First Option partnered with Looksoftware in November 2011 in order to modernize the former Daprex application software. Our programming staff has been working diligently over the past few months and we are at the point where we are ready for a first look.

Looksoftware has been providing dynamic application modernization and integration solutions for customers and application vendors for over 15 years. Their architecture automates the modernization process, providing multi-channel front-end access, requiring no changes to your back-end IBM i, System i, AS/400, iSeries and System z applications.

Looksoftware's toolset enables programmers to seamlessly blend application modernization with development of new applications. This can be achieved using leading technologies like Open Access for RPG, Microsoft's .NET and Java, and provides a practical, long-term strategic path forward for all IBM i, System i, iSeries or AS/400 application investments.

First Option has been developing application software for the iSeries for 17 years and we are excited about this new venture. We have begun modernization on the former Daprex software and are ready to roll out the test version to a select group of users.   

We will begin setting up roundtable discussions with a test group of customers within the next few weeks to go over the new changes to the software and get additional direction as to improving enhancements and the overall flow of the applications.   

What does this mean for you?

• The software will have a new GUI interface that is still in the format you are accustomed to.
• Desktop Integration is a big part of Phase one. You will be able to download reports to Excel.
• GL Upload will also be included as part of the enhancement.

For those of you on maintenance support the new enhanced software will be available to you as an upgrade. There will be a one-time charge for the initial license fee and a small annual maintenance fee to use the tool itself.

Stay tuned for exciting developments.....    

First Option introduced the new Help Desk System on January 25, 2012 via webinar.

The new Help Desk System is feature rich and includes the ability to enter your own tickets and utilize a robust Knowledgebase.  A News feature is also included to get quick updates from First Option regarding upgrades, and other information pertinent to the software. Future enhancements will include Live Chat and a Troubleshooting tool.

Based on the survey we conducted last July we discovered many of you were looking for application training and better training resources and materials.   

The new Help Desk has what is called a "Knowledgebase" which features documented instructions on day to day activities. We have documented all of the calls that have come in over the past eight months and created Knowledgebase entries from the ones that we felt would benefit everyone. (And believe me it has been a lot of calls!) The Knowledgebase is broken out by application and can be searched on by query or by entering your ticket information.   We have also captured year end procedures that are done on a one time basis and usually require a series of steps that are hard to remember if not documented someplace.

The Help Desk also lets you enter your own tickets into the system and attach supporting documentation at the same time. This enables the Help Desk to better respond to your issue without having to call you back for supporting documentation or to get further details regarding your problem. It also provides First Option with trending information that we can use to hold training webinars regarding a particular topic.

For example: At year end many had questions regarding which options to use for 1099's. This year we are going to hold a training webinar as to how to run your 1099's and the Knowledgebase now has detailed instructions on 1099's and the various options that need to be run.   

The manuals have also been updated to include a table of contents that links to each section. You can now just scan the table of contents, pick your topic and click on it. This should help for day to day activities and year end procedures.  The manuals are located under each specific application as well as a separate category called Manuals in the Knowledgebase.   

If you have not had a chance to look at the training materials regarding the Help Desk features I have included information below. I encourage you to give it a try - I think you'll like it!

Help Desk Training  

or Go to 

http://www.1stoption.com/About/newsEvents.htm and Click on Help Desk Demo   

On April 14, 2011, President Obama signed into law the Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011.

Under this Act, businesses are no longer required to issue a Form 1099-MISC to corporations and non-corporate entities concerning the purchase of goods and services for any person or company to whom they paid more than $600 in a tax year. It also repeals a requirement for individuals to report rental income on Form 1099-MISC.

In order to offset lost revenue, the law requires individuals who receive excessive tax subsidies for state health care to pay back a larger amount than formerly required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of Heath Care Reform.