We had planned to post the new update tomorrow, but we want to do some more testing and documentation.  The past two weeks have been filled with a lot of client requests for assistance on “goofy stuff”.  These are the events that happen to computers without explanation, and are not anyone’s fault.  Fortunately, we’ve had 100% success taking care of these incidents.

The new update includes, but is not limited to:

• Three screen display options ( standard, widescreen, and tablet ), selectable on each computer.
• Email auto-followup system that sends your email text automatically to say Thank You the day after a customer visits, and then at 30, 60, 90, and 120 day marks ( unless someone returns prior to that ).  You do nothing except the initial setup and entering email addresses for your clients
• Royalty Rewards system:  Allows you to participate automatically in the Royalty Rewards program with your customers.  The system does all of the posting and submission in the background.
• New federal payroll tax tables:  Your congress was slow to get this enacted, but they are now available.  Of course some of you may have entered the data already.
• Update to the auto-updater … very easy to install ( instructions will be provided )

There will be no difficult steps or file upgrades to run.  Most of this is fully automatic … just one file to copy on the server ( or you can call us to do it for you ).

Please watch for a bulletin announcing the update release … it will have full instructions.

PLEASE read this bulletin completely.  There are several important items here as you enter 2013 !

1.  We have not posted the federal employee tax tables because the rates are still in question.  Hopefully legislation will be passed in the next day or two and then the IRS can issue the new tables which we will update and publish immediately.

2.  Its time to be sure your sales tax rates are accurate for 2013.  This is a multi-step process, but only if you must make changes.

a.  Be sure you go into Tools – Setup – Defaults and change your rates there.

b.  Go into Tools – Lists – Tax Rates and make sure your new rates are listed.  You can simply modify old rates if that is appropriate.

c.  Go into Datamanager, Setup, Change Tax Rates.  You will enter the previous tax rates and the new tax rates for parts and labor.  This will do a mass change on all client records where the tax rates match the previous ones you specify.

3.  Version 9.30.00 is scheduled to be released on January 15.  This is a significant update which includes new screen formats ( full widescreen and tablet/notebook formats plus the existing one ), a fully automated email followup and reminder system, rewards card integration, and a lot more.  The files will be delivered automatically to your computer, though one manual step will be required ( very easy ).  FULL instructions will be posted on January 13 regarding how to complete the install, and how to use many of the new features.

4.  As you know, ASW 9 is fully touch compatible and works with Windows 8 Pro on a tablet.  We have ONE Samsung Series 7 Slate tablet available for resale.  It runs all Windows software, has Windows 8 installed ( and includes a backup installation disk ).  It has a 128 GB solid state drive, uses a fast I5 processor, and has a bright display.  The tablet comes with 2 docks ( 1 for the shop, 1 for home, both designed to add wired networking if you want, an HDMI hookup, and a USB port ).  This is not your typical tablet … it is far more powerful than what you see advertised.  It also includes an extra 32 GB mini storage card, a wireless keyboard, a tablet case, and a carrying case.  The total retail value is approximately $1800, and will come with an ASW client installed so you can use it on your network from the day you receive it.  I will consider all reasonable offers … you can submit them to timstone@masterlinksoftware.com .  This tablet was obtained for testing purposes and has had very light use. 

Thanks for reading this far.  We hope your holidays have been special.