V3 Road Map Revision

In our previous V3 updates we were anticipating V3 beta to be released by end of the October 2011 — We could not deliver V3 beta in October – the reason is some of new features took some more time then what we have anticipated. Currently we are in alpha testing stages of V3 and we are working hard even working on Christmas to make sure we meet our dead lines.

Revised Road Map

V3 Public Beta Hosted on our Cloud Servers  –  Release Date — 8th Feb 2012

V3 Mobile Web-Based Version — Release Date — 25th Feb 2012

V3 REST API – Release Date — 1st March 2012

V3 Stable Version and V3 Sale — Release Date — 8th March 2012

V3 Pricing

The new pricing is applicable only for NEW CUSTOMERS.

Existing customers will be moved to equivalent plan with same old pricing.

Vision Helpdesk SaaS License (Hosted on our Cloud Servers)

Lite Plan = $24 per month

Professional Plan = $47 per month

Premium Plan = $71 per month

Ultimate Plan = $119 per month

Vision Helpdesk Owned License (Hosted on Clients Server)

Lite Plan = $599.00

Professional Plan = $1399.00

Premium Plan = $2199.00

Ultimate Plan = $3699.00

30% Discount on Vision Helpdesk V2 Owned License

V3 pricing is increased as compared to V2 – It’s your last chance to purchase V2 at low cost with 30% discount and upgrade to V3 once V3 is released. We will be offering Migration tool to migrate your data from V2 to V3.

Coupon Code = XMAS30

The offer is limited till 31st Jan 2012 — Make the most of it sign up for V2 now — http://www.thevisionworld.com/purchase

Dashboard is a important part of helpdesk software – It provides lot of information at a glance -  This includes easily identifying correlations in data, getting  overview of your helpdesk activity, decision making and lot more..

The new dashboard is Interactive and presents the data in Real Time — we have used jQuery and Ajax techniques to overcome page refresh to reload data so even if you are idle you will see the dashboard data updating in real time.

V3 QuickView

Recent Ticket Activities

Reports

The new dashboard is Customizable i.e, User can enable / disable modules or even they can define filters using different criteria - just like creating widgets.

Another new interesting feature that we have added to dashboard is Pin-up option.

Pin-up is really useful feature – very often we think a ticket is important and we will need it at a later stage, similarly there can be a knowledgebase article, important client or some notes that you would want to store at some place and get a quick access again when you need it.

Over the complete helpdesk you will find “add to pin-up option” which will allow you to Pin-up the data and this data will be accessible for you in Pin-up section available on dashboard.

Pin-Up

I am sure you want to try your hands on new V3 version and its exciting features — hold on friends for some more time we are working hard to bring you the next generation helpdesk software V3. If you like the post please send love by commenting this post, We are open for new ideas and suggestions.

Stay tuned for more updates on V3..

This was our second year exhibiting at HostingCon event and it turned out to be right time and a perfect platform as we are working on latest version V3 — We got a chance to talk to visitors and share our ideas with them also we received several inputs and good to know so many visitors are looking forward for V3.

On top of everything I won IPAD2 a luckdraw giveaway from ResellerClub.com  I would like to extend my thanks to ResellerClub team.

Alright coming back to V3 update #2 — Everyone including us are excited about V3 and I know you all have common question “When will we release V3 version? and is there any Road Map?”

We are anticipating V3 beta version to be released by October end and in our next immediate post we will also publish Road Map with more details on timeline.

Our team is working to its fullest capacity to achieve the V3 target. In our last update we posted screenshot teasers of V3 and now we want to make you familiar with V3′s robust architecture and framework. ( this update we will try to keep it less technical so both technical and non-technical users know what we are trying to add in V3)

More than 90% Open Source Code

It’s difficult to develop a generalized software that can satisfy everyone’s requirements. Each business has its own set of requirements and it’s bad to force someone to use what we want to sell. With V3 we wanted to offer maximum code open and attract developers and non-technical users to easily extend Vision helpdesk’s functionality.

Vision Helpdesk V3 will offer more than 90% of source code open that will allow easy extension and integration with 3rd party applications Also users will be able to create their own modules.

API (Application Programming Interface)

API is a particular set of rules (‘code’) and specifications that software programs can follow to communicate with each other. It serves as an interface between different software programs and facilitates their interaction

Interacting with your Vision Helpdesk data using an extensive XML REST API will be available and we will offer detailed documentation on V3 APIs.

Modular System

V3 is designed module based such that no (or few) modules depend upon other modules of the system. V3 will allow users to develop their own modules and extend Vision helpdesk functionality.

JQuery and AJAX Techniques  – ”Write less, do more.”

As the web evolves, new technologies are emerging and uniting in remarkable ways. The combination of Ajax and JQuery, in particular, is one of the most powerful unions to date.

Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) has changed the web as we know it today. It’s helped websites evolve into Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) by allowing web pages to make direct requests to web servers without reloading the page. This capability is vital in replicating the rich user experiences achieved in client applications.

JQuery is a cross-browser JavaScript library designed to simplify the client-side script of HTML.

jQuery makes it easy to handle DOM objects, events, effects and Ajax, automatically takes care of JavaScript leaks, and has countless third-party plugins.

Advantages of JQuery –

• Ease of use
• Large library
• Strong opensource community. (Several jQuery plugins available)
• Great documentation and tutorials
• Ajax support and much more..

Just simple straight forward jQuery programming mixed with Object Oriented JavaScript programming will help you to create complete new plugin or enhancement to Vision Helpdesk.

Hook Technique

Used to alter or augment the behavior of an applications by intercepting function calls or messages or events passed between software components. Code that handles such intercepted function calls, events or messages is called a “hook”.

In short hooks will allow you to add your own piece of code that will run when specific action occurs

Example : -

• action on new ticket
• action on client login attempt fail
• action on new email
• action on staff operation
• and much more..

Thus in V3 we will make several hooks available for you to easily add your own piece of code without having to learn or possess any knowledge of rest of the system.

Interface Customization

Can modify CSS, JS  easily

For example you can set such interface parameter easily if want to modify

$(document).ready(function()

{

$(‘div#vis_main_panel_div’).visInterface({

‘top_header_height’:’100′,

‘left_panel_width’:’200′

});

});

Email Templates Modification

V3 will allow you to modify all default email templates used in Vision helpdesk. Also V3 will offer existing variables list in email templates which you can use as per your requirements.

Login Integration

This is just like a hook which will allow you to control your support desk’s login checks. You will be able to write a code on failed client login attempts action, thus you can write a code to authenticate your client from 3rd party application.

We have been asked to write a code for login sharing with various Billing software’s, Blogs, CMS, Forums etc.. Ideally its not possible to write a login sharing code for all scripts so with V3 we will open a hook for you to easily get your 3rd party systems login system shared with Vision Helpdesk.

Multi-Tab Technique

V3′s architecture will give you ability to switch between tasks without losing data and pick up where you left off. For this we have created internal Tabs you can easily switch among tabs without losing data.

So no matter if you jump between multiple tickets, clients list, knowledgebase or any module — you will not loose your previous work — The Multi-Tab technique will increase your working efficiency and speedup your work without any hassle..

Multi Language

V3 will allow you to -

• Change language for client portal.
• Change language for manage/staff portal.
• Translate client reply in your own language.
• Translate your typed reply in other language to send reply.

Support for search engine and user friendly URLs

V3′s new framework will now no more use query strings

http://yourdomain.com/support/index.php?_mo=kb&_sa=2

Instead we will be using clean URLs that will make Vision Helpdesk URLs search engine and user friendly.

Example - http://yourdomain.com/support/knowledge-base/this-is-test-article/

Log System

A strong event and error log system to keep track of system failure and easily debug and patch if any issues.

Whats Next ?

As I mentioned we are working to our fullest capacity to complete V3 may be that is the reason we are struggling to find time to write but be assured we will try our best to keep you posted with the latest updates. Next post we will post detailed road map and also update you with some more new exciting things about V3.

Watch above video to know Vision Helpdesk V3 Team – who are working really hard and are excited to bring the most advance Vision Helpdesk V3 – Next Generation Helpdesk in the market.

Vision Helpdesk will be Exhibiting at HostingCon 2011, San Diego, CA. If you are attending Hosting Con this year in August, Please stop by booth #731 and pick up Vision Helpdesk V3 T-shirt..

For more details check out — http://plus.google.com

HostingCon 2011

Vision Helpdesk is Exhibiting at HostingCon 2011 - booth #731 August 8-10, 2011

This year we will be showcasing our upcoming version V3 – A Next Generation Helpdesk — In the past week we posted few V3 Screenshot Teasers and at the event we will be revealing some of the extra-ordinary features that we have included in V3.

Vision Helpdesk V3 Tshirt

V3 is not just a overhaul version of Vision Helpdesk – It’s a complete new Multi-Tasking Architecture, New design and some really exciting features.

Make sure to stop by booth #731 to explore “Vision Helpdesk V3 –  A Next Generation  Helpdesk“. and pick up Vision helpdesk V3 t-shirt!  We’re looking forward to meet you in San Diego, California!

About HostingCon:

The premier conference and trade show for the hosted services industry. The best and brightest from the industry will be in attendance to learn about the latest news, ideas and technology affecting their businesses. Whether you are showcasing your new services, or you are simply checking the pulse of the industry, this is your opportunity to meet and network with your business partners, in a fun and educational atmosphere.

HostingCon is celebrating its Seventh Anniversary, and with a projected attendance of over 1,800 Internet professionals from over 30 countries, the 2011 show promises to be the best yet.

HostingCon Discounts:

Receive a up to a $60 discount by entering “visionhelpdesk2011” during registration.

• $60 off – full conference with lunch
• $40 off – full conference (without lunch)
• $30 off – a single day
• $10 off – exhibit attendance only

Are you coming to HostingCon2011 ?

Please comment this post – to let us know if you are visiting HostingCon 2011.

I can’t hold it anymore – let the screenshots do the talking..

“v3 is our passion and the

screenshot should speak for itself “

V3 Login Screen

V3 Manage Portal

V3 Client Portal

Architecture and Designing User Interface were our top priorities from day one of V3 development – This time we wanted to bring a change in traditional design and architecture, A change just like Gmail brought to traditional email client like outlook. After I started using Gmail trust me I haven’t opened outlook for even single day and I know its not just me.  You bet! you will see the same kind of transition in V3.

I hope the screenshot will get you excited — If you like it send some love by commenting this post.

In our next post we will bring you more screen-shots and insights on V3..

Appropriately 2 years back we released Vision Helpdesk V2.0 with “AJAX Techniques” and unique feature like — “Multi-Domain / Satellite Helpdesk”  and that was a huge success.. You bet!  the trend will continue with V3.

From day one our aim is to offer a helpdesk solution that is “Simple To Use And More Responsive To User — A helpdesk system that should present the data to user instead of having user to locate the data“. Version 2 was our first milestone in this direction. Next with V3 we have planned to introduce techniques that no one has thought before and no other competitive helpdesk software has ever offered it..

Doing Things Differently …

We have applied a out of box thought process to design V3 – This time we decided to step  into customers shoes and walk along  with them. If you pull out 10 helpdesk softwares  available in the market — you will  find  everyone is in the race of adding 100′s of features leaving  the core issues untouched and  unsolved — thats were we step in and  dare to do things differently.

Lets jump into more details of V3..

What is V3 ?

Vision Helpdesk V3 is a Next Generation Helpdesk Software that will make you fall in love with it.. and will change the way you currently manage your companies support.. A solution that fits to all size of companies.

Architecture

V3 is getting designed and engineered on completely new advance architecture  – The new architecture will make the system more Faster and Smarter.

Just like V2 — we have made sure V3 will prove itself a Secured and Reliable script.

Multi-Tasking & Multi-Threading

V3′s architecture will give you ability to switch between tasks without losing data and pick up where you left off.

With the multi-threading feature see your jobs getting done lightning fast.

Non Suffocating and Less Cluttered Interface..

V3 is getting a new modern look  –   A Fresh and Clean interface were you will find every single thing is well organized and less cluttered.

A Proactive Interface that will be more responsive to user thus, Increasing Productivity and Saving Time.

Industry Standards

V3 will follow standards like ITSM – ITIL – A perfect solution to small, medium and large companies.

Feature Rich

I am not going  to spill all beans at this stage – eventually we will disclose more For now I will say we have along list of features which we will share with you as we make a progress.

We are still open and processing feature requests — You can submit your feature request to support [ at] thevisionworld [ dot ] com

This was just an update to let you that we are working on V3 – Still many more V3 updates will follow. We will keep you posted with more details on V3… So Stay Tune..

This year we witnessed Helpdesk Companies like Zendesk raised their software price and Kayako too raised their software price almost double or even more.

Now you have to decide if you want to go with companies who raise their software cost just for adding few features or company like Vision Helpdesk  which offer competitive features at economical price.

Vision Helpdesk is not just economical in pricing its feature rich and our support team is determined to offer top notch support to our customers and this is the reason Vision Helpdesk is recommended as Best Web Based Helpdesk Software.

On the Eve of Christmas we have decided to offer various discounts on Vision Helpdesk plans.

Vision Helpdesk Leased License

We are offering 25% discount for first payment on all Vision Helpdesk Leased Licenses. ( The long payment term you choose you get more discount)

Coupon Code : webappsale

Vision Helpdesk Owned License

We are offering 30% discount on all Vision Helpdesk Owned Licenses.

Coupon Code : XMAS30

We wish a Merry Christmas  and A Happy New Year !!

Features in V2.8.8 Stable

• Ticket and Staff Rating
• Client Survey/Feedback
• SMTP department wise
• Microsoft-TNF support
• Login integration Invision
• Login integration SPBAS

Bug fixes in V2.8.8

• Crylic charset in subject
• Search Pagination
• Alert for unregistered users
• Ticket migration in WHMCS apple signed email
• Apply Label in parser rule
• IMAP fatal error
• Predefined reply html content issue
• Disable Image verification after login
• User registration mail from integration module
• Custom filed missing in whmcs integration module
• Login as client URL
• User registration approval email

Change Log

You can find the list of files that were edited during version change V2.8.4 to V2.8.8 Stable

http://thevisionworld.com/forums/index.php/topic,312.0.html

How to Upgrade to Vision Helpdesk V2.8.8 Stable?

Auto Update

Vision Helpdesk offers Auto upgrades from Admin Panel Click on >> Software Information >> Available Updates will shows updates available for upgrade.

Note : While upgrading it will ask you ftp path –by default it takes complete path to your manage folder which needs to be changed to — ftp path.

Example : A client having path — /home/username/public_html/support/manage/

This path should be changed to — /public_html/support/manage/

(In above example we assume ftp access is given from public_html folder and its sub folders.)

Manual Upgrade :

Step1) Login to http://secure.thevisionworld.com

Step 2) From Product and Services >> View Details >> Download zip – Update from 2.8.4 to 2.8.8

Step 3) Unzip above file and upload it to your installation — that is overwrite files on your installation —make sure if you ftp files then it should be in binary format.

Step 4) Run http://yourdomain.com/support/manage/upgrade.php in browser that will update to V2.8.8

That’s it.

Note : For Clients who have done customization – its requested to check with our support team before they upgrade.