Version 6.0 Feature Preview

As we previously mentioned, we're working hard to finalize Version 6.0 for a late April installation and wanted to let you know that we are about two weeks from implementation. Our current plan has us actually upgrading our systems on Thursday May 1st. More information will be sent to registered users over the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek at some of the updates:

(Note: Click on the images for a larger view)

Calendar
In this screen shot you can see the new Calendar. Notice how the Day, Week and Month views are now tabs across the top along with a Meeting Requests tab. Also notice how my mini calendar is docked on the left below my Simpleclick (R) list. This is part of the new custom layout functionality. You can rearrange components on the page to make the layout work the way you want. In this case, moving my mini calendar gives me more space for my main calendar. This custom layout will also persist across browsers and locations. So if I'm using Internet Explorer at the office and Firefox at home my custom layouts will show up in both places.

Meeting Requests
There are several changes to meeting requests including:

• A new meeting request screen
• Meeting requests are sent to attendees as emails
• Hosts can be notified via email when attendees accept or decline
• Attendees can choose to send a message to the host when responding to a meeting request.

The screen shot here shows a meeting request in my Inbox. At the top I can respond Accept, Decline or Tentative and I can also click over to view my Calendar. The request includes all of the meeting details and at the bottom I can enter a message that will be sent to the host along with my response. So I could for example, decline this request but include a note to the host that recommends an alternate person in my place.

Email
There are two features in Email we know you're going to be very excited about. The first is AutoComplete; you start typing in an email address and we provide a list of possible matches in your contacts to choose from. We've also added a feature that lets you know when you've sent an email to contacts who are not already in your contacts and prompts you to add them. You can turn this feature on or off depending on your preference.

These are just a few of the new features you'll be seeing in a couple of weeks. If you're already a BlueTie user expect more information via email as we get closer to May 1st.