Autonomy/iManage Support for MS Office 2010

16/08/2010 by Dave Kane

I’ve been talking with Autonomy/iManage technical support about MS Office 2010 since the beta was released last spring. It appears that Microsoft has changed things in a significant way from Office 2007. So much so, the integration modules Autonomy/iManage uses needed to be completely re-written.

This hasn’t been announced and isn’t official, but support for MS Office 2010 is expected in Autonomy/iManage WorkSite 8.5 SP2. The projection for that release is some time in November of this year. If you are looking at upgrading your office to MS Office 2010, adjust your schedules accordingly.

Posted in Integration + Conversion, Productivity, Software Development | Tagged Autonomy, FileSite, iManage, MS Office 2010, WorkSite, | Leave a Comment

The Trouble With Testing

21/07/2010 by Dave Kane

Everyone knows that installing a new or upgrading an existing system can come with headaches. To make any implementation a successful one in the eyes of your users, you have to make their experience as easy and trouble free as possible.

The most important thing that we (meaning us at ADV and you, our partners in implementation) do is test and test and test. Testing a workstation implementation can be tricky though.

Asking for a test workstation is a normal request we make any time we are doing an implementation. After doing a new install or an upgrade, we at ADV like to make sure things are working from a technical and functional perspective before we hand things off to the client or IT Service partner. The trouble is that we often get a workstation that is relatively clean to test with. This is where a major difference can be made.

A pilot program can make the difference. Having a group of users spend time working with the system in the way they would normally work can catch issues and bugs before things get rolled out to the entire organization. Having a good mix of power and casual users is always beneficial, everyone works different. Yes, we may be taking time away from actual work to do that testing. But, the cost is more than made up for in adaptation and user acceptance of the new system, less down time in production trouble shooting and better training as we learn how you work.

ADV is very familiar with the functionality of the products we are there to help you implement. However, we only have a limited idea of how your users are going to work. Over the years, I have learned a tremendous amount from watching users when we are trouble shooting problems. They will do things that I, as a technical user, would never even dream of trying. The phrase, “I never knew you could do that.” has passed my lips more than once.

When you look over that project plan, ask yourself… “Do we have a pilot testing plan?”

Posted in Integration + Conversion, Productivity, Troubleshooting | Leave a Comment

Extended Dynamic Views for Legal

20/07/2010 by Jerry Dolezal

We’ve been talking to a number of legal administrators and IT Directors recently that have been frustrated in their attempts to develop and implement a matter centric model for their firm. Whether it is by eliminating some document types, or developing a foldering structure that emulates their practice groups and processes, or just technical hurdles – there’s a quite a few firms that are struggling with the technology.

That’s why we’re so excited about “Extended Dynamic Views”. It works.

Extended Dynamic Views isn’t a product, it isn’t new, third party code. It’s a way of customizing Dynamic Views that creates a both a flexible and an intuitive data structure. The benefits include: better user adoption, the ability to drag and drop into matter folders is more accurate, and encourages the placement of emails into the repository so that your users can accurately gather all relevant matter information and then find it intuitively.

It works, it’s cool and it increases the value of your previous eDOCS investments.

Lean more about it here. We’d be happy to demo it for you!

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Extended Dynamic Views: A New Twist on the Familiar

15/07/2010 by Ann Elliott

Most firms – even ADV – have been through the transition of moving from paper to network file sharing to document management. It’s often a struggle, but we get there, though there are many compromises along the way. We know transforming business practices to match technology often requires some behavioral changes. We are frequently reminded that a cookie cutter approach does not always fit. We have witnessed many of these transitions, and the compromises required for the greater good of technology.

So we take a deeper look into matter-centricity – kind of like metadata revisited (sounds a bit like Brideshead Revisited?…well, no, but it sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?). We have discovered that it really is possible to define standards around the general organizational structure of our documents, while still allowing for deviation (yes, I said deviation) where and when it matters.

Extended Dynamic Views: it’s simple, it’s elegant, it works. But it requires a bit of thought, understanding and planning. Is it right for you? We welcome the conversation. Again, I think you’ll find it intriguing.

For those of you have already deployed a matter-centric view (DVDP or Dynamic Views Dynamic Profile), it’s worth a second look. For those of you who know you have to get there, but hesitate to take the plunge, relax. It’s less painful than you think.

Extending the possibilities. We’re excited about it.

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Older Autonomy/iManage updates no longer available

16/03/2010 by Dave Kane

This is important information from the Autonomy/iManage WorkSite Support web site. Software updates, patches, service packs and basic installation files for older versions of WorkSite are no longer available. See their website for the “WorkSite Software Matrix”.

Certain components are still available and being supported. However, here is the important list of what has been pulled…

All versions of WorkSite Server 8.3 and older.
All versions of iManage MailSite 8.0 and older.
All versions of WorkSite Web 8.2 and older.
All versions of WorkSite Indexer 8.3.

The recommendation if you are having issues with older versions will be to upgrade your systems to version 8.4 or newer. Since version 8.4 was an interim version during the transition with Autonomy, I would highly recommend upgrading your systems to WorkSite 8.5.

This is an upgrade that you should plan for early. There are hardware and system architecture considerations that need to be taken into account with the new software. We are currently working with several of our clients, from small law firms with single server implementations to larger, corporate legal with multi-server, clustered configurations, in transitioning to WorkSite 8.5. If you would like assistance with any phase of your project, please feel free to contact us.

Posted in Software Development, Troubleshooting | Leave a Comment

NEW RELEASE! Pocket Tech Ben1.0!

25/02/2010 by Sarah Salo

You know how it is: An indispensable ADV technician is right there, readily available, answering your questions, un-furrowing your brow. But sooner or later, the sun must set and they must leave you. Even the best need to reboot. So there you are, alone, we daresay frightened, slamming a Red Bull and praying for dawn. If only you had your very own little ADV tech – a convenient wee resource during those inconvenient times.

Well wish no longer.

After 9 months of development, ADV is proud to announce yet another reason to advance your expectations: introducing the ADV Pocket-Sized Field Tech, v. Ben1.0

Ben1.0 is the latest ADV field service option. He’s intellegent by design, possess mad keyboarding skills, handsome enough to pass as one of our own, yet all in a portable 8# 1 oz size. Up and running since Feb. 18th, Ben1.0 has a full week of successful road testing under his onesie and is ready to take on your toughest sequel code scrambles.

Want to know more? Contact us! Please specify your packaging preference: available in ”Manly Teddybear” or “Rugged Fluffy Bunny” sleepsack.

Benjamin Lysne Salo – b.2/18/2010 – 8lb 1oz – 20″ – son to Mark and Sarah Salo

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment | Read Comment

REDACT with confidence, SPLIT with ease

18/02/2010 by Gishani Heaton

REDACTION: Improper redaction recently caused the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) much embarrassment when a passenger screening procedure manual posted on the website exposed sensitive information. DocsCorp understands the importance of redaction and pdfDocs Desktop allows you to redact documents in the proper way, leaving no trace of the redacted text in the document. Use the right tool and you can effectively and safely use redaction and save your company some embarrassment. For a video on how to redact with pdfDocs Desktop, click here.

FILE SPLITTING: Courts and government agencies are known for their restrictions on electronic file sizes. Complying with those restrictions can be difficult if you don’t have the right tool. Manually splitting up a file, based on file size or page numbers, can be a lengthy process, especially if you plan to file multiple documents. DocsCorp’s pdfDocs Desktop allows you to automatically split files based on file size or page numbers with a click of a button. For a video on how to split files with pdfDocs Desktop, click here.

Time saved, confidence gained, complextion glowing – you’re looking better already!

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Email Management : Oxymoron?

16/02/2010 by Ann Elliott

Is it possible to manage emails? I’ve been trying to figure that out for over a decade. Not sure you’ll find the perfect answer here, but read on – it’s getting interesting.

For years I was in IT with the daunting responsibility of trying to manage mailbox sizes (among other things). Ten, twelve or fourteen gigabyte mailbox sizes were becoming the norm. Try as we might, convincing people to ‘let go’ of their emails, their electronic paper trail, so important to their job…..well, let’s just say it was a losing battle. Sound familiar?

Let’s be honest: given the opportunity, wouldn’t we all love to file away all our precious emails into our own personal filing system in Outlook? Mailbox size be damned! I confess that, yes, I would.

But I’m here to say that I’m not only hopeful, but I’m in love. Yes, you heard me right. Thanks to the smart folks at Autonomy and Open Text, they have provided just that opportunity. So here’s the scenario (stay with me, this is worth it):

What if?

you could synchronize your personal Outlook filing system with your Document Management system?
you keep your emails in Outlook, using that folder system that you’re so fond of? but also, simultaneously have your emails filed into DM?
you could have your assistant set it up for you? (ok, not all of us have an assistant, but wouldn’t it be great if we did?)
you could keep your IT folks happy (tall order, I know) by creating clean-up rules to automatically delete e-mails that have been synchronized to DM from personal Outlook mailboxes?

Answer? You can! With Autonomy/iManage v8.5 or Open Text eDocs DM 5.2 with EMM, it will do all this and more. And just in time! There is hope. I am a believer. You will be too.

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Snickers Cheese Cake

by Dave Kane

Hardware
9″ Spring form pan.
Roasting or baking pan that is larger than the spring form.
Heavy duty aluminum foil.
- Time 6 hours, day 1… 30 minutes, day 2.

These directions are written for use with a food processor. Mixing times will vary for stand or hand mixers.

Oreo Crust
25 Oreo cookies (I scrape the filling out of them)
3 tablespoons of melted butter

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Put cookie pieces into food processor. During processing, add melted butter. Process until you have finely chopped pieces. Put chopped Oreo pieces into 9″ spring form pan and use a flat bottomed, drinking glass to press and pack into pan until bottom is evenly covered. Put pan into pre-heated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Store in freezer while prepping first batch of cheese cake batter.

Chocolate Layer
24 ounces of cream cheese
3/4 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
3 eggs
6 ounces of semi-sweet or dark chocolate morsels (60-80% Cocoa)

NOTE: My food processor has a dough setting and blade which is used for this step. For my double boiler, I use a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water. All ingredients should be at room temperature.

Place cream cheese into processor and process for 1 minute or until smooth. Scrape work bowl. Add sugar and vanilla, process until sugar is incorporated, approximately 1 more minute. Add eggs one at a time allowing 15 seconds in between to be fully incorporated. You will probably want to scrape the work bowl after the first egg. Melt chocolate pieces using a double boiler. Add melted chocolate to batter and process for another minute to incorporate. Pour batter into spring form pan and return to freezer for 2 hours to set up.

Caramel Sauce (prepare while chocolate layer is freezing)
1 cup of sugar
6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1/2 cup of roasted, salted, chopped peanuts

WARNING: Melted sugar is very hot and any splatter will burn you. Also, this is not something to walk away from. The sugar burns very quickly once it gets to a boiling state.

Place sugar into a heavy pan over medium heat. Stir sugar as it is melting to keep from burning. Once sugar is completely melted stop stirring and let it come to a gentle boil (this is where it can go bad quickly). Once it begins to boil, add in butter and whisk to combine. The sauce will foam up when the butter is added, this is normal. Remove from heat once butter is melted and combined. Slowly whisk in cream, the sauce will again foam up. Allow sauce to cool to room temperature. Transfer to a glass bowl and refrigerate until chocolate layer is ready. Pour caramel sauce over chocolate layer starting in the center and working your way out. Leave about 1/2 inch on the edge. Add peanuts and return to freezer.

Peanut Butter Layer
24 ounces of cream cheese
3/4 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
3 eggs
4 ounces of creamy peanut butter

NOTE: My food processor has a dough setting and blade which is used for this step. All ingredients should be at room temperature.

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Boil water (enough is needed to fill the roasting pan 3/4 the way up the spring form pan).

Place cream cheese into processor and process for 1 minute or until smooth. Scrape work bowl. Add sugar and vanilla, process until sugar is incorporated, approximately 1 more minute. Add eggs one at a time allowing 15 seconds in between to be fully incorporated. You will probably want to scrape the work bowl after the first egg. Add peanut butter and process for another minute to incorporate. Pour batter into spring form pan.

Wrap the spring form pan using the aluminum foil. We are baking this like a custard, using a water bath. Make sure there are no seems or holes in the foil. Place wrapped spring form in roasting pan. Set the roasting pan on the center oven rack. Add boiling water to roasting pan until the water level is 3/4 up the side of the spring form pan. Close oven and bake for 90 minutes.

Remove from oven and place on cooling rack for an hour to an hour and a half. Cover and put in refrigerator over night.

Chocolate Ganache (day 2)
6 ounces of semi-sweet or dark chocolate morsels (60-80% Cocoa)
2/3 cup of heavy cream
1/2 cup of roasted, salted, chopped peanuts

Put chocolate pieces in glass bowl. Put cream into a small sauce pan over medium heat. Heat cream until it comes to a slight boil. You need to stir the cream as it heats to keep a skin from forming. Pour the cream over the chocolate pieces and stir until chocolate is completely melted. Let cool for a couple of minutes. Pour ganache over cheese cake starting from center and working out. Spread to about 1/2 inch of edge. Add peanuts, cover and return to refrigerator to cool for at least one hour before serving.

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Five ways to quickly create a PDF document

25/01/2010 by Gishani Heaton

PDF has become the standard for securely sharing information and those in the legal industry know it well. There are several tools out there in the market, including Adobe Acrobat, that lets you convert documents into PDF, but they vary by price and feature set. DocsCorps’ pdfDesktop won’t break the bank and gets the job done with ease. Here are five ways in which you can quickly create a PDF document using pdfDocs Desktop.

1. Drag and drop any document(s) from a file folder into the pdfDocs Organizer window.

2. Drag and drop document(s) onto the pdfDocs desktop icon.

3. From Microsoft Word, select “Add-Ins >>Save as PDF”

4. From your Document Management System, right click on a document and select PdfDocs Integration >Save As New Document. (You can save it as a new version instead as well.) The document will be saved as a PDF into your DMS.

5. From Windows Explorer or file manager, right click and select print. (You will need to select pdfDocs as your printer.) This will send the document thru the pdfDocs converter and change the document to PDF format and display in the Organizer window.

Creating PDF documents has never been this fun or easy. Your co-workers will want to get in on the fun when they see your smile.

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