Audio presentations from the RUG Annual meeting on May 20, 2008
Relais International Update
Rapid ILL
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
V2008 updates
Please note that the following item should have been included in the release notes for V2008:
Request Processing – only those document supply codes and reject codes that are valid for the request currently being processed are now displayed.
In previous versions of Relais all document supply and reject codes were displayed, then if staff selected an invalid code, an error message was displayed.
Request Processing – only those document supply codes and reject codes that are valid for the request currently being processed are now displayed.
In previous versions of Relais all document supply and reject codes were displayed, then if staff selected an invalid code, an error message was displayed.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Relais products go open source
For Immediate Release
April 22, 2008
Relais products go Open Source
Relais International is excited to announce that we will be moving all or part of the Relais software to an open source model.
Why are we doing this?
Open source software has been a buzzword in the library community for several years now. There’s no doubt: open source is exciting. But many still don’t understand why.
Reliability
Open source software is peer-reviewed. It is exposed to extreme scrutiny, with problems being found and fixed instead of kept secret until the wrong person discovers them. This peer-review process results in a code base that’s more reliable than closed proprietary software. Mature open source software is as bulletproof as software ever gets.
Security
With proprietary software, source code is “closed,” and support and future development of the product rely on the success and resources of a single vendor.
In contrast, open source solutions rely on stable code bases developed and supported by many providers worldwide. As a result, libraries using open source products typically have more support options than those using proprietary software.
User Driven
Proprietary software vendors must focus on providing functionality improvements that meet the needs of the majority of their customers in a large and diverse market.
In contrast, open source software features emerge from the community of users that have paid for or developed and contributed them. This makes open source software user-driven--you decide what features are important and deserve attention rather than a vendor.
Innovation
When the code is open, users are free to innovate and improve the software to meet their needs. They can accomplish this either by joining the development process directly, or by using companies such as Relais International to develop their ideas. Free innovation also means that open source software has much faster development cycles when compared to proprietary
What are the implications for our customers?
Relais International will review all existing contracts and agreements, we will then provide customers with options for converting to a service agreement that incorporates support, maintenance and custom development.
Our aim is to make this transition with minimal impact to our existing customers with the exception of providing more options and flexibility for those customers who are interested in adding to and modifying Relais as you work to address the needs of your user community.
When will this happen?
The first modules to be moved to an open source model will be available before October 1, 2008.
There are a number of key decisions to be made as this process moves forward, including the selection of an appropriate license under which the Relais software (or part of the Relais software) will be available. We will keep all customers informed of our progress and invite your comments and suggestions.
“We are fully dedicated to Relais, the company and the product” says Clare MacKeigan, Chief Operating Officer of Relais International. “Our customers are the basis for our success to date and we want this to continue. We anticipate that this decision will result in an even stronger more vibrant user community. Each of our customers brings a unique perspective to the table, and by giving more options to capitalize on this we know that all of our customers will benefit.”
Please follow our web site and blog for more news as this process unfolds.
In the meantime if you have any questions, comments, suggestions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.
April 22, 2008
Relais products go Open Source
Relais International is excited to announce that we will be moving all or part of the Relais software to an open source model.
Why are we doing this?
Open source software has been a buzzword in the library community for several years now. There’s no doubt: open source is exciting. But many still don’t understand why.
Reliability
Open source software is peer-reviewed. It is exposed to extreme scrutiny, with problems being found and fixed instead of kept secret until the wrong person discovers them. This peer-review process results in a code base that’s more reliable than closed proprietary software. Mature open source software is as bulletproof as software ever gets.
Security
With proprietary software, source code is “closed,” and support and future development of the product rely on the success and resources of a single vendor.
In contrast, open source solutions rely on stable code bases developed and supported by many providers worldwide. As a result, libraries using open source products typically have more support options than those using proprietary software.
User Driven
Proprietary software vendors must focus on providing functionality improvements that meet the needs of the majority of their customers in a large and diverse market.
In contrast, open source software features emerge from the community of users that have paid for or developed and contributed them. This makes open source software user-driven--you decide what features are important and deserve attention rather than a vendor.
Innovation
When the code is open, users are free to innovate and improve the software to meet their needs. They can accomplish this either by joining the development process directly, or by using companies such as Relais International to develop their ideas. Free innovation also means that open source software has much faster development cycles when compared to proprietary
What are the implications for our customers?
Relais International will review all existing contracts and agreements, we will then provide customers with options for converting to a service agreement that incorporates support, maintenance and custom development.
Our aim is to make this transition with minimal impact to our existing customers with the exception of providing more options and flexibility for those customers who are interested in adding to and modifying Relais as you work to address the needs of your user community.
When will this happen?
The first modules to be moved to an open source model will be available before October 1, 2008.
There are a number of key decisions to be made as this process moves forward, including the selection of an appropriate license under which the Relais software (or part of the Relais software) will be available. We will keep all customers informed of our progress and invite your comments and suggestions.
“We are fully dedicated to Relais, the company and the product” says Clare MacKeigan, Chief Operating Officer of Relais International. “Our customers are the basis for our success to date and we want this to continue. We anticipate that this decision will result in an even stronger more vibrant user community. Each of our customers brings a unique perspective to the table, and by giving more options to capitalize on this we know that all of our customers will benefit.”
Please follow our web site and blog for more news as this process unfolds.
In the meantime if you have any questions, comments, suggestions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Reports Feedback
Hello all,
We are looking at revamping our Relais ILL reports now that we have a new feature available with Crystal Reports. We would like your feedback.
We would like to make as many things as flexible as possible so that the reports will apply to as many customers as possible.
For example, the current reports only work with the default Relais ILL package, so if you add or modify Request Types or Exception Codes, the reports would no longer be valid for you.
The new features allow us to show only your Request Types (regardless of the Relais ILL defaults) and allow you to choose which Request Types you would like to select for your report – the Request Type(s) you select will determine whether it is a report for Borrowing or Lending activity. For example, if you select PAT for patron, then it would be a borrowing report. If you select REG & URG, it would be a lending report. If you select all Request Types, then the report would show both lending and borrowing statistics – all up to you. Again, if you use non-standard Request Types, these reports would pick those up and show you only those.
In addition, we can amalgamate several reports into one. For example, rather than having Statistics by Patron Type, Department, ID, Statistical Category, Library Symbol, Library Type, etc, we can combine these into one and you could select whether to view the report using any of these options listed. This brings about 8 reports into 1.
These are just some examples, but in general, do you prefer to have one multi-purpose report or many distinct reports?
Do you prefer to be able to select your own Request Types?
From our perspective, it seems that the greater flexibility would benefit you and it makes maintenance much easier.
Please contact me by the end of this week (April 25) if you have any questions or comments.
Thank you,
__________________________________________
Elena Guadagno, MLIS
Phone: 613-226-5571 x30 Toll Free (NA): 888-294-5244 x30
Fax: (613) 226-0998
mailto:elenag@relais-intl.com
http://www.blogger.com/www.relais-intl.com
We are looking at revamping our Relais ILL reports now that we have a new feature available with Crystal Reports. We would like your feedback.
We would like to make as many things as flexible as possible so that the reports will apply to as many customers as possible.
For example, the current reports only work with the default Relais ILL package, so if you add or modify Request Types or Exception Codes, the reports would no longer be valid for you.
The new features allow us to show only your Request Types (regardless of the Relais ILL defaults) and allow you to choose which Request Types you would like to select for your report – the Request Type(s) you select will determine whether it is a report for Borrowing or Lending activity. For example, if you select PAT for patron, then it would be a borrowing report. If you select REG & URG, it would be a lending report. If you select all Request Types, then the report would show both lending and borrowing statistics – all up to you. Again, if you use non-standard Request Types, these reports would pick those up and show you only those.
In addition, we can amalgamate several reports into one. For example, rather than having Statistics by Patron Type, Department, ID, Statistical Category, Library Symbol, Library Type, etc, we can combine these into one and you could select whether to view the report using any of these options listed. This brings about 8 reports into 1.
These are just some examples, but in general, do you prefer to have one multi-purpose report or many distinct reports?
Do you prefer to be able to select your own Request Types?
From our perspective, it seems that the greater flexibility would benefit you and it makes maintenance much easier.
Please contact me by the end of this week (April 25) if you have any questions or comments.
Thank you,
__________________________________________
Elena Guadagno, MLIS
Phone: 613-226-5571 x30 Toll Free (NA): 888-294-5244 x30
Fax: (613) 226-0998
mailto:elenag@relais-intl.com
http://www.blogger.com/www.relais-intl.com
Monday, March 31, 2008
Relais Workshop - May 21, 2008
Relais International invites all customers to attend a workshop on May 21 from 9am to 12 noon at the University of British Columbia.
Bring your questions or even better post them here or to the rug list (rug@relais-intl.com) in advance. This will be an opportunity to learn more about using Relais products from Relais International staff and from your colleagues. Please RSVP to Clare MacKeigan (clarem@relais-intl.com) before May 2 if you plan to attend.
Bring your questions or even better post them here or to the rug list (rug@relais-intl.com) in advance. This will be an opportunity to learn more about using Relais products from Relais International staff and from your colleagues. Please RSVP to Clare MacKeigan (clarem@relais-intl.com) before May 2 if you plan to attend.
RUG Annual Meeting 2008
Relais International is pleased to announce that this year's User Group meeting will be on May 20, from 9am to 5pm, at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. In addition we will be offering a video conference for part of the day (2pm to 5pm Pacific time) so that customers not able to attend in person will be able to participate in part of the discussion. Details regarding the requirements to participate in the videoconference will be posted as soon as they are available.
At this time I would like to invite anyone with a specific agenda topic to pass it along. We will do our best to include as many of your suggestions as possible.
For those of you who are looking for accomodation in Vancouver:
At this time I would like to invite anyone with a specific agenda topic to pass it along. We will do our best to include as many of your suggestions as possible.
For those of you who are looking for accomodation in Vancouver:
- Information about the CLA conference (May 21 through 24) hotels can be found at: http://www.cla.ca/conference/2008/index.htm
UBC offers accommodation on campus. More information can be found at: http://wwwubcconferences.com/accommodation
There is no charge for participating in the annual meeting. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day as well as lunch.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
v2008 Relais Enterprise & non-hosted Relais ILL Release
Relais Enterprise and non-hosted Relais ILL Users,
From the Relais support download page
http://www.relais-intl.com/relais/support/support.asp
you can now download Relais Enterprise or ILL v2008.
Relais Enterprise v2008 Full/Upgrade 03/07/08
Relais ILL v2008 Full/Upgrade 03/07/08
Please be sure to read the release notes included with each package.
If you have any questions about the installation/upgrade please e-mail support@relais-intl.com.
N.B. Relais ILL Hosted Clients:
If you are planning to upgrade to Relais ILL Hosted v2008, please do NOT upgrade your local workstations to v2008 until you have been in touch with Support (support@relais-intl.com) to arrange a mutually convenient time to do the upgrade. Changes are needed at the server end, e.g., a database upgrade. If you upgrade your workstation without coordinating with Support your Relais ILL system will not work.
Please do NOT download the ILL v2008 package from our download page. This is for ILL non-hosted clients. You will be passed a special package for your upgrade.
From the Relais support download page
http://www.relais-intl.com/relais/support/support.asp
you can now download Relais Enterprise or ILL v2008.
Relais Enterprise v2008 Full/Upgrade 03/07/08
Relais ILL v2008 Full/Upgrade 03/07/08
Please be sure to read the release notes included with each package.
If you have any questions about the installation/upgrade please e-mail support@relais-intl.com.
N.B. Relais ILL Hosted Clients:
If you are planning to upgrade to Relais ILL Hosted v2008, please do NOT upgrade your local workstations to v2008 until you have been in touch with Support (support@relais-intl.com) to arrange a mutually convenient time to do the upgrade. Changes are needed at the server end, e.g., a database upgrade. If you upgrade your workstation without coordinating with Support your Relais ILL system will not work.
Please do NOT download the ILL v2008 package from our download page. This is for ILL non-hosted clients. You will be passed a special package for your upgrade.
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