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.

What is Vision 2.0 helpdesk all about?

In a nutshell Vision 2.0 is about High Speed Performance,  Security,  Reliability, Scalability,  Portability and User-Friendliness. Vision 2.0 reflects the state of the art in web based helpdesk solutions. It well derives benefits of latest Web2.0 technology and equip support staff with fast, secure and user-friendly interface. It is extensively designed with PHP Ajax that offers user-experience improvement, decreasing user delay, decrease in bandwidth usage, high speed results and loads of features listed below :

Key Features :

Satellite Helpdesk | Multi-Domain Helpdesk

The well-organized and logically constructed interface allows users to add multiple domains/companies and further easily access and manage them all from one place.

More details –
http://www.thevisionworld.com/true-satellite-helpdesk.html

Robost Mail Parser

Vision includes email parser that gives you power to manage your emails, it gives you option to create corresponding mail queue for each email account. Every new email that user sends in – gets created as a ticket and further staff or user can reply / update the same ticket.

Email Parser supports –

* File attachments
* CC / BCC / Forward option
* Auto responders
* much more ..

Email Parser can be configured in two modes
* Email Piping
* POP3/IMAP/POP3 SSL/IMAP SSL Email Fetching.

AJAX Based Rich User Interface

A major challenge while designing online softwares is the page reload time – for all operations that you do (may be its submitting form or clicking event etc) requires communication between server and reloading the complete page to display the results.

We have used AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) to overcome the complete page reloading issue, AJAX is a web development technique used for creating interactive web applications. AJAX makes your pages feel more responsive by exchanging small amounts of data with the server behind the scenes, so that the entire web page does not have to be reloaded each time the user requests a change. This way it increases the web page’s interactivity, speed, functionality, and usability.

Paid Support

Vision integrates with leading Billing software WHMCS and allows you to turn your helpdesk to offer paid support to your clients. You can add billing notes, create invoice from helpdesk, track payment status and much more..

Plugin Based

Vision helpdesk is modularized to equip users to enable or disable various features. (example : You can enable or disable scrapbook, alerts, calender, online staff, favorites, anti-virus, address book etc.. ) — This also allows our developers to code several useful plugins and easily plug in to our system rather changing whole code.

Multi-Language

“Multi-language” feature now empowers organizations to extend their business all over the globe by breaking the language barriers. Now you can provide support to your clients in their own language.

This feature mainly includes –

• Clients can change client panel language to one that they understand.
• Clients can send tickets / emails in their own language.
• Your staff has option to select language while replying tickets.

More details — http://www.thevisionworld.com/vision-help-desk-now-breaks-language-barriers.html

Easy Migration Tool

Vision provides with an innovative data migration tool. The migration tool automates the entire migration process and easily imports data from major helpdesks like:

• Kayako Support Suite
• Kayako eSupport
• Cerberus
• WHMCS

The migration tool is an open, user-friendly, and extensible migration process ensuring reliability and data integrity.  Migration of users, tickets/emails, ticket queue’s, ticket status and much more are seamlessly done that save time and efforts.

Inbuilt Antivirus Tool

With increasing online virus threat it becomes very important for any organization to keep its data secure — Vision comes with a robust integrated Antivirus tool to eliminate the possibility of virus through email attachments and also allows you to scan helpdesk files.

Auto Upgrades & Installation

This feature allows you to auto install / upgrade your vision helpdesk versions.
more details — http://www.thevisionworld.com/vision-helpdesk-auto-version-upgrade-tool.html

Google Apps | Google Hosted Emails (POP3 & IMAP SSL)

You can configure google hosted emails with helpdesk.
more details http://www.thevisionworld.com/vision-helpdesk-supports-google-apps.html

Scrap Book & Private Messaging

The module provides instant private communication between members of your organization. Adding to this, it allows staff members to post scraps/updates in the scrap book.

Submit / Reply Tickets Using Your Favorite Email Client

Vision not only allows you to submit / reply / update tickets via online web portal but also from your favourite Email Clients – like Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express etc.

Customized Tool Bar

Staff can customize tool bar as per their convenience . The most used features are just a click away with our toolbar.

Service Level Agreements

Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) are fundamental to both providers and recipients of services. For important services, therefore, it is essential that the service level agreement is appropriate

But how can you ensure that this essential component of the legal contract is met while delivering a service? Our system therefore includes a comprehensive presentation, designed to help the service provider to gain a complete insight of each ticket/client to find out if the SLA was maintained.

Report Generation

With the help of rich GUI including charts, figures & table of contents – Vision generates accurate report on runtime for Work summary, Service Level Agreements, Response time, Performance and much more..

The reports include elements such as recommendations, suggestions, or other motivating conclusions that indicate possible future actions the report reader might take.

• Last 7 days staff activity (Matrix Report)
• Monthy Staff Work Activity (Statistics)
• Monthly Staff  Performance (Scale / Point Graph)
• Monthly Staff SLA Record (Pie Chart)
• Annual Ticket Bar Graph Report
• Work Report
• SLA Report
• Response Report
• Performance Report
• Client Tickets and Billing Report

Online Issue Tracking

At this point, with technology as cheap as it is, there’s really no excuse not to have an online issue tracking system. Vision incorporates an online issue tracking system which is relatively easy to use, can be made accessible to all, and can serve as a central depository for all kinds of issues.

Custom Fields

This feature allows you to easily create custom fields / forms as per your business requirements.

Ticket Escalation

With this feature you can configure your helpdesk to auto escalate/move tickets to different departments if the ticket reachs overdue time limit. This is helpful to speed up operations and maintain SLA’s.

Login Integration

Login Integration plug-in allows your users to bypass the login registration process for their support area.

Vision supports the most popular and widely used third-party software packages/applications like:

• ModernBill (v4 and v5)
• vBulletin
• osCommerce
• SM Forum (SMF)
• WHMCS
• WordPress

Through the login integration plug-in with other areas of your business, Vision gives you simplicity with maximum control.

3rd Party Live Chat Integration (CCS | LivePerson | ProvideSupport)

This feature allows you to integrate 3rd party live chat helpdesk in to your client portal. You can easily add live chat
icon on client portal page with this feature.

Configurable Client Portal

We have designed client portal in simple html pages which allows you to easily integrate it with your website design.

Client side quick search facility

It enables your clients to search their email / ticket using single word or phrase that appears in message subject or content.

Useful Tools :  KnowledgeBase | Downloads | Predefined | News | Troubleshoot
Advance Search | Alerts | Filters | Labels | Flags | Address Book | Calender

The most awaited first stable version of Vision help desk “Vision 1.0” is now released. It has a great significance to every single person involved with it.

Vision stable release includes key features like -

• Manage Multiple Domains/Companies
• Inbuilt Anti Virus Tool
• Migration Tool
• Multi-Language
• AJAX Based Rich User Interface
• Login Integration
• Report Generation
• Scrap Book & Private Messaging
• Client Side Quick Search Facility
• Online Issue Tracking
• Knowledge Base
• Troubleshooting
• Downloads
• News
• Service Level Agreements
• Escalations and much more..

Vision license is available in leased and owned with and without branding options. You can purchase it from — http://www.thevisionworld.com/purchase

Free trial and online demo are available at –

• 7 Day’s Free Trial on our server
• Online Demo
• Evaluation Version

If your feature suggestion or module was not implemented, please keep the valuable comments coming as our development is based on your suggestions.

The stable release is not an end!! — there is still more to come with upcoming version’s so stay tuned…

WHMCS Billing System — WHMCS is the complete all-in-one client management, billing & support solution for Web Hosts & Other Online Businesses. Packed with features but with a core focus on remaining easy to use and customise, WHMCS enables you to easily and effectively manage your business. It also automates many routine tasks including invoicing, order provisioning, suspensions, and more.

Vision Helpdesk — Vision is a powerful web-based helpdesk software that integrates various support channels (emails, web based helpdesk, phone or fax) at one central point and allows maximum control over them.

WHMCS & Vision Integration

We support three modules under this integration -

a) Login Share

Login Share plug-in allows your users to bypass the login registration process for their support area. If enabled your users can use one common login details for login to WHMCS billing system and Vision Helpdesk.

b) Auto Custom Fields

This allows Vision to pull client information (Package type, Server Ip, Domain name, Control Panel User & Password and more) from WHMCS enabling support staff to view client information in helpdesk whenever client post a ticket.

c) Overriding WHMCS Support Module.

Vision not only supports login share and auto custom fields but goes one step ahead – It overrides whmcs inbuilt support module, view tickets, submit tickets, knowledge base articles, downloads, announcements and search options.

Submit Ticket

View Ticket

Ticket List

The integration is simple and does not require any technical expertise or coding knowledge – click here to check detailed steps for integration. ]]> http://www.thevisionworld.com/whmcs-billing-system-vision-helpdesk-login-share-integration.html/feed 1 http://www.thevisionworld.com/free-vision-helpdesk-license.html http://www.thevisionworld.com/free-vision-helpdesk-license.html#comments Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:49:34 +0000 Vision Helpdesk http://www.thevisionworld.com/demosite/?p=182

TheVisionWorld.com has announced free Vision helpdesk license for beta testers who provide quality feedback or help finding bugs.

Vision Helpdesk is well-organized and logically constructed system that provides a vast feature set clients can depend on. Key features are – Multiple Domains/Companies, Inbuilt Antivirus Tool, Handy Tool Bar, Migration Tool, AJAX Based Rich User Interface, Online Issue Tracking, Login Integration , Service Level Agreements, Report Generation, Scrap Book & Private Messaging and Client Side Quick Search Facility.

Vision is a powerful web-based helpdesk software that integrates various support channels (emails, web based helpdesk, phone or fax) at one central point and allows maximum control over them” said company HR Preeti Sharma.

Beta testers can signup for evaluation version at — http://www.thevisionworld.com/purchase

More Information at: – http://www.thevisionworld.com ]]> http://www.thevisionworld.com/free-vision-helpdesk-license.html/feed 0 http://www.thevisionworld.com/get-free-vision-helpdesk-for-life-limited-time-offer.html http://www.thevisionworld.com/get-free-vision-helpdesk-for-life-limited-time-offer.html#comments Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:50:25 +0000 Vision Helpdesk http://www.thevisionworld.com/demosite/?p=184

We are currently recruiting Beta Testers for Vision Helpdesk.

Testers who provide quality feedback will be given Vision Single Domain stable release license free for life. This is limited time offer…

Beta Testers are requested to signup on our Bugs Portal -
http://www.thevisionworld.com/bugs/

Vision Helpdesk is well-organized, powerful and logically constructed system provides a vast feature set clients can depend on.

Vision Key Features –

* Add Multiple Domains/Companies
* Inbuilt Antivirus Tool
* Handy Tool Bar
* Migration Tool
* AJAX Based Rich User Interface
* Online Issue Tracking
* Login Integration
* Service Level Agreements
* Report Generation
* Scrap Book & Private Messaging
* Submit / Reply Tickets Using Your Favorite Email Client
* Client Side Quick Search Facility

Signup for Evaluation Vision Beta from our website -
http://www.thevisionworld.com/purchase

Vision Online Demo -

We appreciate your feedback / comments / suggestions ..