Expinion.net - Elevate your business with our software ...

Updated after visitor comment...

Yes, our applications are working with MS Exchange. (Note: You will have to verify the path to the pickup directory in your applcation's config file when initially setting up your application and using MS Exchange.)

We should be able to make any other application work in a similar manner as well.

[--- UPDATED: 2/28/2004 4:53:26 PM ---]

By default most of our software supports the following 9 email components:

AB Mailer
Persits
ASPEmail
ASPMail
CDONTS
CDOSYS
JMail
Dundas
CDOSys (Windows 2003 Server-with or without authentication)
MS Exchange

We will add any email component support to any of our applications free of charge when requested.

Question: Refund Policy
Considering purchasing your News Mgr product within next 24 hrs. Want to know what is your refund policy and support turn-around time if we need assistance?

Please respond asap.

thanks!

Solution:

Hi,

Our refund policy (for all of our applications) allows you a full-refund if the initial install by Expinion.net (free-of-charge) or by yourself (with our help if necessary) can't be made to run error-free on your server/host, exactly as it works in our demos for this version. Please read our [ policies ] for full details.

If you receive a refund, you must discontinue using the application and associated materials, such as documentation.

As for our support turn-around, we usually respond to issues within a few hours. This can vary however, due to workload and staffing availability. I hope this answers all your questions adequately, and that we can add you to our growing list of clients around the world.

- Colleen -

Question: Cookies
What are your policies regarding cookies?

Solution:

I'm glad you asked!

We do use cookies to store your username if so elected on login forms so you don't have to re-type it when you visit again.

But, we don't collect personal info. For full details on all our policies, see http://www.expinion.net/policies.asp#7

As for our software, cookies are not required for the use of any of our applications. However, cookies are used to store username information for those who wish to use this feature. (So, if a client doesn't wish to turn cookies on, they won't be able to use the remember password feature that is on many of our applications.)

Question: Forms of Payment

What forms of payment do you accept?

Can you send an invoice so my business can write a check ?

Solution:

Credit Cards:

We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, or Discover (no special account required.) Or, if you already have a PayPal account, you may pay via credit card through them.

Cash, Check or Money Order:

Of course, we will also happily accept cash, check or money order. You will be invoiced via email a few minutes after your order, then you may choose any of the above forms of payment. Your download link or CD will be sent to you after your payment is received.

Purchase Order:

We will accept purchase orders, but we need a copy of the purchase order itself. (Either an image can be emailed to us at sales@expinion.net or you can fax it to us. Please see our contact page.)

For more information or to make a purchase click here: http://www.expinion.net/purchase/

Question: Removing Expinion Logo from Help Desk
Can you elaborate more on how we can customize the HelpDesk. I would like to remove the expinion logo and maybe keep my design consistent with the overall site.

Solution:

Hi Beju,

Removing the Expinion logo from the visitors area is very easy to do, and within your rights since your license includes the code to be used and modified at your discretion on your site. However, *you must to keep the license comments intact within the source; these comments are not visible to your site visitors unless they view the page source.

Removing the logo is simply a matter of removing a line in the inc_footer.asp. (Or overwrite it with the file that I've attached, which has the logo removed.)

As for customizing it to fit your current design, you will have the code so you may add any background colours, existing headers etc. I can't really answer this question without knowing how your site is designed...but most of our users do at least add their current header.

If you want us to install it for you, we can certainly do that, free-of-charge. (However, this requires providing us temporary FTP access.) If you want 'us' to provide extended customization for you, there 'may' be an extra charge for that, depending on the work required.

I hope this answers your questions.

Best Regards,
Colleen

* The copyright statements that must be retained will look similar to this:

Question: Single Site Licenses
We’re considering purchasing a copy of the product “Help Desk” Single Site license to use with our customers. (We actually develop software for our customers and need a better control of the questions they have.)

We plan to buy a single site license copy of your software and install it at the hosting company designated to host our internet site. At this URL our customers can request our Help Desk services using your Help Desk System installed. Our customers are in different places in our city at Sao Paulo, Brazil, so they would access the Help Desk via the internet to generate issues to be solved by our team.

Can we do this without violating the Expiniot.NET policies regarding software licensing?

Solution:

Hello Geraldo,

Absolutely. This is exactly what a single site license is intended for. The administrators and visitors can be located anywhere, provided only one copy of the software, resides on only one server.

However, if you wished to have two copies on your server (example one in English and one in a second language) you would need two licenses.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

- Colleen Wilson -

Question: Request Upgrade
I believe I qualify for an upgrade, how do I get the latest version?

Thanks

Solution:

Hello,

You can request an application upgrade here: http://www.expinion.net/upgrade.asp.

(You will need your 'purchase id' number, which was sent to you with your original download email, to complete this form. Or, there is a tool to help you retrieve your purchase id number, if you are still using the same email address as was used to make your purchase.)

Question: Integration into site template
Please provide instuctions for placing helpdesk into current site template...

Thanks,

Mathew

Solution:

Hello Mathew,

It's quite simple really. All you have to do is modify 2 files, inc_header.asp and inc_footer.asp files (Help Desk root folder).

Those 2 files are common to all public files of Help Desk.

If you don't have a common menu file:
You can read more about it here: http://www.expinion.net/support/issue_view.asp?ID=125

If you already have a common menu file:
If you have a file such as a site header menu that is common to all of your site:

1. Simply open the helpdesk inc_header.asp file (in notepad for example).

2. Above the first line of text, paste in a modified include statement such as this one:


3. Be sure to modify the include file text between the "s, to the path and name of your menu file. (This statement presumes that your menu will be located in your root directory.)

Your helpdesk will now appear below your usual menu when called from your browser.

4. Link from your header menu to the helpdesk.
(So your visitors can find the support area in the first place!)

5. Save (and upload if required) your changed header files.

6. Test the changes in your browser, modify/upload/save as required.
(Correct path names if necessary, etc.)

Question: Customizing Applications
What is the best way to change the colours to match in with my site and add images such as logos etc to these applications?

Solution:

All of our applications have header and footer files which are common to each application's entire public area. (Because each page of the root folder includes these header and footer files.) The same is true for the admin areas. These files are usually called inc_header.asp and inc_footer.asp.

So, for example, if you change the colors and images in the
app-root-name/inc_header.asp, the change will take place across the entire application's public area.

If you have a site menu that is contained in a single file, which is called from all of your pages, you simply have to open the application's header file and include the path to your menu in the application root's inc_header.asp file.

Note: We don't recommend making changes in the administration, since the public doesn't see it anyway, and there is much more programming here that can get 'messed' up with customizations. But, if you did want to change it here, it would be the same file name (inc_header.asp), but the copy in the admin directory.

Logos, etc. that you want to change in the footer would be found in the app-root-name/inc_footer.asp file. Changes here will affect the bottom of the application.

For information on including your existing menu into the application files, please see the following issues...
Integration into Site Template
MultiCalendars Integration

The process is the basically the same regardless of which application you are trying to customize.

Note: A great reference for HTML color codes can be found at WebMonkey.com.

Question: Is there a trial edition?
Is there a trial edition that I can evaluate for 14 days or something? I have tried both online demo's. Ideally I'd like to try to integrate this with my system and if it works, pay for a license to activate the software. However, if I can't get it to integrate with my system then I don't want to purchase software I can't use.

Thank you.

David

Solution:

Hello David,

as you already know the application is not compiled in any way and comes with full source code, as such we can not give out any trials.

We do guarantee that as long as you meet the system requirements the application will work just as it does on the online demo we provide.

Question: User's Guides
Where can I find a copy of the user's guide?

Solution: All available users guides are included (in digital format) with your download. These manuals are also available here.

Question: How long has Expinion.net been in business ?
How long have you been in this business ?

Solution:

The short answer is eight years. :)

Our asp application development work began in 1999, with custom work for specific clients. At this time, we were based solely in Manitoba, Canada. Prior to this, individual members of the Expinion.net team worked on other projects and in various business scenarios.

By 2001, our applications began to evolve into customizable solutions, which could be used under many business scenarios. (Similar to off-the-shelf.) View the dates of our commercial application releases [ here ].

In 2003, we switched our main domain name from Europeum.net (which we still use) to Expinion.net.

Now, in 2007, we've grown to having literally thousands of sites using our software applications, in over 142 countries!

We passed the initial stages of an emerging internet company long ago, and have enjoyed continuous growth. As a dynamic and profitable internet based busines, we're here to stay! (Look out competition!) :)

Question: Money Back Guarantee
I like your software and your site, and am considering buying a few of your applications. However I have a question. Does Expinion software come with a money back guarantee?

Solution:

Hello,

Thanks for your interest in Expinion.

Since all our applications come with the full, unencrypted source code we can't offer an unconditional money back guarantee - some people would just copy it and return it. However we do guarantee that we can make the purchased software work exactly as shown in our demos, provided you meet the basic system requirements (http://www.expinion.net/software/req.asp). If for some reason this were not the case, we would refund your money in full. Please read our [ policies ] for full details.

If you aren't certain that your host meets the system requirements, another option would be to try installing one of our free applications (FAQ Generator or Random Quotes generator). These are simple scripts, but have the same requirements as our paid applications. (ASP support on a Windows IIS server, and supports MS Access or MS SQL database.)

As an added bonus, we also offer a free FTP installation with each purchase. If you prefer to do your own installation, this is absolutely fine (the majority of our clients install their own applications). We will always be here to help with any questions or problems you may have, with the installation, implementation or at anytime after.

A few our clients can be found here: http://www.expinion.net/exchange/ and some testimonials can be found here: http://www.expinion.net/testimony.asp. Hope this makes your decision easier. :)

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Regards,

Vladimir S. Pekulas
Application Programmer/Analyst
http://www.expinion.net

Question: When will I get my links?
How long after I purchase will I receive my download links?

Solution:

Hi Andy,

It depends on whether there are any problems according to our credit card verification, and whether or not your payment is instant or echeck. Usually the links are sent within the hour, but for echecks, the delay can be 4 days (till it's cleared).

In your case, the links have already been sent.

Please let us know if you have any problems or questions with your new software (by reopening this issue), of if you would like a free install. (Info is in your download email.) And, thanks again for your business. :)

~ Colleen ~

Question: Determining Compatibility
To-date my website only contains HTML pages, but our business is ready to advance now to using internet applications. How can I tell what type of server my host has?

Solution:

Just like your PC, internet/intranet software can only run on a server with an operating system and language support to understand the programming language of that software.

Expinion.net applications are designed specifically for Windows IIS servers. None of our ASP applications will work on Linux, Unix operating systems nor do we support Apache servers.

Our applications also require ASP support and either an MS SQL or an MS Access database. (We are gradually adding My SQL support too, so check the Full Requirements link to see if the application you are interested in is My SQL compatible yet.) [ Full Requirement Details ]

How can you tell if your host's server can support our software?

:: Determine your host's server, yourself.
If you're hesitant to contact your host to ask them, or in a hurry, you can try looking for some of the hints from the chart below. Note, these are only suggestions and are valid at the date of this writing, but things do tend to change! :) Offerings can change, hosts may change, servers may change...so unfortunately no guarantees can be made here.

1. Visit your host's package area, and view a list of features that your package offers. Please remember that it's essential that your package is the one you are checking on. Many hosts offer both Windows and Linux based hosting.

2. Beginning with Operating System, which is the most important requirement, look for phrases described below, in the good signs and incompatible columns. (Bit simplistic, but the best advise we can offer, that will work for absolutely everyone.) More Below...

Good Signs for Compatibility	Indicates Incompatible System
Windows IIS Server (Expinion applications support the following.) Windows 2003/IIS 6.0 Windows Server 2003 (and up) Windows Server 2000/NT	Linux / Unix /Apache Servers (Expinion applications don't support any of the following.) Linux Unix Apache
Database Support (one of these three is required)	Database Support
MS SQL May also be referred to as: SQL Server, SQL Server 2000, etc. [ Versions] My SQL All applications except MultiCalendars can be used with My SQL versions 4.1 and up. MS Access (Most Windows servers have MS Access installed. If not listed, ask. Linux/Unix servers do not support MS Access. No PC based copies of Access are required.)	My SQL only. (Windows, Linux, Unix can all support My SQL. Only Windows Servers support MS Access or MS SQL (SQL Server))
Languages (ASP support is required to run Expinion apps.)	Languages
ASP (Generally indicates ASP 3.0.) ASP 3.0 Active Server Pages	Chilisoft! ASP (Not guaranteed to work, as it is an ASP emulator only.)
General Words and Phrases Indicating a Windows Server (If you see these words you are probably safe. ) Microsoft Windows	General Words and Phrases Indicating a Linux/Unix Server (Not compatible) Red Hat

We support My SQL currently for all our applications except MultiCalendars.

:: Ask your host.
"Is my/this package run on a Windows IIS server, with asp support, and does it have either MS SQL, My SQL (MMS/iNP only), or MS Access support?"

If for some reason, you can't get a response from your host, change hosts! (Really! That's just bad customer service and not worth wasting your time on.)

:: Install a Free Application.
You can try installing one of our free applications (FAQ Generator or Random QuoteGenerator). While these are very simple scripts they have the same server requirements as all of our other applications. So if these work for you, then our paid applications are guaranteed to work on that same server, in exactly the same way as they do in our demo areas.

If you're still not sure about the server type or operating system, and need to know in order to purchase one of our applications, you can always ask us through this support desk's Ask A Question area. Please include a link to your host, and the name of the package that you are currently using. We'll try and find out for you.

Question: Intranet installation

I'm installing the Help Desk application on my own server. Can you please provide me with a sample base path for the config.asp file? I won't be using a domain name, and want to use my IP address as the first part of the path.

SET_BASE_PATH = "http://www.mysite.com/helpdesk/"

Can a base path ever be set using the server name? Example: http://myserver/helpdesk/ ?

Thanks.

Solution:

Hello,

You can use either http://localhost/ or http://127.0.0.1/ as your base path. Both will default to your wwwroot folder as defined in the IIS manager.

Of course, you will use your IP address, and the folder name for your Help Desk installation.

Yes, depending on your server environment, your localhost can be called myserver or such and be accessed via http://myserver/

Question: Documentation

1. What documentation is included with my software download, and in what format?
2. Can I re-distribute any documentation?
3. Can I remove references to Expinion.net from the documentation?

Solution:

1. Most Expinion.net applications include all of the following documents:

:: Some online help text.
:: A printable PDF format Administrators' Guide
:: An Install Guide, and
:: An Upgrade or Transfer guide.

Help Desk also has a short guide intended for your end-users that is in .doc format so that you can easily customize it.

A copy of our guides can be found [ here ]. For a free copy of Adobe's PDF reader, please visit the Adobe website.

2. No. You may allow any agents that will be working from the licensed installations to have a printed copy of the appropriate Admin Guides. But you may not distribute them other than to employees of the licensed company. The guides and their copyrights belong to Expinion.net.

3. Nope, sorry. :) We don't allow you to modify our documentation at all. If you need additional notes, we suggest that you print a copy and write your notes on it.

Although we do allow you to remove our logo and link from your website, we reserve the right to leave our name on this property. The documentation is generally used for use within the company only, so it shouldn't matter. And, in this way, admin agents will always know where to go for support and any free future upgrades that they are entitled to.

Question: Sales Tax
Will I have to pay taxes for my purchase?

Solution:

Only if you're in Canada. Expinion.net is based in Canada. As a result, we only collect taxes for Canada, on purchases made from Canada.

For Canadians, you will be charged 7% GST. If you're in Manitoba, then you will be charged an additional 8% PST.

Canadian Business Number: 85868 0275 RT001

Question: Currency
Are the prices quoted on your website in Canadian funds?

Solution:

No. All prices are quoted in US funds, since this is our largest marketplace and the currency that other countries are more familiar with.

However, when paying via 2Checkout.com or Paypal, funds can be converted into your currency for your convenience.

Question: Request Free Installation

How do I request my free installation?

Solution:

Request Installation here: https://www.expinion.net/res/_install.asp

Each of our applications comes with one free installation by Expinion.net staff. This installation will only be done via FTP, so we'll need temporary access to your site. If you want to use SQL, we'll need remote access to that to.

We also need a valid Purchase ID number to verify the sale. (This number was sent to you in the same email as your download link, after purchase.)

Since the application comes with a setup utility (requires you to write enable the application folder), and installation guides, you may install the application yourself. (Few people have problems installing the software themselves.)

If you need to move your application and wish for Expinion to do the installation again, then the price will be $30, and it can be paid in the regular purchase area here: https://www.expinion.net/_Purchase/step1.asp.

Question: New .NET Help Desk Software

I am currently using Expinion Help Desk v6.3.

Have you got a new customer support application that is written in .NET 2.0?

Solution:

Yes. And, and you can test it out for 30 days on your own server, for free. [ Trial Request ]

As a client using HelpDesk v6.3 (or higher versions) you can also convert data from your previous Expinion Help Desk 6 installation, into the new .net solution.

Read more in the article pasted below.

Conversion from Expinion Help Desk 6

Requirements:

While both asp and asp.NET can be hosted on Windows IIS servers, they are different programming languages. Please ensure that your host/server can accomodate asp.NET v2.0 before downloading the HelpConnection.NET solution demo or license.

In addition, MS SQL (SQL Server 2000 or higher) is required to run this application. This application will not be offered for MS Access or My SQL backends.

Changes:

To read a 14 page .pdf document, that briefly outlines some of the differences between the Expinion.net HelpDesk 6 and the HelpConnection.NET solution, please click [ here ].

If you don't have Adobe Reader (.pdf reader), you can download a copy [ here ].

Data Conversion (HelpDesk 6 to HelpConnection.NET) :

A transfer tool has been developed to help you convert your existing Expinion HelpDesk 6 data into the tables required for the new HelpConnection.NET solution. Please note that custom fields and their contents will not be transferred!

The conversion will include agent, category, issue, client name/username/password/email address. No data loss should occur from these fields of the HelpDesk database.

Client information will be converted, to accomodate a new client database rather than storing client info on a per issue basis. Please note that the expected format will be firstname lastname. (The first word encountered in the client name field will be considered a firstname, data found after a space will be considered a lastname.)

While we tried to make the data transfer as complete as possible there is no guarantee that all data will be migrated or that no errors will occur. Please be careful not to delete your old HelpDesk tables until you are sure you have all of your required data.

NOTE:
You can only use the HD > HC conversion on freshly installed HC solution, do not run this utility on HC that already has some content.