Today we've released SimpleDesk 1.0 RC2 to our beta testers.
Almost 90 further SVN revisions were made since our first release candidate barely a week ago, addressing a variety of matters, multiple small bugs, tweaks of behaviour, and general improvements all round really.
We would have liked there to have been less changes between 1.0 RC1 and 1.0 RC2, but our beta tester team have done us proud and lived up to their name, finding all kinds of bugs we thought we'd gotten rid of. We've also added a lot of tweaks and improvements based on their feedback - it's all be quite iterative really how it's turned out.
We've also resubmitted the mod as RC2 to the SMF mod site, for them to consider - there were a lot of larger scale changes, most notably around how deleted tickets were handled, but ultimately I think the result was for the better.
Don't assume that this is it though, even since I published RC2 earlier today, a few new things have been brought up, tweaks and changes suggested, but this is as close to final as it'll be - nothing huge will be changing unless major bugs are found but realistically the differences between now and final will be either invisible or very small aesthetic ones.
There have been some visual changes since 1.0 RC1 that I do want to showcase for you, and in so doing I'm actually using Bloc's themes here (yes, I am a member of the ThemeClub for the premium themes), and it's nice to be able to showcase them slightly differently; whereas before I just ran through a very large list of pictures, here I'm doing a single picture for each item instead, just to be different, and because showing you the same screen multiple times is actually really really boring.
This is also pretty much a complete tour of SimpleDesk as it stands, usable and functional.
The main ticket listings
(https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/curve_frontpage.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/curve_frontpage.png) (https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/helios_closedtickets.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/helios_closedtickets.png) (https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/aqua_recyclebin.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/aqua_recyclebin.png)
From left to right, the regular front page (Curve), the closed tickets (Helios), the recycle bin (Aqua)
The main change from previously is that we now have action buttons for various actions directly in the blocks, as opposed to just being on the recyclebin and closed tickets display.
(In case anyone's wondering what the icons are, on the frontpage they are 'assign this ticket', 'mark this one resolved', 'move this ticket to a forum topic', 'delete this ticket', on the closed tickets page it is the reopen button, on the recyclebin they are 'restore this ticket' and 'permadelete')
Also, since RC1, we added a 'go to ticket' box where you could enter a ticket's number and just go there.
Deleted tickets, deleted posts within tickets
(https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/impulse2_deleted.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/impulse2_deleted.png) (https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/ganymedes_withdeleted.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/ganymedes_withdeleted.png) (https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/minerva_withdeleted_normal.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/minerva_withdeleted_normal.png)
From left to right, a deleted ticket (impulse2), a regular ticket with a deleted reply (Ganymedes) and the same ticket when not being viewed from the recycle bin (Minerva)
The idea is that generally when you're looking at a ticket, you just want the ticket itself, without any fuss or extra stuff - especially stuff you've deleted. When you do want to look at a deleted ticket, bring it up from the recycle bin, and you'll see all the replies in context with a clear visual indicator that they are deleted.
Admin panel
(I'm using the same theme for more than one page because these are the least exciting pages and I wanted to be a bit more fair to the themes here! :P)
(https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/moderndark32_adminhome.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/moderndark32_adminhome.png) (https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/moderndark48_displayopts.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/moderndark48_displayopts.png) (https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/moderndark32_postingopts.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/moderndark32_postingopts.png) (https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/workdesk2_adminopts.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/workdesk2_adminopts.png) (https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/workdesk2_standalone.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/workdesk2_standalone.png) (https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/moderndark64_actionlog.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/moderndark64_actionlog.png) (https://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/moderndark64_support.jpg) (http://www.simpledesk.net/images/previews/1.0-rc2/moderndark64_support.png)
Left to right, top to bottom: Admin home page (ModernDark32), Display Options (ModernDark48), Posting Options (ModernDark32), Administrative Options (WorkDesk2), Standalone Options (WorkDesk2), Action Log (ModernDark64), Support Request (ModernDark64)
The admin panel we have touched on before, but we've never really thoroughly shown it off - we've shown the action log and support pages, but never really gone into the configuration pages before.
Most of these options have been there for some time, too, but some we'd like to spotlight here - you can have it display badges/stars for users, or just a small icon for staff, and configure whether avatars are visible in the helpdesk; some sites will find it useful, others won't.
As for posting, we've actually set it up to be able to configure what bbcode is allowed within posts and what isn't - for example you may allow certain bbcode in your forum that you don't in your helpdesk and vice versa.
Note that we do fully intend to expand on some of these as time goes on, too, but that's where we're at.
So, like I said last time, very soon now - there's little bits left to do, clearing up bugs and whatnot, but that's what a release candidate is for :)
Oh man, it looks beautiful! I'm really loving all the shiny features that are in there, and I love the UI it has. Great job for the devs and for the Beta Testers that beat their hard work to biscuits. ;)
I'm counting the days till it's release!
Looks grrrrrreat!!!!!!!
Epic Awesomesauce!
Weldone team.
Great, great, great!!!
Good news. It look great!
Fast fingers ^^ :) GL & GJ
Looks Cool, Fabulous and awesome
QuoteSorry my English not so good
One Questions:
I can not Download the Simple Desk .... can you give me a link ?
Quote from: Ruediger on March 29, 2010, 07:32:52 AM
QuoteSorry my English not so good
One Questions:
I can not Download the Simple Desk .... can you give me a link ?
As far as I know, it is not out yet for public use. It is being tested by the Beta Testers and the QA's, but I believe SD already submitted it to SM.ORG for review. :)
Quote from: Achilles on March 29, 2010, 07:54:27 AM
As far as I know, it is not out yet for public use. It is being tested by the Beta Testers and the QA's, but I believe SD already submitted it to SM.ORG for review. :)
Yes.. :)
Quote from: Ruediger on March 29, 2010, 07:32:52 AM
I can not Download the Simple Desk .... can you give me a link ?
Just to confirm, we have released it to a limited trial because even only yesterday there were some slightly nasty bugs in it. There may STILL be bugs in it...
We submitted RC2 to the mod site the day of this announcement, but they haven't reviewed yet AFAIK, but I suspect 1.0 final will be out before they do.
Pfft...I wouldn't be surprised if 1.1 final is out before they finish reviewing it...
Well, Norv transferred to Cust team and he is capable and knows his beans but I fear that it'll just be overlooked due to size and complexity.
Since I'm one of the authors I can't look over it. Shame. :P
Maybe the cust team should be looking to expand its membership count...*whistles*
Well, I will not return to the cust team, and even if I would, I can't look over this for the same reason.
*continues whistling*
XD
I is getting excited!!!!!!!!
I'm assuming all members here will be able to download it even if mod site doesn't have it posted yet?
Yes, we'll be offering it on this site.
well, at 99%, I'm hoping we can see the finished goods very shortly. This will be an asset to my cousins site if it is what I am expecting to see.
* Deezel says excitedly*
Quote from: Deezel on March 31, 2010, 03:14:47 PM
well, at 99%, I'm hoping we can see the finished goods very shortly. This will be an asset to my cousins site if it is what I am expecting to see.
* Deezel says excitedly*
Don't worry, us beta testers will make sure to find more bugs so that the release gets delayed longer (https://www.simpledesk.net/community/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi43.tinypic.com%2F11ajrio.gif&hash=3effd2809a228e6314958346725acc85a709c0fa)
/me runs
Quote from: hadesflames on March 31, 2010, 09:04:15 PM
Quote from: Deezel on March 31, 2010, 03:14:47 PM
well, at 99%, I'm hoping we can see the finished goods very shortly. This will be an asset to my cousins site if it is what I am expecting to see.
* Deezel says excitedly*
Don't worry, us beta testers will make sure to find more bugs so that the release gets delayed longer (https://www.simpledesk.net/community/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi43.tinypic.com%2F11ajrio.gif&hash=3effd2809a228e6314958346725acc85a709c0fa)
/me runs
.... :o
:P
Are there still bugs? :P I hope not, cause I really want to experience this very very great mod. :P
Quote from: hadesflames on March 31, 2010, 09:04:15 PM
Quote from: Deezel on March 31, 2010, 03:14:47 PM
well, at 99%, I'm hoping we can see the finished goods very shortly. This will be an asset to my cousins site if it is what I am expecting to see.
* Deezel says excitedly*
Don't worry, us beta testers will make sure to find more bugs so that the release gets delayed longer (https://www.simpledesk.net/community/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi43.tinypic.com%2F11ajrio.gif&hash=3effd2809a228e6314958346725acc85a709c0fa)
/me runs
Ouch.......
How's the Beta Testers doing? Found any more bugs, yet? :P
I think things are getting pretty close. There was a couple of bad ones that we found after the RC1 candidate was released which caused delays. Some of the trouble was related to different behavior in different browsers. But it looks like after a few nights of sleep deprivation, Arantor has it ironed out nicely. ;)
So does mean that SimpleDesk will go to RC3 or will it go to right to Gold?
Well, in RC1 there was a hideous bug relating to the recycle bin, which necessitated a rewrite of that whole section for RC2.
In RC2 we found some hideously irritating but not as critical/evil as the recycle bin bug, but still more than irritating enough, which prompted a fury of 18 hours of coding to rework the interface. Big but not as drastic a change as the RC1 bug was (which necessitated a DB schema change amongst other things)
While initially it seemed more effort than it was worth, the net result is a drastic improvement over what there was before, and I'm very glad we did what we did there. I think there's still a couple of minor aesthetic kinks in it if you try and submit files to attach that aren't right, but nothing I can't fix up tonight with any luck. (Funnily enough, it's only IE8 that it appears in)
Barring any new major bugs I think we can skip the RC3 step :)
Awesome! I'll be looking forward to seeing the release then! ;)
Quote from: [FailSafe] on April 03, 2010, 01:23:46 PM
Awesome! I'll be looking forward to seeing the release then! ;)
I absolutely agree with you! :) Getting more excited here. Keep it up. ;)
Achilles: Hey BUGS! Get out of SD, or else! :)) lol.
Quote from: Arantor on April 03, 2010, 01:16:58 PM
Barring any new major bugs I think we can skip the RC3 step :)
Uh oh, I'd better get digging. It's my job to never let it get out of RC. 8)
Quote from: tfs on April 03, 2010, 01:29:04 PM
Quote from: Arantor on April 03, 2010, 01:16:58 PM
Barring any new major bugs I think we can skip the RC3 step :)
Uh oh, I'd better get digging. It's my job to never let it get out of RC. 8)
Nahh. You guys are too good, and all of the bugs are dead. :P
Quote from: Achilles on April 03, 2010, 01:33:02 PM
Nahh. You guys are too good, and all of the bugs are dead. :P
I do think it's MUCH better than it was at RC1. I have a lot of confidence that it would be OK to store important data in there now. It seems that now the most nagging issues are going to be small graphical quirks between browsers, which are not show stoppers.
I agree, the 1.0-almost-final builds now are definitely more stable than RC1 was. (But that's why you have RCs)
Yeah, the most nagging ones are interface ones not core logic, and even then they're ones I don't think we can do a huge amount with, but I'll have a chat with Nas about them as he designed the bulk of the interface.
Quote from: Achilles on April 03, 2010, 01:33:02 PM
Nahh. You guys are too good, and all of the bugs are dead. :P
Thats what it seems like anyways. I don't think there is any part of SD that the Beta Testers haven't beat to hell. ;)
At this point I don't think there is any new surprises that are going to pop up and cause a road block. And since it's basically feature-frozen there isn't any new inclusion that is going to take time to get in the way of release.
Quote from: [FailSafe] on April 04, 2010, 12:32:30 AM
Quote from: Achilles on April 03, 2010, 01:33:02 PM
Nahh. You guys are too good, and all of the bugs are dead. :P
Thats what it seems like anyways. I don't think there is any part of SD that the Beta Testers haven't beat to hell. ;)
At this point I don't think there is any new surprises that are going to pop up and cause a road block. And since it's basically feature-frozen there isn't any new inclusion that is going to take time to get in the way of release.
SD 1.0 COMING UP! :-*
Is anyone else up for an online release party? ;)
Quote from: [FailSafe] on April 03, 2010, 01:23:46 PM
Awesome! I'll be looking forward to seeing the release then! ;)
Sure :) :P
I would like to do a translation SimpleDesk into Russian language. Where can I download the beta version?
Bugo: We do not release the beta package to translators. Once it's out, you can use a translation tool on this site to translate the mod. Once it's time, we will get back to you.
Do we have a release timeframe yet ?
Or are we will on " VERY SOON" ?
We have a timeframe but until we're sure it's ready, it's "very soon".
Quote from: Afro on April 04, 2010, 09:30:37 AM
Do we have a release timeframe yet ?
Or are we will on " VERY SOON" ?
...I believe that it will be very soon! sooner or LATER. :P All bugs now are dead; I hope, thanks to the Beta Testers and QA's - and ofcourse to those who fixed it. Goodbye Nasty Bugs. :'(
do i assume too much? :( lol
I'm about half way through writing my own CD Key request system for an old game where the publisher made a shipping error and put CD Key stickers from a later version product on the cases. I am now the person to handle all of these requests. The leader of our non-profit organisation requested that I create an automated process that notifies a selected group of a request and tracks who approves it, so that users will get a faster response and we will have a better record. Sounds a lot like a support ticket system to me.
Here is my prediction. Once I have finished writing my own (smf integrated) script to do the job, that is when SimpleDesk will be released. (as it seems the beta is now closed though still accepting applications).
:) Murphy's law of parallel software development. :)
The race is on! If I don't do my laundry I might finish it tonight! (But I really, really need to do some laundry!)
Looking forward to getting the opportunity to have some input on the product,
Bonk
Well, the applications are still being discussed because we had a *lot* of them...
No doubt. You've hit on a real need at this time with this product.
I'm just itching to get a look at it and see if it will suit our needs or if it could be made to suit our needs with a little customisation.
I'm also being lazy! :) After handling hundreds of these requests manually by PM it is well past time for a system to track them. So now that I am writing one and just getting to the hard-on-the-head-finish-it-off stage... I find simpledesk! But I can't see it! What a tease!
Not meaning to rush you, take your time and let it out when you feel it is ready. I'll keep slogging through my own script in the meantime.
Well, there's close to 10k lines of code just in 1.0... but I can assure you "very soon now" is the timeframe :)
VERY VERY SOON. :P
QuoteArthur: Three pints, at lunchtime?
Ford: Time is an illusion, lunchtime doubly so.
Arthur: Deep, very deep. You should send that into the Reader's Digest, they've got a page for people like you. Anyway, why three pints?
Ford: Muscle relaxant, you're going to need it.
:P
Quote from: Achilles on April 04, 2010, 09:39:45 AM
...I believe that it will be very soon! sooner or LATER. :P All bugs now are dead; I hope, thanks to the Beta Testers and QA's - and ofcourse to those who fixed it. Goodbye Nasty Bugs. :'(
do i assume too much? :( lol
Well according to the Project Tracker there is only one Bug that is still outstanding, but a revision for it has since been released. The only thing keeping it outstanding, AFAIK, is that it's awaiting feedback. The rest are just features.
So yes, it's safe to assume that the release is going to be sooner. ;)
Quote from: Arantor on April 04, 2010, 02:21:44 PM
QuoteArthur: Three pints, at lunchtime?
Ford: Time is an illusion, lunchtime doubly so.
Arthur: Deep, very deep. You should send that into the Reader's Digest, they've got a page for people like you. Anyway, why three pints?
Ford: Muscle relaxant, you're going to need it.
:P
Hahahaha. Time is a illusion.
Quote from: [FailSafe] on April 04, 2010, 02:27:27 PM
Well according to the Project Tracker there is only one Bug that is still outstanding, but a revision for it has since been released. The only thing keeping it outstanding, AFAIK, is that it's awaiting feedback. The rest are just features.
So yes, it's safe to assume that the release is going to be sooner. ;)
That's correct. As the project tracker indicates it had a lot of work on it... it's into 5 pages of discussion... :-X But the revisions I did over the course of two days should rectify that with an improved UI generally which I want a little more testing on before I set the kitteh free :P
Split of the posts regarding assignation.
Find it here: http://www.simpledesk.net/community/simpledesk-discussion/assignation-was-re-simpledesk-1.0-rc2-542.0.html