Simplesoft Solutions Blog

How to Complete a Manual SalesLogix Database Backup

July 5th, 2011 by Paul

Steps to Backing Up SalesLogix DatabaseIn preparation for upgrade testing, backing up your database  is a very important step. Here are the steps to manually back up your SalesLogix MS SQL Server 2005 database to disk (SQL Server Management Studio):

1.  Start | All Programs | MS SQl Server 2005 | SQL Server Management Studio

2. After connecting to the appropriate instance of the Microsoft SQL Server Database Engine in Object Explorer, click the server name to expand the server tree

3. Expand databases and highlight the appropriate SalesLogix database

4. Right-click the database, point to Tasks, and click Back Up. The ‘Back Up Database – SalesLogix’ dialog box appears

5. In the Database list box, verify the database name

6. You can perform a database backup for any recovery model, but in our case select or confirm FULL in the list box

7. In the Backup type list box, select Full

8. For Backup component, click Database

9. Either accept the default backup set name suggested in the Name text box, or enter a different name for the backup set

10. Optionally, in the Description text box, enter a description of the backup set

11. Ignore the information about when the backup set will expire, unless it is needed for some reason. Note: To have the backup set expire on a specific date, click On and enter the date on which the set will expire

12. Choose the type of backup destination by clicking Disk

13.  To remove a backup destination, select it and click Remove

14. To view or select the advanced options, click Options in the Select a Page pane

15. Select an Overwrite Media option, by clicking one of the following:

16.  Select Add to provide a destination for saving the database backup location

17.  In the Select Backup Destination screen, select the square icon with four dots at the end

18.  MSQL will open the Locate Data Files Dialog screen to the default location for backups. Make sure you choose a location that is local to the server and has adequate space

19.  In the File Name text box enter the name of the database backup, like SalesLogixBackup20110426.bak

20.  Select OK

21.  Select OK

22.  In the upper left hand side, select the Options page

23.   Confirm Overwrite is selected

24.  In the Reliability section, optionally check: Verify backup when finished. Perform checksum before writing to media and continue on checksum error

25. Select the General page again

26.  Select OK

27.  The database will back up and go through a verify phase. After it is completed, you will see a dialog, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, with the message, ‘The backup of database ’saleslogix’ completed successfully.’

28. Select OK

You have successfully completed a manual backup of your SalesLogix database!

If you would like to learn more tips, or have a CRM topic you would like us to write about, please contact Simplesoft Solutions, Inc. in one of our Cincinnati/Dayton (OH), Charleston (WV), or Charlotte (NC) surrounding area office locations:

Dayton, Ohio Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
550 N. Main St. Suite A
Springboro, OH 45066
Phone: (937) 885-1204 x 3204
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Ripley, WV Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
710 Random Rd.
Ripley, WV 25271
Phone: (304) 521-2387
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Charlotte, NC Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
3635 Eastover Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 910-3872
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

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Using MS SQL for SalesLogix? A Collection of Helpful Links to Feature Pack Articles

March 29th, 2011 by Paul

SalesLogix MS SQL Articles I had this bright idea…. I could bring it all together in one blog.  See my attempt below at gathering links to several helpful articles for MS SQL deployment  to assist our  SalesLogix customers.  When deploying multiple servers,  with an on premise deployment of SalesLogix,  there is the need to ensure that the MS SQL Native Client is installed on the servers that are not the database server itself.  Here are the links to download the appropriate and corresponding SQL Native client and the related tools of the feature pack.

  1. First you need to identify the version of MS SQL Server that you are currently using.  Here is a helpful article by Microsoft to help.

How to identify your SQL Server version and edition

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321185

2.  Find the webpage with the corresponding Microsoft SQL Server Feature Pack link

MS SQL Server 2005 Links

MS SQL Server 2005 SP3 Feature Pack Link – 9.00.4035

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=536fd7d5-013f-49bc-9fc7-77dede4bb075&displaylang=en

MS SQL Server 2005 SP2 Feature Pack Link – 9.00.3042

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=50B97994-8453-4998-8226-FA42EC403D17&displaylang=en

MS SQL Server 2005 SP1 Feature Pack Link – 9.00.1399

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?familyid=d09c1d60-a13c-4479-9b91-9e8b9d835cdc&displaylang=en

MS SQL Server 2008 Links

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack – 10.00.1600.60

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyId=228DE03F-3B5A-428A-923F-58A033D316E1&displaylang=en

Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 R2 Feature Pack – 10.50.1600.1

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=ceb4346f-657f-4d28-83f5-aae0c5c83d52

3.  Once the right page is found, you will need to scroll down the page to find the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Native Client files.

Download the appropriate installation files for the bit edition of the client workstations (32 bit vs. 64 bit etc.)  The download file will be named (sqlncli.msi) for 32 bit or (sqlncli_x64.msi) for 64 bit edition.

4. Lastly, copy the file(s) to a shared installation point on the network.  A good tip is to place them in a well named folder and copy the link of the download URL as well.

I tend to create folder like ‘MS SQL SQL native client – 64 bit for MS SQL 2008 SP1′ so that when I come back to the folder later I will know what the folder means.

5. If you find that your version of MS SQL Server is not patched up, then you can take the time to plan to patch to the latest server pack that is on the compatibility list.  When you do that, make sure that you review your backup plans and patch the client computer and other server computers that have client connectivity back to the server.

How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2008

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968382

This little article will help you find the links that you need to keep your installations updated and SalesLogix running smoothly.

Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in. That everyone may receive at least a moderate education appears to be an objective of vital importance.

Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865)

If you would like to learn more tips or have a CRM topic you would like us to write about please contact Simplesoft Solutions, Inc. in one of our Cincinnati/Dayton (OH), Charleston (WV), or Charlotte (NC) surrounding area office locations:

Dayton, Ohio Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
550 N. Main St. Suite A
Springboro, OH 45066
Phone: (937) 885-1204 x 3204
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Ripley, WV Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
710 Random Rd.
Ripley, WV 25271
Phone: (304) 521-2387
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Charlotte, NC Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
3635 Eastover Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 910-3872
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

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The Future of SalesLogix Mobile – iPhone and Android

September 2nd, 2010 by Mike Pothast

So many of our customers have asked us recently about what’s available and what’s coming for the SalesLogix Mobile platform, that we thought we should provide that information in a more proactive format. So, here you have it!

With the ever changing landscape of mobile devices and platforms having made some tremendous strides over the last 2-3 years, the need for a SalesLogix Mobile Client that is compliant with the full range of today’s devices is greater than ever. Fortunately Sage has recognized this, and the Product Team is working diligently at the upcoming release, due in November/December. What can you expect? A full HTML 5 browser capable application, that will work on BlackBerry and Windows Mobile, as you have come to expect, as well as on the standard iPhone and Android browsers. We’ve seen a sneak peek of the product, and we don’t think you will be disappointed.

But what can organizations that are making the switch away from a BlackBerry culture do in the meantime to access their SalesLogix data from their mobile devices? Fortunately, the team at Net@Work has filled the mobile gap with new, device specific applications for SalesLogix v7.5.2 and SalesLogix Cloud. Available in the appropriate marketplaces for each device, OnTheGo (http://www.myonthego.com) allows SalesLogix users to access real-time data from their database for all critical parts of SalesLogix, as well as making calls, sending emails, creating notes, recording emails and full data editing controls. It’s as easy as pointing the application to your SalesLogix URL and logging in as you normally would at your desk. There’s even a free trial available for the Android platform that points to demonstration data.

Google estimated earlier this month that more than 200,000 Android devices were being activated daily, an increase of 100,000 devices per day since May of this year. That’s overwhelming growth, and far outpaces any other mobile platform on the market. Couple that with the iPhone, and you can account for well over 50% of the smartphones being sold today. We’re seeing more and more executives, customers and otherwise, making the move away from the trusty BlackBerry to newer, more functional devices that in the past have been looked over as true business tools. And we don’t foresee a change in this trend any time soon; in fact we’re counting on seeing exponentially more change in the coming years.

The point to all of this is that SalesLogix, much in the same way that it becoming browser agnostic, is becoming device agnostic. This will allow organizations the flexibility to operate multiple mobile device platforms, with little to no change in the way users access their CRM data on the go. And with very little implementation time or IT burden.

For more information on either of these great solutions, please feel free to contact us at 937-885-1204×3210, or email us at sales@simplesoft.net

If you would like to learn more tips or have a CRM topic you would like us to write about please contact Simplesoft Solutions, Inc. in one of our Cincinnati (OH), Charleston (WV), or Charlotte (NC) surrounding area office locations:

Dayton, Ohio Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
550 N. Main St. Suite A
Springboro, OH 45066
Phone: (937) 885-1204 x 3204
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Ripley, WV Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
710 Random Rd.
Ripley, WV 25271
Phone: (304) 521-2387
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

Charlotte, NC Office:
Simplesoft Solutions, Inc.
3635 Eastover Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: (704) 910-3872
Fax: (937) 885-3580
sales@simplesoft.net

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The Great CRM Implementation Sabotage

June 1st, 2010 by Lisa

Are you contemplating a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) project? The process, people, and technology you choose to deploy your project will have a big effect on the success or failure of your overall plan. User adoption is one major key to success and here are a few ways to ensure failure.

 Just buy the first one you see or the one everyone else is using. Whatever! Don’t set goals or define objectives for a successful CRM project. Throw that “must-have” requirements list out the window. And don’t involve any other departments in the decision. They will love whatever you pick, right? And please don’t ask the vendor or salesperson to demonstrate how your data will perform in the proposed environment. He’s a busy guy!  Besides, that web demo was really flashy.

 Don’t worry about getting the executive team involved.  They like you so much they’ll agree with whatever you say, right? Sign those contracts! After all it’s only money and who cares about that fine print anyway. Everything will go smoothly and no one will question your decision. Oh and be sure to tell your sales department that the reason for the new CRM is to allow management to look over their shoulder and monitor their every move. It has nothing to do with making their job easier or helping them sell more. The sales team will be excited to jump in and get started. They LOVE change and especially rigid “big brotherish” accountability!

Pick the cheapest solution. Everyone knows that you’ll get a quick ROI with the cheapest CRM. Don’t ask questions or do research…and never ask for references. Don’t worry about contract lengths, service agreements, storage limits or data management. You get what you pay for and cheaper is always better!  Besides, it’s got that sweet new app that downloads ringtones. It doesn’t matter if the tool enables you to better serve your customers.  And don’t worry if you need to change your business model to fit the tool.  Remember… people love change and price should always trump features!

Tell everyone that this new CRM will solve every problem the company has ever had. Create hundreds of data entry fields and pick lists for your users. Sales reps love being data entry clerks! Don’t change any of your current processes or make improvements in your spreadsheet mentality.  That’s the way you have been doing it for decades.  Those forms are timeless and essential. Oh, and be sure to knock your team out with all the amazing features and promise them that nothing will go wrong. Let them know that this new CRM will be the panacea that fixes everything. Make sure the executive team has the absolute highest expectations of you and the CRM tool. You need a raise anyway, right?

Make sure the CRM you choose a really difficult to use. Everyone knows that difficult means superior and the more times you click through screens the better. All of your peers have amazing IT skills so they will appreciate your time-saving choice.  Besides, the user experience is totally overrated.  Oh yes, and be sure to “dump” all your old data into that shiny new tool. Everyone in your organization is a perfectionist and that data is clean as a whistle. Now… roll that thing out to the entire company all at once. You’ll get lots of positive feedback, I promise, and rollouts are more manageable without phases or trials.

While my list is ridiculous and no one would ever set out to sabotage their own project, there are some implementation truths to heed. Upper management can demand the use of a CRM tool, but the front end users can make or break your success.

The Simplesoft approach to CRM is unique, and we do invest the upfront time needed to listen and understand how our clients currently work with their customers. We take the time to help them define “best practices” and configure the tool to fit the personality of their business.  And, we understand that any investment in a software technology alone will be wasted unless the management, the end users, and the system administrator have a vision and understand how to implement the software properly to serve the customer better.

Consider joining us on June 8th for the Heartland SalesLogix Users Group meeting. If you are in the Ohio area or a nearby state, it’s a free event and it is held quarterly. The topic this quarter is “Strengthening User Adoption”. Click here to sign up and learn more.

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