Hotfixes

[Jim Jensen]

Andy, I'm calling you....I just had an error assigning items out of suspense and when I called support they asked if we've ever installed the 10.7 hotfix. I didn't know there was one (I don't think I did anyway). My issue is - why aren't they posted to the software update page? If they are a needed fix/update, they shouldn't be 'secret'. Post them, let us apply them save support calls. I know that 10.8 is still awaiting a hotfix, but expect it will also be an "only if you know about it and call to ask for it" item. Doesn't make sense to me.

[GeorgeW]

This information definitely needs to be communicated better. Had this discussion with our support supervisor not too long ago.

[Jeff Zylstra]

You're expecting software makers to inform users of undocumented program enhancements?   Why that'd be like showing a picture of the prize in a box of Cracker Jacks! 

[Andy]

Jim -

News about version updates (which typically contain what you call "hotfixes") are sent out to clients through Facts Express and other email communications.  There was one in January https://www.appliedsystems.com/doc_central/SW-Support/TFE2011-01.htm and one in Marchhttps://www.appliedsystems.com/doc_central/SW-Support/TFE2011-03.htm.  Also, if you take the 10.8 update, it contains all the updates in 10.7.

You can find the information on updates, enhancements in the Release Notes.

We cannot post the actual files to the software downloads page because they are manual hotfixes and do not increment versions.

[GeorgeW]

Facts Express comes out once a month. Seems like there should be a better notification process. 

[Bloody Jack Kidd]

Could create a Applied Hotfix board - which instantly generates RSS / Atom and Twitter feeds - make it read-only and give Andy or other Applied type the key and job of posting updates in there.

[Andy]

I am hearing the masses ... and will see if we can make this situation better for all involved.

And no, Andy has his hands full creating Social Media Gold basted in Awesome-Sauce with a Entertaining & Informative Glaze.

[Bloody Jack Kidd]

needs more sprinkles

[Andy]

needs more sprinkles

When I use my marketing sprinkles, you all get mad. 

[Robin Deatherage]

needs more sprinkles

When I use my marketing sprinkles, you all get mad. 

LOL  funny.  I would rather have whipped cream with a cherry on top.   

[Andrew Carrick]

LOL  funny.  I would rather have whipped cream with a cherry on top.   
[/quote]
What you do in your own time is your business....

[Robin Deatherage]

LOL  funny.  I would rather have whipped cream with a cherry on top.   

What you do in your own time is your business....
[/quote]
LOL!  Ok now, you went there not me.  I was thinking more like banana split or ice cream sundae.  You bad boy.  j/k 

[Andy]

Cheeky monkey

[Jim Jensen]

Sure, a notice may go out in the Facts Express, but if you go to the support page, particularly the upgrade pages, there's no mention of a hotfix. The fact that it isn't an automated update isn't enough reason. The directions are really clear and it's not like it's difficult to place the files in the proper folders. I would hazard a guess that you'd have fewer calls for screwed up patches than having everyone contact support to request them. At a minimum there should be a listing on the update noting the hotfix.

[Steven Strauss]

I agree wholeheartedly with Jim, especially considering our organization is large enough that the folks that receive the Facts Express rarely communicate with those individuals responsible for installing the hotfixes.

[Robin Deatherage]

It is a great suggestion Jim.  Thanks for bringing it up.

[Billy Welsh]

Add me to those saying we need improved communication on these.  Put the cold-fixes in Facts Express; use that same e-mail database that finds me for Facts Express and Marketing stuff to let me know there is a hot-fix.

[Matthew Udovich]

I'll probably hate mail and smited for this, but someone has to stand up for Andy here, or am i the only one that reads the fact express any more, because info about the hotfix was in the Jan and March edition. And a piece about the noteworthy itmes being updated in the Feb edition. 10.7 was just released in December.

How many methods of communication do you want to get bombarded with people? 

[Billy Welsh]

I'll probably hate mail and smited for this, but someone has to stand up for Andy here, or am i the only one that reads the fact express any more, because info about the hotfix was in the Jan and March edition. And a piece about the noteworthy itmes being updated in the Feb edition. 10.7 was just released in December.

How many methods of communication do you want to get bombarded with people? 

First, we are not picking on Andy.  We are picking on AS, and he just happens to be AS' official rep in here.

Second, some of us like me wear many hats, and reading Facts Express just does not make it to the top of the list.  An e-mail with a subject "10.7 Hot-Fix" WILL get read, QUICKLY.  A Facts entry is fine, but again as a hot-fix I feel it needs special attention - it is something that is critical enough that it could not wait for the next dot release, after all.

[Robin Deatherage]

I'll probably hate mail and smited for this, but someone has to stand up for Andy here, or am i the only one that reads the fact express any more, because info about the hotfix was in the Jan and March edition. And a piece about the noteworthy itmes being updated in the Feb edition. 10.7 was just released in December.

How many methods of communication do you want to get bombarded with people? 

Hi Matthew.  Just for the record, I would never smite you for offering an opinion.     And I did think about this myself and here is my opinion. 

I, with my short attention span, have a tendency not to remember items like this from that many months past if it's not something I am interested in at the time I'm reading it.  So, if I am interested in June, there is no way I'm going to remember it being listed in the January Facts Express.  At the time I'm ready and or having a problem I would simply like to be able to go to the download area or wherever, and see if there is a hot fix available and what it's supposed to actually fix.

[Bob]

Seems to me easy enough that if one person from AU read this hotfix on facts express, they could post here and make others aware.   Problem solved! 

Just sayin... 

[Mark]

I skim fact express, but sometimes not until I realize I have more than one waiting to be read.  I think I'd have to agree about having Hotfix info available somewhere though.  I personally wouldn't care if it was via email because I am always about 1 version series behind (on purpose) anway, so I'd like to be able to find it and read about it on-demand.

+1 for Matthew for sticking up for Andy! 

[Mark]

Seems to me easy enough that if one person from AU read this hotfix on facts express, they could post here and make others aware.   Problem solved! 

Just sayin... 

..and +1 for Bob because that is an obvious, yet excellent, suggestion!

[Billy Welsh]

Elegantly simple!

But how does that help the poor unenlightened souls who are not signed up here?

If it warrants a hot-fix and therefore cannot wait until the next dot-release, then it warrants a spot on the downloads page until it is incorporated into a dot-release.  And an e-mail.

[GeorgeW]

That's great for the users that are on this forum, but many Applied customers aren't....just saying..... 

Seems to me easy enough that if one person from AU read this hotfix on facts express, they could post here and make others aware.   Problem solved! 

Just sayin... 

[GeorgeW]

Maybe I'm dreaming, but isn't there a hotfix for 10.8 out now?  I haven't seen that in Facts Express, but if I'm dreaming then it wouldn't be there....   

EDIT:  Found what I was dreaming about in "The Community" ...Applied stated a hotfix for 10.8 was being worked on to correct a problem with download messing up policy numbers in history.   Now, the only way you would know about this problem is if you have it or you read it in the Community.

[Bob]

I agree and I'll say about 80% of applied users are not even ASCnet members.  Just because they buy the product doesn't mean they sign up.   Tools are in place.   Applied sends out facts express/news letter to all their client who use their products.   I believe not just those in users groups.

Power of a group is sharing!   Does no good to know something and keep to self.   Obviously some missed this announcement and good example.  We all work together, we bring lots of information and value, lets not forget some fun times too!

Others missing out, might get word there is a place to get help, stay informed and have fun networking with peers..  It's all of us new and old collectively working together, simple things like a post saying I read this and thought I would share.   Nothing in life is perfect but nobody applies the KISS principal anymore..

I often say Life is not complicated.  People tend to complicate their lives..  More focus on KISS and not the what if's..  When we over complicate, well, lets just say been there done that, no fun it..   Why I like AU.  JMHO! 

[Andy]

Let's all simmer down a bit.

Bob has a great idea - which will help out those in here, tremendously.  Another good idea is to read the facts express ... if you see an update or something of note, put a post it on your desk or tie a string around your finger.  Another good idea is for applied systems to look into a different way of notifying technical contacts of available hotfixes.

I think combined, this should address the issue.

Thanks to all - I don't take it as pickin' on me (though I am appreciative of my 'heroes'.) - you are all just very passionate about IT, your systems and your businesses.  Applied Systems LOVES that.  Always appreciate your input.

The only thing that slightly steamed my clams - is getting called out on subject lines.  I am in the Marketing department (one of 9) in a company of 800+.  I cannot / will not replace support.  As much as I try to bring your issues to light, and serve as the AS Ambassador to AU ... i can't always resolve.  And when this initial post went out ... it also went out on the AU twitter feed - with me being called out.

Just sayin' - in closing, reread the bold paragraph.

[DebAmstutz]

First thing I look at in the Facts Express is the new customer section to see if any are in my chapter area.  Then I look at the rest of it.  I never thought to pass on anything from it as I figured everyone got it and read it! 

[Jim Jensen]

The only thing that slightly steamed my clams - is getting called out on subject lines.  I am in the Marketing department (one of 9) in a company of 800+.  I cannot / will not replace support.  As much as I try to bring your issues to light, and serve as the AS Ambassador to AU ... i can't always resolve.  And when this initial post went out ... it also went out on the AU twitter feed - with me being called out.

Shucks, I just wanted to make sure you saw it - it wasn't in anger or anything. I know you're not in support, but you're listening here and offering responses. Marketing is often a great representative of the masses. Granted, I forgot about the twitter feed since I don't use it. Sorry about that piece. I've got no big steam clouds shooting out of my head, I just think it warrants being posted on the updates page since it is an update, even though not an incremental one. We used to have as many as 100 patches to a version, all of which were posted on the udpates page and often took manual application. That is all.

[Jim Jensen]

 Too late for Twitter, but I amended the subject for future new readers. 

[Andy]

Thanks Jim.  You guys are my peeps - my regulars.  I just don't want newbies getting the idea that I am able/here to solve all problems.  My goal in here is to identify problems/issues (and even positives if I ever see them ) and elevate them to the appropriate groups at Applied Systems.

That is the Prime Directive.

[Jan Regnier]

My goal in here is to identify problems/issues (and even positives if I ever see them )

I have always said I am amazed that AS keeps us all up and running so well - when one thinks of ALL the different hardware, software and levels of knowledge in every agency using TAM (or other AS Products - I can only relate to TAM).  As a small agency - and as the person responsible for "making it all work" or "fixing what doesn't work"  and with limited technical knowledge- I have a great appreciation for the services supplied by AS - even if it does cost a lot (LOL) - it's money well spent from my perspective.

[Charlie Charbonneau]

Thanks Jim.  You guys are my peeps - my regulars.  I just don't want newbies getting the idea that I am able/here to solve all problems.  My goal in here is to identify problems/issues (and even positives if I ever see them ) and elevate them to the appropriate groups at Applied Systems.

That is the Prime Directive.

Man.... I thought you were Superman... you fix everything!!!!

[Andy]

Thanks for the [solicited] compliments!

[Matthew Udovich]

Thanks for the [solicited] compliments!

Thanks for overnighting that iPad