Information Builders is pleased to announce that WebFOCUS and Developer Studio 7.1, beta 2 is available.

These will be feature-complete releases with the exception of:
� PDF Layout Painter
� HTML form development with FrontPage
� Managed Reporting Saving Parameter values
� Source control support for Managed Reporting
� Creating Visual Discovery output files (with valid license code)
� HTML Layout Painter from Managed Reporting
� Managed Reporting Metadata Impact Analysis Tool
� WebFOCUS API

Once again, this program is for our users and customers who would like to receive a pre-final version of the product ("Beta" release) to run reports, process data or perform the normal tasks that they would perform if given a full release. Beta Testers report any issues or bugs along the way, so that we may address them before the next release.

Beta testers get the benefits of early access to our product line before the public does. This gives them the ability to really influence the progress of any future enhancements through their well-appreciated feedback. Beta Testing itself is not for everybody; it is for people who can work with and tolerate the ups and downs of an unfinished product. We have however, over the years, learned that Beta Testers find it rewarding enough to play an integral role in building a product that they have grown to depend on.

The Beta Release of WebFOCUS and Developer Studio 7.1 will be available for download by approved registrants. If you are interested in being considered as a Beta tester for WebFOCUS, please fill out our BETA Registration form. When the Beta Program is ready, you will receive an email invitation to participate. You can register at http://techsupport.informationbuilders.com/ .

Please be informed that due to the nature of Beta Testing cycles, registration is on a first come, first serve basis, and at times we may be unable to accommodate all requests.

Thank You,
The WebFOCUS Beta Team

What ever happened to WebFOCUS 6?

Pietro -- Features originally targeted for WebFOCUS 5.4 have been rolled up into the WebFOCUS 7 release. However, the perceived move from 5.3 to 5.4 didn�t indicate the level of new features and enhancements that will be available in WF7.

FYI�in WF7, the development environment has been overhauled significantly - SQL Wizard, Structured Ad-hoc Wizard, Dialogue Manager Editor, and a completely revamped Resource Layout tool (much more robust and now can handle the design of Visual Discovery screens, etc.). In addition, many of the server architecture features (e.g., autonomic functions and capacity planning) that were targeted for the Tango release (an internal name for the release intended to follow WF5.4, aka WF6.0) became available early.

So, what does all of this really mean? In short, WF7 will include enough actual functionality for two releases.

This is an excellent question and I�m sure there are many more like this one. So keep on sending them�or you can attend tomorrow�s web seminar (at 2:00 p.m. ET � see the invitation at the top of the forum), watch the presentations by Dan Ortolani and Kevin Quinn, and ask questions during the live Q & A session at the end.

Thanks!

Maryellen

Thanks for the details on the new release. Sounds amazing. When is it due?

As well, will there be a McGyver Button in Dev Studio?

Pietro, you made a very good point. The answer is that, there is no GUI Facility for the MacGyver techniques. However, this should not stop you from participating in the WebFOCUS Developer Studio 7.1 Beta Program.

FYI - Check the website for more detailed info, documentations, and downloads. Register at
http://techsupport.informationbuilders.com/tech/wbf/beta2004/wbf_beta_71.html
Let us hear your comments, suggestions, and questions!!

A quick reminder : don't forget to attend tomorrow�s web seminar (Thur 03/03 @ 2:00 p.m. ET � see the invitation at the top of the forum), watch the presentations by different upper managers, and ask questions in the live Q & A session at the end.

Cheers,

Kerry

Is it possible to attend the beta program without having access to the TechSupport ?

Hi Grzegorz,

You will need to login into TechSupport site to reach this registration page.

If you have difficulties opening the above page, here are steps to take.
1. Go to TechSupport's homepage at http://techsupport.informationbuilders.com
2. Login with your login name and password. If not previously registered, you can register a new account with your site code or serial code. Click on "Create new account" on the right column.
3. After login successfully, click on "Register" for the 7.1 Developer Studio Beta Program, in the middle column of the page.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Kerry