saleslogix - Empath-e

Transcription

SALESLOGIX
®
TECHNICAL EVALUATION
VERSION 7.X.X
Author:
Mike Spragg
([email protected])
http://www.empath-e.com
[email protected]
Contents
Technical Evaluation Version 7.x.x ____________________________________________ 1
Introduction _______________________________________________________________ 2
Overview of System _________________________________________________________ 3
Database Server _________________________________________________________ 3
SalesLogix Server (OLE DB Provider) (Data Access Layer) ____________________ 3
SalesLogix Administrator (Presentation Layer)_______________________________ 4
SalesLogix Client (Presentation Layer) ______________________________________ 4
SalesLogix Web Server ___________________________________________________ 5
SalesLogix Synchronisation Server__________________________________________ 6
SalesLogix Remote Office Server ___________________________________________ 6
SalesLogix Remote Office Client____________________________________________ 6
SalesLogix Synchronisation Client __________________________________________ 7
Component Architecture _____________________________________________________ 8
Programming Languages__________________________________________________ 9
Programming Interfaces __________________________________________________ 9
Workgroup Administrator _______________________________________________ 10
Database Manager ___________________________________________________ 10
Calculated Fields ____________________________________________________ 11
Picklists and Lookups_________________________________________________ 11
Database Joins ______________________________________________________ 12
Query Builder _______________________________________________________ 12
SalesLogix Architect ___________________________________________________ 13
VBA Scripting ______________________________________________________ 15
Active Forms and Script (new in v6) _____________________________________ 16
Development & Production Systems _____________________________________ 17
Bundle Manager _____________________________________________________ 18
Projects ____________________________________________________________ 19
Data Imports and Exports ________________________________________________ 20
Alternative Methods __________________________________________________ 22
SalesLogix Database Profiler _____________________________________________ 23
.NET Customisation ____________________________________________________ 24
System Administration & Skill Requirements ___________________________________ 25
Firm Wide Set-up__________________________________________________________ 27
Main Office ________________________________________________________ 27
Remote Offices ______________________________________________________ 28
Developing External Applications ____________________________________________ 29
Gaining a connection _________________________________________________ 29
Adding a form to the project____________________________________________ 30
Adding to Microsoft Word _____________________________________________ 31
Running the application _______________________________________________ 31
Appendix A - Compatibility Checklist__________________________________________ 32
© empath-e Limited
Last Modified: June 2007
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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the SalesLogix system in
response to your Request for Proposal. This guide seeks to inform the intended
audience with regard to the components used within the SalesLogix system and their
interaction within your organisation.
It also introduces many of the changes made in Version 6.x to support n-tier
operation and the architecture improvements to allow SalesLogix to become more
accessible to other business applications such as Microsoft Visual Basic, VB.NET,
Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Word etc.
With SalesLogix Version 5.x the application was tied to its own database provider
(Borland Database Engine) and scripting language (Cypress Enable). This prevented
it from being accessed outside of its own environment – unless you used the SLAPI
access methods which were cumbersome to support. Now, with SalesLogix v7.x all
database access is routed through the standards based ADO/OLE DB provider. This
server based component exists, not only for SalesLogix, but for any application that
wishes to make use of it – providing security and, importantly, logging control for
remote users and sites. It also maintains the connection status and licensing control.
Version 7 is the first release whereby all legacy forms and scripts have been
removed – and have been replaced with Active Forms and Scripts. Additionally, this
is the first release to provide .NET forms – which can be bundled and streamed out
to each client.
Further Reading
It is also recommended that you review the following documents, supplied on CD, for
further information and illustration of the enclosed:
SalesLogix v7.0 Launch Bulletin
SalesLogix Architecture White Paper
SalesLogix Data Sync White Paper
SalesLogix OLE DB Provider
© empath-e Limited
Document
PDF
PDF
PowerPoint
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OVERVIEW OF SYSTEM
The SalesLogix system is comprised of the following applications: Application
Purpose & Description
Database Server
(Data Layer)
This is the primary, or master, database and
stores the master copy of the SalesLogix
database. As you can see this may be hosted
on various platforms depending on size of
installation and scalability requirements.
Microsoft SQL Server 2000 or
2005
Microsoft MSDE v2.x
Oracle 9i / 10g
The use of MSDE is for test/training systems
only and should not be used in production –
as it is limited to 5 concurrent connections.
SalesLogix Server (OLE DB Provider) The SalesLogix OLE DB Provider (technically,
a service provider) extends the functionality
(Data Access Layer)
Operates by default on TCP/IP
port 1706.
of the SQL Server OLE DB (Data) Provider by
adding three services which are not natively
supported. These services are internal to the
SalesLogix OLE DB Provider and used
automatically via the standard ADO interface
– no additional or proprietary SalesLogix ADO
methods are required. The SalesLogix OLE
DB Provider automatically:
Performs data logging, creates
transaction exchange files (TEFs) for
synchronisation of data to remote users.
Enforces column and row level data
security on all queries passed to the
database.
Manages user connections to the
database and enforces licensing
The SalesLogix OLE DB Provider is not limited
to SalesLogix Clients. Visual Basic,
Application Service Provider (ASP) pages,
Crystal Reports, or any other application that
uses a standard OLE DB connection may
access SalesLogix data as a client. The
interface is standard Microsoft ADO, requiring
no proprietary API calls to access the data.
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SalesLogix Administrator
(Presentation Layer)
Admin
Architect
Bundler
This core application is used to configure and
maintain the SalesLogix system. Composed of
three applications, the Administrator will use
these to maintain users, picklists,
customisations, licenses and security etc. The
overall Administrator may nominate other
administrators with restricted functions if
required.
The Architect and Bundler are used for
customising the SalesLogix system and
provide a mechanism of moving
customisations between development and
production servers and/or vendor and client.
The v7 Administrator program was
completely re-written for v6 and is now
easier to use with less options to configure.
SalesLogix Client
(Presentation Layer)
This is the application used by all workgroup
clients to access the full range of SalesLogix
services. These clients interact directly with
the Database Server over the LAN/WAN.
With v6 the application has changed to
support a new mail-merge engine which is
common to both the LAN and Web versions.
Additionally, over 15 functional areas were
addressed within this release. See the
Launch Bulletin for further details.
In version 7 the application controls were
adapted to enables a Windows XP theme to
be used. This presents a cleaner and more
updated look and feel to the product.
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SalesLogix Web Server
Servers
Web Host
Web Manager
Web Reporting
Clients
WebClient
WebViewer
LeadCapture
Web Phone/Wireless
The Web Host contains the functionality of
the Web components and provides the
interface between SalesLogix and Microsoft
Internet Information Server™ (IIS). Your
implementation may require one or more
Web Hosts and virtual servers. Each Web
Host is a separate, physical machine. At a
minimum, you must designate one primary
Web Host. Depending on the size of your
implementation, you may also need to install
one or more secondary Web Hosts. Virtual
servers enable you to scale your
implementation without additional physical
machines.
The Web Reporting engine uses Crystal
Enterprise XI R2 from Business Objects
The various web clients (WebClient,
WebViewer etc) denote the functionality of
the client.
For v6 the following improvements were
addressed: Navigation system was re-written
resulting in faster performance and less
toolbar “clutter”.
New, cascading menus now contain
group functionality.
New grid control for expanded detail
views.
The interface was altered to match a
Windows XP look and feel.
The web clients now support Outlook and
MS Word integration, via ActiveX
components, that operate in exactly the
same manner as the LAN Client.
Dynamic groups may now be created.
Web reporting uses same components as
WAN version. Reports are now identical
between versions of the client.
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SalesLogix Synchronisation Server
The sync server processes transactions made
by each user, office or web client and sends
them to the relevant other sub-office. This
sub-office also has a SQL system that
supports that office. Regular iterations of the
sync server and sync client ensure that each
remote office and remote user is up-to-date
providing a loosely coupled synchronisation
system.
The Sync Server communicates via the
Network, FTP or secure VPN connections.
In version 7 the ability to synchronise via
HTTP was added, this enables sync to
operate without the need for opening nonstandard ports across firewalls.
Remote Office Components
SalesLogix Remote Office Server
Set up in the same way as a SalesLogix
Database Server this serves the need of the
local office users. This server need only run a
database server in relation to the number of
users. You can freely match MS SQL Server,
MSDE or Oracle as Remote Office Servers.
SalesLogix Remote Office Client
This is the same client as used in the master
office, simply directed to the remote office
server.
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Remote User Components
SalesLogix Remote User Server
For a disconnected user, such as a
salesperson or anyone wishing to use the
system totally disconnected, they will have a
local sub-set of the master system on their
portable. A database server such as Microsoft
SQL Server Personal Edition or MSDE serves
this function.
SalesLogix Remote User
This is the same client as used in the master
office, simply directed to the remote user
server.
SalesLogix Synchronisation Client
The Synchronisation Client communicates
with the Synchronisation Server to exchange
transactions – sending changes made by the
local client to be applied at the master server
and applying changes to their database as
made by the other SalesLogix users.
Sophisticated algorithms are used to ensure
only transactions that directly affect their
data set are sent to that user to minimise
synchronisation times. Inbuilt rules are used
to avoid potential data change conflicts.
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COMPONENT ARCHITECTURE
DB
DB
Security
Sync Logging
BDE
(SLAPI)
SalesLogix
OLE DB Provider
IIS
SDK
ISAPI
(Web DLL)
A DO
(SLAPI)
rd
3 Party
Windows
Clients
SQL or Oracle
OLE DB Provider
IIS
S DK
Browser
ISAPI
3rd Party
Business Rules
Security
Sync Logging
SalesLogix v5.x and Earlier
Windows
Browser
Figu
Business Rules
SalesLogix v6.2
As you can see – with the introduction of version 6 it is now feasible to write
applications using standard industry tools such as Visual Basic, Visual Basic.Net, C#
etc. using the standard OLEDB provider as the access method to data – along with
inherent support for security and database logging for remote users.
Please refer to Appendix A for details on supported systems and minimum client
specifications.
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Programming Languages
SalesLogix is primarily written in Borland Delphi. Access to the database is driven by
the standard ADO methods using the “OLE DB Adapter for SalesLogix” – this
provides a database vendor neutral access mechanism and enables SalesLogix to
make ANSI-92 compliant calls to the driver and this will then translate according to
the database in use. The use of OLEDB extends to the reporting infrastructure –
using Crystal Reports XI R2 from Business Objects.
The web components utilised for presentation and integration are VBScript, ActiveX,
DHTML and JavaScript dependent upon requirements. Access to the SalesLogix
system from a web client is via a SalesLogix DLL integrated with IIS via the ISAPI
layer and ADO for database access.
The web components rely directly upon the configuration of the system. For
example, adding a table for the SalesLogix LAN clients means that it is immediately
available for building into web views and queries. As the database is open technology
there is nothing to prevent the developer writing, for example, an ASP based
application to query and display SalesLogix data. empath-e has an in-house
application that does this for Intranet display of information pertinent to our
customer base. This functionality can be extended for web portals or digital
dashboard type scenarios. Now, with the release of v6 the update method is
supported allowing full read/write access to the data.
The Mail Merge engine communicates with the SalesLogix database via ADO and is
integrated into Windows as a DCOM object and calls upon Word using DCOM. This
single instance engine replaces all previous methods for fax/email & word document
production.
Programming Interfaces
SalesLogix can be customised quickly and easily using the Architect program included
with the system. This enables “screen paint” type controls to adjust the user
interface to suit the requirements of the Administrator or development staff. Using
the Admin program you can also adjust the database schema to quickly include, or
drop, additional tables and columns to support your business requirements.
Now, with the introduction of Microsoft VBScript directly within the Architect and a
single IDE for Active Forms you no longer have to write “mini-scripts”. Each object
supports events and code behind those events – making development faster and
easier to understand.
For legacy products, access is provided by VBA to include other application DLL’s for
extensibility beyond SalesLogix. You can also control other applications (for example,
MS Word, MS Outlook), including SalesLogix, by the use of COM Automation.
SalesLogix exposes many functions for use by other applications as required. Refer
to the Development Reference Guide for more details.
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Workgroup Administrator
Database Manager
Same
Database
Manager in Administrator
and Architect!
Add a description
to any table!
Right-click to change
hidden fields and
indexes easily.
Easily specify how
this table is to be
synchronized to and
from remotes.
Now text fields
can contain up to
4,000 characters!
As you can see, from here you can control the database schema without having to
resort to the underlying database tools such as MS Enterprise Manager, Oracle ISQL,
Query Analyser etc. Columns can be added, deleted or renamed to suit your business
terminology. New tables can be added to enable data to be populated based upon
views created in the Architect.
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Calculated Fields
Based upon rules you define you can create calculated fields that are resolved during
run-time: -
Picklists and Lookups
You can also aid data entry by pre-defining how picklists should work and what data
items can be queried quickly.
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Database Joins
When tables are added a link is made with a parent table on a 1:1 or 1:M basis. You
can decide what should happen when data is deleted – keep the data and denormalise the data or delete the record to prevent orphaned records. The joins are
also used when building the view for Query Builder (the ability to query any object in
the database from the SalesLogix client)
In this instance if a company is
deleted then all contacts for the
company
are
deleted.
When
displaying data from company and
contact join the data based on the
AccountID using an inner join.
Query Builder
The Query Builder, built directly into
SalesLogix & Web Client, enables the
user to query data using any
condition they need. This then builds
a dynamic group based on those
conditions.
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SalesLogix Architect
(Legacy Views)
The Architect program is used to build customisation objects [known as “plugins”]
within SalesLogix. Using an intuitive forms based design the developer can quickly
modify views enabling the user interface to reflect business requirements rather than
“out of the box” views. Linked to this, via the VBA Scripting engine and the Admin
Database Manager, complete process models can be achieved.
Here we can see the full list of plugins
available. By highlighting the required
plugin you can simply open the plugin
for editing.
Once a view has been
opened
the
developer
simply uses drag and drop
to place or arrange objects
on the view.
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Using the palette control the developer can utilise the supplied SalesLogix functions
and controls: -
Additionally, each object has a set of
properties and can, depending on user
reaction, cause events to occur: The combination of properties and events
enables the developer to create user
interactions that closely follow the
processes and business requirements.
Due to the nature of business – these
controls and events can be quickly and
easily changed as requirements change
within the business.
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VBA Scripting
(Legacy)
One of the most powerful functions within SalesLogix is the use of VBA. As previously
mentioned by business processes will guide user interaction. By tightly integrating
VBA to the view and data objects within SalesLogix it is clear that functionality is
limited only by the developer’s imagination and ingenuity.
For example, each object can be assigned a default condition and a set of
parameters but what if you want data to be altered based upon a set of conditions?
This is where VBA is used to ensure changes happen only when you want them to
happen.
Using the Architect you draw the views you need and then bind VBA to the object to
ensure your business rules occur. In this example we will populate the history table
based upon an input form: -
However, we want to check
the form for errors before
allowing the user to post the
history item. A small piece of
VBA does the checking for us.
In this case – if the user has
requested to insert a file, but the file
name is blank, then the request is
denied.
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Active Forms and Script (new in v6)
The Architect has been revamped to include new functionality for Active Forms – as
opposed to Legacy Views (pre v5.x). However, both can co-exist within the system
and be used interchangeably.
Programmer can
“include” code that
is shared – no more
duplicate code
Forms use standardised
controls. Custom
controls may be added
by the developer
True Microsoft VBscript!
For developers who aren’t
experienced with VBscript, there
are several reference books and
web sites.
Code editor will color-code parts of the
script to visually assist the developer.
Tooltips and Code Completion give the
developer automatic assistance while
they are typing.
Overall, Architect will be comfortable to
anyone who has used Visual Basic.
Script Editor and VBscript
Customisation code can now be written in Microsoft VBscript. The new script editor
provides a richer environment including colour-coding, tooltips, and other features
similar to Visual Basic. The new editor supports the following:
Code completion. Code completion occurs when a control name and period
are typed (“dot notation”). The applicable properties and functions appear in
a list.
ToolTips. Function parameters display as a ToolTip after the function is
typed.
Include Scripts. Global functions can be used across multiple scripts with
the new “include scripts” option.
Find and Replace. Find and Replace capabilities allow you to search for
specific words throughout the current script or all scripts in the database.
Backward Compatible. Existing Cypress Enable scripts continue to operate
without modification and are now called “Legacy Scripts.”
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Development & Production Systems
An exceptionally useful feature of SalesLogix is the use of releasable plugins. This
virtually eliminates the need for a development system (aside from the obvious
reasons) as you can develop on the live system.
This is achieved by the use of secured plugins. Each plugin has two, or more,
releases – one for the Administrator and the other for each user or team it has been
released to. It is therefore feasible to have a live system whereby the logged in user
is using one view whilst you develop a new or enhanced replacement view. Once the
changes are finished you can release a plugin to a test or prototyping team. If the
feedback is positive the plugin can be released system-wide. In version 6.x this
functionality is extended by the use of version controlled plugins. Rather than
overwriting plugins, each plugin is kept but de-released as a new one replaces it.
This ensures a developer can go back and re-release a plugin if necessary without
resorting to a backup.
Developer View
Determine who to release the view to.
The next time the user logs in (or
presses CTRL+F5) then their view will
be refreshed. This principle applies to
all plugins; including views, scripts,
groups, reports etc.
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Bundle Manager
SalesLogix is supplied with an application known as the Bundle Manager. This tool
enables complete projects of customisation to be delivered, typically via email, to the
system.
For example, empath-e can be contracted to provide new functionality. We would
make these changes locally on our systems in Winchester. After testing, these are
then sent to the Administrator and loaded via the Admin program. These changes
are then sent, via the Synchronisation Server to the remote users and the remote
offices during the next synchronisation cycle. Each office and user is then kept instep with the master system. The LAN based clients receive the changes when they
next login to SalesLogix (or press CTRL+F5 “Refresh”).
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Projects
With version 7.x the project area was extended to incorporate all plugins and actions
– these are the components used within a bundle “wrapped” together to form a
complete project – making it easier to create bundles and transport programming
objects between systems.
See all your plugins for
this project at a glance
Open plugins from here
with a double-click!
Build
a
Bundle
directly from a Project
– all the plugins are
added to the Bundle
Easily release all plugins
in the Project to a Team
or Everyone
New plugins are added to the
Project when you save. You
can add existing plugins from
the “+” button or from inside
Plugin Manager.
When installing a Bundle
through Administrator, there is
an “Add Project” checkbox
that is set by default. This will
install a Project that matches
the Bundle.
Simply launch
Architect and open the Project
to see all plugins installed by
the Bundle. You can even
open Plugin Manager and filter
by Project to easily see details
about plugins added by the
Bundle.
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Data Imports and Exports
Imports to the system are achieved via the supplied Import Wizard tool. This has
been re-designed for version 7 and provides better functionality as well as access to
scripting for more complex import maps. The tool enables the Administrator to define
an import source (which can be from file based structures such as ASCII CSV or
OLEDB/ODBC sources) and then use a simple drag & drop interface to determine the
destination.
Obviously, great care must be
taken during this stage, as the
Administrator will need an
understanding of the database
schema in order to avoid data
collisions. A fully documented
database schema is provided with
SalesLogix along with ERD’s in
Visio if required.
Once the tables have been
defined for importing the next
step is to map the import tables
with the SalesLogix tables.
Again, a simple drag and drop
interface is used.
It is possible to assign record
import conditions for example –
only import records where
TYPE = ‘Condition1’ and, if
condition fails, then a default
condition can be used.
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Once the table map has been completed SalesLogix will now guide you through each
of the defined tables and enable you to drag and drop fields into the relevant
SalesLogix columns.
Again, conditional or translation
methods may be used on each
field.
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When you have completed the mapping phase, the last phase is to map your input
file users (if applicable) to SalesLogix users.
As you can see, it is not necessary for the names to be defined exactly the same way
as they are in SalesLogix (as they are resolved to ID’s ultimately anyway).
Once this stage has been completed you are now ready to import into the database.
Alternative Methods
The import wizard is very convenient for single, simple, imports. However, if you
wish you may also use VBA/VBscript to import directly into the database or other
tools such as Scribe Migrate / Integrate or Microsoft DTS for example. Additionally, a
product due to be launched is the Application Integration Server (AIS) – this enables
“hub-and-spoke” type integration with 1:M application.
Exporting is currently limited to CSV, Text or dBase IV. However, the use of
VBA/VBscript can extend the export options to virtually any other format, for
example XML or PDF/MS Word (via Crystal Reports export functionality)
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SalesLogix Database Profiler
The profiler enables the system administrator to analyse queries that are being sent
through the provider, both generic and after it has been transformed by adding the
security layer. It also provides timing details to analyse slow queries.
A new feature also enables queries to be optimised – replacing any “tokenised” query
with specific query hints to provide SQL Server the necessary information to make
long/standard queries more efficient if possible.
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.NET Customisation
New to Version 7 is the ability to extend SalesLogix functionality with .NET forms as
required. These are embedded into the SalesLogix client and can be delivered via the
standard bundle mechanism.
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SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION & SKILL
REQUIREMENTS
The SalesLogix Planning Guide (as supplied) defines the need for the following
people for an installation of SalesLogix: Implementation Manager (System Administrator)
Information Systems (IS) Administrator - [IP Networking, Hardware]
Database Manager (DBA) – [Microsoft SQL Server 2005/2000 or Oracle]
Web Master – [Internet Information Server, Jscript, DHTML, HTML]
Customisations Manager (Developer) – [VBA/OLEDB/ADO/VBscript]
You will also need the following people: Business Sponsor
Project Sponsor
Training staff
These people are required in complex, large installations of SalesLogix and, normally,
can be shared functions across the same personnel. For example, your
Customisations Manager may also be your System Administrator.
In essence, you are required to have the relevant personnel available to enable the
system rollout to be made on time and with minimal issues. It is important for
example, therefore, that the Web Master be in touch with the IS Manager to ensure
relevant hardware and resources are available during system installation.
The cornerstone of the implementation phase is the IS Manager – he or she will need
to co-ordinate with the SalesLogix Pilot and Review team to ensure that the
resources are available when required. Additionally, empath-e will need access to the
IS Manager and/or their staff to ensure that they have the correct information about
network protocols, servers etc. when performing the initial installation.
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Post installation is where the review and business sponsors are required to ensure
the continued and ongoing development of SalesLogix within your organisation. This
will involve liaison with the Administrator, DBA and SalesLogix Developers to ensure
new processes are implemented as and when required. Customisation would,
normally, be passed to the DBA for implementing on the database, then the
developer and then web development team. Typically, on a day-to-day basis the only
requirements are simple picklist changes, report running & to ensure the database is
performing optimally (indexes, backups etc)
This assumes that you wish to actually develop the software yourself – it is normal
for empath-e to handle the complete life cycle of customisation during the first year
of commission. We will update your system and web servers on your behalf (via
remote access and control) ensuring a smooth roll out plan is achievable with
minimum effort from yourselves. We would expect an on-site Administrator for
SalesLogix (backed by an internal review team) in order to co-ordinate these
changes.
After this period you are welcome to attend advanced development training courses
to ensure that your firm becomes self-sufficient in development, if required.
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FIRM WIDE SET-UP
Using the various components of SalesLogix it is possible to cater for many different
installation scenarios. For example, web-based deployment for limited bandwidth or
multiple geographically dispersed locations. LAN based for power users or Terminal
Server delivery for low-bandwidth users who require the functionality of the fullclient. Additionally, you can deploy multiple database servers into major offices and
use replication to deliver and apply updates.
Main Office
3rd Party App
e.g. Word /
Outlook
SalesLogix
OLE DB Server
SalesLogix
Workgroup
Client
SalesLogix
WebServer
MS IIS
SalesLogix
Workgroup
Client
Citrix / MS
Terminal
Server
SalesLogix
Remote User
SalesLogix
Sync Server
RAS /
VPN /
FTP
DB
Subset
SalesLogix
Remote Office Link
(See next page)
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SalesLogix
Terminal Server
Client
SalesLogix
Web Client
SalesLogix
Quick Virtual
Office Users
(Terminal
Server Clients)
SalesLogix
Web Client
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Remote Offices
SalesLogix
Remote Office Server
SQL Server 2000
SalesLogix
Workgroup
Client
SalesLogix
Sync Server
Transactions
SalesLogix
Workgroup
Client
To Main Office
RAS /
VPN /
FTP
As you can see – you can split and combine components to suit the needs of the
user and office. Terminal Server eases the rollout significantly – but brings increased
cost. Using Web Servers also ensures an easy rollout but each client has restrictions
due to web-based technologies.
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DEVELOPING EXTERNAL APPLICATIONS
Given the new data access model it is relatively easy to create your own application
to access the SalesLogix system.
Shown below is an application that is launched from within Microsoft Word in order
to pull name and address details from SalesLogix – given a few parameters: Gaining a connection
In order to open a connection to the database you would use the OLE DB Provider
(provided with SalesLogix) and use the following connection string:
Dim cn As ADODB.Connection
Dim rs As ADODB.Recordset
Dim sConn As String
sConn = "Provider=SLXNetwork.1;" & _
"User ID=Admin;" & _
"Password="""";" & _
"Data Source=<database_name>;" & _
"Extended Properties=""" & _
"SLX Server=<server>;" & _
"ADDRESS=localhost;" & _
"Type=ODBC;" & _
"PORT=1706;" & _
"RWPass=Password1"<password>""‘ Used if read/write required
Set cn = New ADODB.Connection
cn.Open sConn ‘ open connection using OLEDB Driver
Set rs = cn.Execute("<my sql statement>") ‘ SQL statement
X = rs.Fields("<myfield>") ‘ row return value
rs.Close
cn.Close
Set rs = Nothing
The items in “< >” require completing at runtime. That’s it ! Provided the correct
OLE DB provider is used (SLXOLEDB.1) everything else is handled, including logging.
In order to simplify life we have created a Class DLL called SLX6.DLL that handles
the above, therefore it has its own methods and properties – and avoids the need for
replicated code.
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Adding a form to the project
In this example we open Outlook and invoke the VBA editor:
A new form is added, and code behind the “Find Now” button does the physical
search of the database:
Private Sub cmdSLXFind_Click()
with found results
' Logs onto DB and populates grid
Dim SQL As String
Dim ar() As Variant
Set x = New SLX6 ‘ Uses the SLX6.DLL Class to physically connect
x.LogOnDbSilent
SQL = "SELECT contactid, lastname, account, firstname, initials,
address1, address2, city, state, postalcode, prefix, addressid " & _
"FROM contact c, address a where c.addressid = a.addressid and
lastname like '%" & txtLastName.Text & "%' order by lastname,
account"
ar = x.MainDatabase.Recordset(SQL).GetRows ‘ Get RecordSet
FillGrid grdMain, ar, "", False ‘ populate grid control with array
x.LogOffDb
End Sub
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Adding to Microsoft Word
A new button is added to the standard toolbar to invoke the form. The form/code is
then saved as a document template (.dot) and saved into C:\Program
Files\Microsoft Office\Office\Startup where it will start with Word each
time.
Running the application
From within Word the user simply types part of a name to find
SLXFind is pressed
Mike Abbott
Abbott Ltd.
The Towers
Northern Way
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG23 1BD
The form invokes, queries the database and returns the relevant rows.
The user simply double-clicks the required item and the results are sent to
Word as a fully formed address.
Similarly, controls, code and forms are added for the Update option. Obviously, in
this example a lot of code has been omitted for clarity.
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APPENDIX A - COMPATIBILITY CHECKLIST
SalesLogix v7.0 SalesLogix Client Requirements
512+ MB RAM recommended
1Ghz+ Processor recommended
200+ MB of free disk space for application files
Sales Remote Client requires 56K modem for
synchronization; DSL, Broadband, or network
connection recommended
Sales Remote Client requires minimum additional
250+ MB free disk space for database and sync files
(depends on subscription rules and account ownership
which increase size of database)
Remote Clients require additional 250Mb+ for
local database, sync files etc.
Hardware
Operating System
Local Database
For Sales Remote Client Only
Word Processor
For Sales Client Mail Merge
E-mail
Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP4
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP1/2
And MDAC 2.8 (included)
MSDE 2000 SP3/SP4 (SP4 included)
Or Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Personal Edition
Or Microsoft SQL Server 2000
Microsoft Word 2003, Word 2002 or
Microsoft Word 2000 SR-1a or higher
Microsoft Outlook 2003 SP1 or higher
Microsoft Outlook 2000 SR-1a* or higher
Or Microsoft Outlook XP*
Or SalesLogix Mail Client (included)**
* Workgroup or Corporate mode, not Internet-only
mode.
Reporting
Browser
Sync to Personal Information Managers using
Intellisync for SalesLogix (included)
Sync to Handheld Devices
** SalesLogix Mail Client supports Internet mail,
Lotus Notes R5 in "Office Mode", and GroupWise 5.5
and 6.0.
Crystal Reports Professional XI R2
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0
Or Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0
Microsoft Outlook 2000 SR-1a
Microsoft Outlook XP
Novell GroupWise 5.5*
Lotus Notes R5 in Office Mode
Lotus Notes 4.6 in Office Mode
* Export from SalesLogix to GroupWise Only
Once you have synchronized from SalesLogix to any of
the PIMs above, you can now sync to any device
supported by those PIMs including Palm OS, RIM
Blackberry, Pocket PC, and other compatible devices.
For example, you can synchronize between SalesLogix
and Outlook and between Outlook and Palm (SLX <-> Outlook <--> Palm). Contact your PIM or device
manufacturer for the appropriate sync software.
Using Intellisync for SalesLogix and the retail version
of Puma Intellisync v4.0 or v5.0 (not included), you
may synchronize directly to the following devices:
Palm Powered Handheld Synchronization
Pocket PC Synchronization
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SalesLogix v7.0 Administrative Workstation Requirements (may reside on SalesLogix Server)
Hardware
Operating System
Word Processor
For Mail Merge template management
Reporting
Browser
Crystal Reports Professional XI R2
SalesLogix v7.0 Host Database Server
Hardware
Operating System
Relational Database Management System
Compatible E-Mail Servers
1GB+ RAM recommended
1+ GHz recommended
2+ GB free disk space for database + free space
for RDBMS files
Dedicated high-speed network connection to the
Database Server if SalesLogix Server is installed on
separate machine.
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (SP1)
Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 4
Or Oracle 10g with ISO 8859-1 character set
Or Oracle 9i (9.2.0.2) with ISO 8859-1 character
set
Microsoft Exchange 5.5/2000/2002/2003 Server
Lotus Notes R5 in "Office Mode"
GroupWise 5.5
POP3/SMTP
IMAP/SMTP
SalesLogix v7.0 Synchronization Server Requirements (may reside on SalesLogix Server)
2+ GB free disk space for sync traffic
Hardware
Operating System
SalesLogix v7.0 Remote Office Server Requirements
Hardware
Operating System
Relational Database Management System
1Gb+ RAM recommended
2+ GB free disk space for sync traffic
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (SP1)
Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 4
Or Oracle 10g with ISO 8859-1 character set
Or Oracle 9i (9.2.0.2) with ISO 8859-1 character
set
SalesLogix v7.0 Web Host Requirements
Hardware
Operating System and Web Server
1.5+ GHz recommended
and web pages
Microsoft Windows 2003 Server (IIS v6)
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP4 (IIS v5)
SalesLogix v7.0 Web Reporting Requirements
1+ GHz recommended
and web pages
Hardware
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Microsoft Windows 2003 Server (IIS v6)
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP4 (IIS v5)
Crystal Reports Server XI R2
Operating System
Reporting
SalesLogix v7.0 Sales Web Clients and Support WebTicket Requirements
Browser
Word Processor
For Sales Web Client Mail Merge
E-Mail
For Sales Web Client Outlook integration
Microsoft Outlook 2000 SR-1a* or higher
Discontinued in SalesLogix v6.x/7.x
Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft
Operating Systems
Windows
Windows
Windows
Windows
NT v4.0
95, 98, 98SE
XP Home Edition*
ME*
*Not qualified as these Operating Systems are
intended for home, not corporate use.
Microsoft SQL Server 7.0
Microsoft SQL Server 6.5 and earlier
InterBase
Internet Explorer 5.5
Internet Explorer 5.01 and earlier
Microsoft Windows XP Professional with IIS or
Personal Web Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional with IIS or
Personal Web Server
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Workstation with
Personal Web Server
Microsoft Word 97*
SalesLogix Word processor
Databases
Browsers
Web Servers
Word Processors
* Not compatible with Mail Merge features.
Microsoft Outlook 98*
Microsoft Outlook 97*
E-mail Clients
*Not compatible with Advanced Outlook Integration
features.
Crystal Reports 8.5 and earlier (existing Crystal
Reports must be upgraded)
IQ Objects
SLX Report Writer
Reporting
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saleslogix - Empath-e

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