Cross Browser Tips & Holiday Notice

The latest Cross Browser code went live this morning, allowing you to access REsearch with several different browsers and on Macintosh systems!

In the past few hours, hundreds of users have already logged into REsearch Cross Browser, and we’ve received a great deal of valuable feedback (and a few bug reports) as we take this important step forward with our system. Of course, software upgrades always uncover some unexpected behaviors and common issues. Here are tips to avoid the most frequently reported problems.

1. Clear your cache of temporary internet files.

The single most helpful thing you can do to ensure REsearch behaves as expected is to get a full, fresh start with your browser of choice. All browsers cache, or save, commonly used code, but because REsearch Cross Browser involves countless changes, these caches may cause things to break.

Before using REsearch Cross Browser (or if you plan to switch between REsearch Cross Browser and REsearch 4.5), please delete your temporary internet files (including “Favorites website data” in IE8 and IE9). We have instructions on how to do this for Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari.

2. Turn off “compatibility mode” in Internet Explorer.

Previous versions of REsearch required users of the newest versions of Internet Explorer to use “compatibility mode” to emulate older versions of the browser. Our objective with Cross Browser is to prioritize universal standards to ensure it works in all browsers. As a result, you should disable “compatibility mode” in Internet Explorer.

3. Optimize your monitor resolution.

REsearch has always required a display resolution of 1024 x 768 or greater to ensure all screen and interface elements appear correctly. While lower resolutions used by older computer systems may have previously worked with older versions of our system, REsearch Cross Browser includes some features (such as tabbed windows) that require a reasonable amount of screen real estate. Be sure to check, and if necessary, increase your screen resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where are my forms?

To access current and create new forms via REsearch Cross Browser, go to the “Listings” tab, and under the listing menu, select the “Manage Forms”/zipForm button. To access older contract forms, you will need to log into REsearch 4.5.

2. Why can’t I save my password, or use my saved password?

Although we do not recommend saving login information in your browser for security reasons, we realize many users rely on this feature. But with the delivery of REsearch Cross Browser, we are spreading user logins across three servers with new URLs. (This is why we also urge you to bookmark our home page, rather than any individual login page.) As a result, your browser may not recognize that you are on a REsearch login page, and therefore will not autofill your username and password, each time. As you access these different servers over time, saved passwords should eventually be retained. If you need additional help, please contact customer support.

3. What doesn’t work in REsearch Cross Browser?

There are a few known issues that our developers are focused on resolving. Most notably, incomplete map displays on Macintosh systems and in the Opera browser, the ability to upload more than one photo at a time, some display and UI issues with touch interfaces (i.e. iPads), and screen printing (we recommend using PDFs instead).

4. I think I’ve found a new bug. How do I report it?

At the top of the REsearch Cross Browser screen, you will see a link to “Report a Bug.” Please fill out this form, and include as much detail as possible (including operating system, browser, and version) to help us to research and ultimately address your problem.

5. How do I go back to the previous version of REearch?

The Internet Explorer-only version of our system, REsearch 4.5, is still available. Just click the “REsearch 4.5 Login” button on the Hawaii Information Service homepage.

Keep Current!

Find all the information available on our Cross Browser project here:

http://www.hawaiiinformation.com/crossbrowser

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011 and Friday, Nov. 25, 2011 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. If you require urgent assistance, please leave a message on our emergency line by calling (808) 599-4224 or (800) 628-3121 from the neighbor islands, and press * (star). Our phone system will notify our on-call staff that there is an emergency message. Normal office hours will resume on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011.

Cross Browser Update

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, the latest Cross Browser code went live. While REsearch 4.5 will remain available, we hope you will start to use this new version of our system, particularly if you prefer to use browsers besides Internet Explorer (which is increasingly likely).

You can find all the details on REsearch Cross Browser here:

http://www.hawaiiinformation.com/crossbrowser

You can also refer to last week’s announcement for more information.

Important Notes:

• Please do not bookmark login pages. For best results, always start at our homepage, which allows us to direct you to the best available servers.
• Known Issues: Internet Explorer users will need to be sure they are not using compatibility mode. Multiple photo uploads, map displays on OSX, and full Opera support are among the key items still being worked on. See an updated list of known issues here.
• Problems? Please be sure to clear your cache before accessing REsearch Cross Browser or any time you switch between REsearch Cross Browser and REsearch 4.5. If you still encounter bugs or other unexpected behavior, please contact us!

Cross-Browser Push Coming Next Week

The Next Step for the Future of REsearch

IN THIS MESSAGE:

1. What’s happening next week?
2. What’s Different in REsearch Cross Browser?
3. Things to keep in mind when using REsearch Cross Browser
4. Known Issues

Cross-Browser Login Front and Center

In September, we announced the delivery of the first phase of our Cross-Browser project, part of our ambitious push to make REsearch work in all major browsers. Since then, we have been continuously working to eliminate our reliance on Internet Explorer, and allowing you to use a Mac or Windows computer (and even perform most tasks on an iOS or Android mobile device).

Since then, the Cross Browser version of REsearch has always been available to you to use, whether merely out of curiosity, to seriously test the system, or even to do your day-to-day work. And along the way, we’ve been adding critical functionality, enhancing existing features, and fixing bugs.

Starting next week, we will begin directing everyone to the Cross Browser system by default.

This move is a milestone in delivering the second of our two-phase conversion project, which focused on data entry (and listing changes), maps, and refined printing via PDF. Basically, we feel that you should be able to do everything you need to do on our system, but now through your choice of computers and browsers.

While we benefit from the ability to run “beta tests” using live data, and have a constant and concerted testing process in place, Cross Browser does represent a major transformation of our product. As with any new system, we know there may be unanticipated problems or bugs. So we will continue to offer access to REsearch 4.5, the IE-only system you’re using now.

Even so, we sincerely hope you’ll take this opportunity to start using the Cross Browser version of REsearch. As we now begin work on refining things, fixing bugs, updating the design, and even adding new features, we will all benefit from “real world” use. Your feedback is key, and there is a link toreport bugs at the top of the page.

Cross-browser compatibility is something that much larger, national MLS software vendors are still struggling with, so we think we’ve achieved quite a bit this year. Work that you can now see and use every day.

Next week’s homepage change is just the next step in our work to build REsearch into the powerful, industry-leading tool you expect. But we’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and hope we have demonstrated our commitment to you and your technology needs.

What’s New in REsearch Cross Browser?

While REsearch Cross Browser should essentially function the same as REsearch 4.5, you will find minor user interface and cosmetic changes throughout. Here are the more notable ones:

Tabbed Windows – As part of phasing out “popup” windows in REsearch, clicking on links (MLS #, TMK #, Globe Icon, etc.) will open the item in a tab on the right hand side of the screen. This tab no longer takes up the whole display area, and can be resized so you can still see your results while looking at the details of particular listings. Click the red “X” on the selected tab to close it.

Actions Menu – The action menu has been changed from a button at the bottom of the whole screen to a tab that appears on the bottom of each frame. This will hopefully clear up confusion over which section is affected by the Action Menu. Click the tab and the Actions Menu will expand to show you the different options available.

Maps – We have implemented a new version of the ESRI map viewer. Among the improvements are more standardized way to navigate, such as using your mouse wheel to zoom in and out and using left-click and hold to pan. You should also notice some speed improvements and other enhanced functionality.

CloudCMA – We are beginning to integrate Cloud CMA into REsearch, and REsearch Cross Browser will offer the first look at its features. We are planning a separate announcement with tutorials and training for CloudCMA, but we encourage you to start experimenting with it now, and let us know if you encounter any problems.

What You Need to Know

1. REsearch Cross-Browser (CB) is running on a separate system with a separate login page. You can continue to use REsearch 4.5 with Internet Explorer if you choose.
2. Please do not bookmark the login pages themselves, but rather, bookmark and start at the Hawaii Information Services homepage at www.hawaiiinformation.com.
3. REsearch CB is using live data, so any changes you make will affect the live system.
4. Most problems are caused by outdated code that’s cached by your browser (particularly if you try to switch between REsearch CB and REsearch 4.5). Be sure to regularly clear your cache. We have instructions for how to do so in  Chrome and Safari.
5. REsearch CB should work in all major, current browsers for Windows and OSX systems. You should also be able to use iOS and Android devices as well, but there will be some quirks (usually relating to touch versus mouse interactions).
6. If you are going to use Internet Explorer on REsearch CB, you will need to deactivate compatibility mode (which is recommended for the REsearch 4.5).

Known Issues

As of this notice, there are some problems discovered through testing that we are still working on. None of these are critical or blocking issues.

1. The ability to upload more than one photo at a time is still being developed. Also, photo uploads may not work or work as expected from iOS or Android devices.
2. REsearch CB is a non-popup system. It will ignore REsearch preferences set to use popup windows.
3. Tax images may not display correctly in the “Brochure” format.
4. Mac support is most thoroughly tested using the built-in Safari browser. If you experience problems in other OSX browsers, please provide details via the “Report a Bug” link.
5. Map pins may not appear in some browsers on OSX.
6. Maps may not display correctly in the Opera browser on either Windows or OSX.
7. iPad users may experience unexpected session timeouts, often caused by opening new browser tabs.
8. iPad users are currently unable to report sales.

Keep Current!

Find all the information available on our Cross Browser project here:

http://www.hawaiiinformation.com/crossbrowser

Let’s Connect!

Keep in touch with Hawaii Information Service via Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or our Bulletins blog:

November Training Schedule

Holiday Notice: Our offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011 and Friday, Nov. 25, 2011 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. In the event of emergency, please leave a message on our emergency line by calling (808) 599-4224 or (800) 628-3121 from the neighbor islands, and press * (star). Our phone system will notify our on-call staff that there is an emergency message. Normal office hours will resume on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011.

Below is the schedule of upcoming online training classes for the month of November. If you’re new to REsearch, we strongly encourage you to attend the “Orientation” session on Nov. 2. And even if you’ve participated in a session before, it’s often a good idea to get a refresher. Our live trainers can answer your questions and help you get the most out of REsearch. Descriptions of each HIS webinar can be found here.

To sign up immediately, simply click on the links below. Space is limited so please RSVP soon! If you are going to participate/watch online classes as a group, only one person needs to sign up.

Next Week

Orientation
Nov. 2, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/398854070

The Basics
Nov. 2, 2011 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/512573318

Basics to Formats
Nov. 4, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/385316342

How to Enter & Manage Listings
Nov. 4, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/656468086

Nov. 7-11, 2011

Basics to Searching
Nov. 7, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/467089878

Advanced Search Techniques
Nov. 7, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/804255526

Update & CMA
Nov. 11, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/174598782

Farming & Labels
Nov. 11, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/704808086

Nov. 14-18, 2011

zipForm & Downloading the Roster
Nov. 14, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/578420766

Prospecting & Contacts
Nov. 14, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/564763806

Customizing
Nov. 18, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/328727566

Downloading
Nov. 18, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/242450254

Nov. 21-28, 2011

The Calendar
Nov. 21, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/285869798

How to Enter & Manage Listings
Nov. 21, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/633280430

Nov. 28-30, 2011

Maps I
Nov. 30, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/839028342

Maps II
Nov. 30, 2011 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/907690046

In-Person Training

TMK Essentials
Nov. 11, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
http://www.hawaiiinformation.com/REsearch/IDX/mlshawaii/TrainingSubmit.asp?ACT=0

Instructions on how to register for online classes:

• To register, please click on the applicable link located below the class. The link will then take you to the registration site.
• Please complete all the required fields marked by a red asterisks (First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Phone, Organization AKA Office Name).
• Click “Register Now” to complete the registration process. Once registered a confirmation email will be sent to your email address to confirm your registration along with a unique web ID number and instructions on how to login to the session on that day.
• If you need login assistance, please feel free to contact our Customer/Technical Support team at 800-628-3121, press # and then 457.

Remember, after you have participated, please make sure to fill out the survey or e-mail me your feedback so we can continue to improve upon our training efforts! Mahalo.

System Requirements for Online Classes

• PC-based attendees – Required: Windows® 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7
• Macintosh®-based attendees – Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

System requirements apply only to the GoToMeeting webinar service, not to the REsearch system. Questions? Comments? Please feel free to contact us via support@hawaiiinformation.com or call (808) 599-4224 or (800) 628-3121.