
This article provides a version of the Job Manager Job Profitability report for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16325

16326 - MetaScript Example - Excluding information from the Bill To Field
This article provides a MetaScript example which strips out the Contact Name information from the Bill To field data when it is displayed on a Virtual Ticket form.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16326

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - May 2008

ctrue — Thu, 01 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: New Collaborative User Functionality

Beginning in Package 157, collaborative users in Approval Manager who have proof management permissions can now also create new collaborative users. This functionality allows greater flexibility to collaborative users who are managing the proof to add additional collaborative users who are not already set up in the system to stages in a proof.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16322

Q&A with Technical Support: Windows 2000 Server Support

When will support for Windows 2000 Server end for Workgroups?

Beginning in Package 158, which was recently released, the MetaCommunications Application Server software no longer runs on servers running Windows 2000 Server. In Package 158, the Application Server makes use of new Microsoft .NET technology which is not supported in Windows 2000. Windows 2000 is also towards the end of its supported life by Microsoft, as they are no longer making service packs or hot-fixes for this operating system.

Any customers on Meta Assurance, and planning migration strategies to Microsoft Windows Server 2003, are welcome to contact MetaCommunications Support with questions. MetaCommunications also offers turnkey server hardware/software bundles to simplify migration.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16309

Smart Tip of the Month: Example - Totaling Columns in Editable Grids

As we have demonstrated in previous newsletters, the editable grid is a useful tool for entering information into the database. When using numeric values in an editable grid, totaling one of the columns in your editable grid is a likely need. However, totaling a column in the grid requires more than the standard Field('A') + Field('B') scripting many are accustomed to. Some additional MetaScript must be used to make sure all rows in the column are part of the final total. Knowledge Base Article 16323 contains an example script for totaling an editable grid column.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16323

Additional Resources: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5

As we mentioned in this month's Q&A section, beginning with package 158, Workgroups software relies on new Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 functionality which isn't supported by Windows 2000 Server. Before you upgrade to package 158, you will need to make sure your server is running Windows 2003 and that Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is installed. A redistributable package is available for download on the Microsoft web site.

For more information visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=333325FD-AE52-4E35-B531-508D977D32A6

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16295 - Server Installer .NET requirements
This article describes the Microsoft .NET Framework system requirement for the Server Installer software.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16295

16309 - Support ending for Windows 2000 Server
This article provides details regarding the end of support for Windows 2000 Server.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16309

16322 - Giving a Collaborative User proof management capabilities
This article describes how to give an Approval Manager collaborative user the ability to manage proofs.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16322

16323 - MetaScript Example - Totaling a column in an Editable Grid
This article contains a MetaScript example for totaling a decimal or integer column in an Editable Grid.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16323

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com

MetaCommunications Support News - April 2008

ctrue — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Feature Spotlight: Lengthened Fields

Beginning in Package 157, several commonly used fields in Job Manager have been lengthened to provide additional space for data entry. Those fields include: job_name, estimate_name, job_description and customer country. The job_name and estimate_name fields have been lengthened to 80 characters in size. Job_description has been lengthened to 255 characters while the customer country field has been lengthened to 40 characters.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16321

Q&A with Technical Support: Searching Estimates

How can I locate an estimate when only the job number is known?

There are a couple different methods for locating an estimate based on the job number. A user simply needs to view the Job Entry and Edit page in Job Manager and locate the estimate number field to know the associated estimate number. For locating a range of estimates based on a range of job numbers, a criterion has been added to the Find Estimates search that will allow multiple estimates to be located in one search.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16319

Smart Tip of the Month: Stopping All Services for Maintenance Tasks

When performing various maintenance tasks on your server it may be necessary to stop all of the installed MetaCommunications services to ensure that all connections to the applications have ceased. An administrator could stop these services manually in the Services control panel on the server, or could write a script that utilizes the Windows 'net stop' command to stop all relevant services. Knowledge Base Article 16318 contains a list of all potential services used by Workgroups and provides an example script for stopping these services.

For more information visit:
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16318

Additional Resources: Windows Sysinternals

Microsoft has provided a helpful page for system administrators containing a wide array of utilities for management and troubleshooting your Windows systems. The Windows Sysinternals page contains utilities for file and disk monitoring, process monitoring, security management, and more.

For more information visit:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/default.aspx

Knowledge Builder

New articles this month

16318 - Stopping all MetaCommunications for maintenance tasks
This article provides a list of all Windows Services used by the MetaCommunications Workgroups Suite software.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16318

16319 - Locating estimates-quotes using job numbers
This article describes how to locate estimates-quotes based on the job number associated with the estimate-quote when it is pushed to a job.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16319

16320 - Using Net Use for Diagnosing InterSync Access
This article describes how to use the Windows function 'net use' for diagnosing file server connection issues in InterSync and Image Portal.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16320

16321 - Locating default field lengths for Workgroups
This article describes how to locate the lengths of the fields used in Workgroups applications.
http://developer.metacommunications.com/kb/16321

Have an idea or topic you would like covered in the MetaCommunications Support News? Send your ideas, topics and comments to:
support@meta-comm.com