UK Border Agency PBS Update
There still seems to be a high level of concern over the available information on the UKBA PBS (Points Based System), the on-line SMS (Sponsorship Management System), what the rules are and when it will be fully live.
Our source at the UK Border Agency has confirmed that the official launch date, for the full implementation of the on-line SMS system, is still planned to go ahead on 22 February. To find out more and for other related information on this, please go to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk and check out the following links:
- Latest News
- For employers and education providers
The latest Class developments which handle the creation of a file to be uploaded to the SMS and also the import of the file details returned from the SMS, have gone well. We are proud to say that Infospeed appears to be among a small number of companies that have successfully interacted with the SMS. The new functionality in Class is near its final stage of testing and the next release of Class will be announced shortly.
Changes at Infospeed
In the last couple of newsletters we mentioned additional staff we have taken on to enable us to build on our existing high levels of service and also to further advance our planned future product developments.
Behind the scenes over the last year we have also seen a change in management. While Graham Hacker is still actively involved with Infospeed as Finance Director, January 2010 sees Mike Parsons officially taking over as Managing Director.
Mike has been with Infospeed for over 13 years and started with us back in February 1997 as an Analyst Programmer. Since he joined, his dedication and commitment to Infospeed, its products and clients has never faltered and led to him becoming Project Leader in 1999, Development Team Leader in 2000 and Systems Director in 2001. Mike has worked on the Class products from the days of the 'Classic' system, to 'Class for Windows', to the current 'Class for Windows SQL' and is now pushing to evolve Class into the next generation of .NET technologies!
"Infospeed has always been an excellent company to work for and has a superb team of professional people behind it. We are united by our goals... to provide a world leading product and a level of service to our clients that is second to none." - Mike Parsons
We all wish Mike every success in his new role.
The Management Team is:
- Mike Parsons: Managing Director
- Carol Davies: Director
- Graham Hacker: Finance Director
20 Years On
When taking on new staff we always warn them that once you join the Infospeed team you will never leave. Michala is a good example of this as in January she celebrated 20 years of working with us. Thanks Michala for sticking with us - doesn't time fly?
2010 Workshops
As well as attending the StudyWorld (London) workshop in September, Infospeed are planning to attend the 2010 IALC (International Association of Language Centres) workshop, which is being hosted by Galway Cultural Institute and takes place from 29 April to 2 May at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Galway. For those schools that will be attending either the StudyWorld or IALC Workshops, we look forward to seeing you there!
Techies' Corner
We normally include a Tips & Tricks section but in this issue, we finally let the techies have their say with some information that we hope you will find interesting!
Emailing Directly from Class -
Use SMTP instead of Outlook!
Are you aware that there is an alternative to using Outlook as the vehicle for email?
Why use SMTP?
Over the years Microsoft has added a lot of security restrictions on 3rd party software (such as Class) sending emails through their Outlook product. This has resulted in Outlook adding hidden attachments (winmail.dat files) which have caused recipients of the emails to be unable to view attached documents or not to receive the attachments at all!
Class was enhanced some time ago to send emails direct via SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol - which for you non-techies it means "via the Internet") and completely by-passes your local Outlook client. This had the benefit of making sure the recipient received the attachment without any hidden files. It also allowed us to put together a screen for sending the email; the benefits of which are:
- Multiple recipients + CC + BCC options from Class contact details
- Ability to add multiple Class documents to a single email
- Ability to add external document(s)
If you are still using the Outlook method of sending emails from within Class, we would recommend moving over to the SMTP method. For more information: Download the Help File on SMTP email (PDF)
If you would like any help in setting this facility up please let the Support Desk know.
Backups - Important Reminder
Have you checked your backup routine is working correctly? Have you carried out a test restore? If your server goes down we can replace your programs but cannot replace your data!
New Workstations - Beware!
We have had an issue reported with Class running on a workstation that contained the Intel E5300 64bit CPU (with emulation) running Windows XP. We are currently unaware of any issues with this CPU running with Windows Vista or Windows 7 but we would advise you to avoid this particular CPU in the future to avoid disappointment. If you would like any further information on this please contact support@infospeed.co.uk and we will arrange for a technician to get in contact.
SMS Texting from Class - Do you use it?
Do you ever need to contact Host Families, students or even agents quickly and easily either as a group or individually? Then why not send TEXT (SMS) messages directly from Class. You may need to contact a number of Host Families to advise them that their students arrival is delayed. Send one text to all the families - much quicker than having to telephone each of them.
For further information please contact the Support Desk.
Free Refresher's Sessions
We offer free online Refresher's Sessions to all existing clients with a current Connected Support Contract, to help you make the best use of Class. These 20-minute sessions are aimed at experienced users.
Next Sessions & Topics
(UK time)
- Accommodation Payments
Thursday 25th February at 10am, 3pm and 9.30pm
- Automatic Classing
Thursday 25th March at 10am, 3pm and 9.30pm
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- Agents
Thursday 29th April at 10am, 3pm and 9.30pm
- Class Ledger - End of Period Reports
Thursday 27th May at 10am, 3pm and 9.30pm
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> More information on these four sessions
During the online refresher's session you will be connected to our Class training database and be shown various options and suggestions. Please contact us to book a place.
Welcome to New Class Users
We would like to welcome some schools who recently joined the long list of Class users:
Millennium City Academy (London, UK)
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Twin (London, UK)
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Berlitz (Manchester, UK)
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Spinnaker College (Portsmouth, UK)
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Apex College (Croydon, UK)
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LSI (Paris, France)
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www.class-systems.com
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