Copyright: Copyright 1993 TARDIS DP Consultants


Introduction

The Work Status program facilitates interoffice communications and optimizes everyone's time by eliminating needless walking about the office in an attempt to contact an associate, deliver phone messages (or picking them up), and using sticky notes for messages.

Some of the features and benefits of Work Status are:

•	Allows people on  the network to indicate their current availability status to all other users of the network (Available, Out of Office, In Meeting, In Car, etc.).

•	A complete eMail system so users may send messages to each other.   They can send the same message to multiple users or groups, forward messages, or reply to messages from others.

•	Real time network conversations.  Any two users can start up a conversation and type messages back and forth.  Saves having to walk across the building.  A complete history of the messages is maintained for the life of the conversation.

•	A public bulletin board allows users to post global messages for everyone else to see.

•	Certain users (referred to as "Receptionist") can send other network users electronic phone messages or alert them that they have a new  fax.

•	All phone messages are logged to an ASCII file for later review.  This log includes date & time, who called, who message left to and who took the message.  The ASCII file can be printed by most word processors.

•	The receptionist may also change a person's status if the person forgot to change it themselves.

•	Real Time "Caller on Hold" alert - The receptionist can alert a user of a call on hold (with the callers name and company).  the user can then indicate how to handle the call (hold, take message, transfer in, etc.) with a single mouse click.

•	The user list can also be used as a network user directory and phone number or extension list.

•	Indicates which network users are currently using Work Status on their work stations.

•	Multimedia event driven sound built in (licensed version only)

Please select the desired section for additional information about Work Status.

Users Guide

Reception Guide

Registration

Licence Agreement

Warranty

Contacting TARDIS DP Consultants


User
User Guide

The Work Status program is very easy to use.  If your computer was configured to automatically start Work Status when you start Windows, the program loads automatically.  If not, just double click the Work Status icon in the program manager.  By default it is located in the WSTATUS group (although the icon may have been moved).

If Windows does not know your Network User ID you will be prompted for it.  Enter the same ID you used to log onto the network. If Windows knows your ID this step is skipped.

The Work Status window displays.  Note: If this is a licensed version, the .multimedia WAV files are loaded on the network, and you have sound support turned on, you will receive a verbal greeting.

You may not resize the window but you may use the Minimize button in the upper right hand corner of the window to make it an icon while you are not using it.  It is STRONGLY recommended that you leave the program running as an icon all day.  Only if the program is running will it check for new messages, fax, or mail about every 2 minutes.

Note: A pull down menu system is provided for those who do not want to use a mouse.  You can use this menu to accomplish all functions which would otherwise be done with the mouse.  These instructions assume you are using a mouse.  If you are not using a mouse please refer to the pull down menu options as necessary.

Changing Your Own Status

Viewing the Status and Details of Others

Receiving Alerts

Forwarding Your Phone Messages

Exiting Work Status

Conversations

Sending Mail Messages

Posting a Bulletin

Processing Incoming Mail

Processing Incoming Phone Messages

Reading Bulletins

Processing Fax Alerts

Do Not Disturb

Setting Your Alert Interval

Setting Your Refresh Interval


Change Status
Changing Your Own Status

You are responsible for maintaining your own status information.  This information will be available to all other Work Status users on the network.  The right side of the screen contains your current information.  You can change  your status, phone, return time, and brief message.  After you make any changes  you must click the "Update" button to update the network and allow other users to see your changes.

The status field is a free form text box.  You may type your status directly in the box.  You may also click on the down arrow directly to the right of the box to display a list of common status types.  You can then  select from the list.  This can save you same typing.  The Work Status Administrator can change this list of status types.  Please contact  the administrator if you have some suggestions for new status types.

Your status information not only includes your current status, but also your phone extention, return time, and brief message.  All this information will be available to other Work Status users.  You might want to include your extention so others can use Work Status as a phone directory.  If you will be in your car you can enter your car phone number here.  The return time can indictae when you will again be available.  The brief message might contain information about contacting you (your hotel etc.)  It is limited to 100 characters.

User Guide

Reception Guide


Reception
Receptionist Guide

The standard Work Status program works the same for all users. You should review the instructions "User's Guide" before reading these instructions.  Those Work Status users designated as "Receptionist"  have addition features.  These features include:

* Ability to notify a user of a new Phone Message or Fax

* Ability to change the status, phone number, return time, and brief message of any user

* Ability to delete any user's posted bulletin

Like all other Work Status users, the receptionist can see the status of anyone.  This can help the receptionist know when to take messages, what extension to transfer calls to, or what outside phone number (car, home, hotel, etc.) to give the caller.

The receptionist's Work Status window looks very similar to those of non-receptionist.  The only difference is the two additional icons at the top of the screen, one for sending phone messages and the other for sending Fax alerts.

Please review the User Guide section of the help system for instructions on using the Work Status Program.  Items in this section only address the differences between a user's system and that of a receptionist.

Users Guide

Caller on Hold

Sending a Phone Message

Sending a Fax Alert

Changing a User's Status

Deleting Any Bulletin

Phone Message Logging


Call on Hold
Caller on Hold

Caller on Hold is perhaps one of the most powerful features of Work Status.  It allows a receptionist to put a call on hold and alert the user to the call.  The user can then decide what to do with the call (take it, continue to hold, take a message, etc.) with a single mouse click.

When a call comes in and the user is on the phone with another caller, the receptionist can tell Work Status who is calling (the callers name and company).  This message will appear on the user's screen within seconds.  The user will know who is calling and can click on one of the following buttons to tell the receptionist how to handle the call:

Hold 1 - Hold for 1 min.
Hold 2-3 - Hold for 2-3 minutes
Message - Take a message
Transfer - Transfer in (as soon as I get off the phone)

The user may also type their own custom response when the pre-defined button options is not appropriate.

The receptionist will be alerted as to the user's preference and can handle the call appropriately.  If the receptionist needs to take a message just press the "Message" button.  The callers name and company name will automatically be transferred to the phone message window (so you don't have to re-type them).


Send Phone
Sending a Phone Message

To send a user a phone message, select the user from the list  by clicking on the user name, and then click on the phone icon.  You are prompted for additional information about the phone message.

For example, if you want to send Judy a phone message, you simply locate Judy's name in the list, click on her name, and click on the Phone icon at the top of the screen.  You can enter the phone message in the detail window and click OK.  Less than 2 minutes later Judy's computer will beep and she will be told she has a new phone message.


Send Fax
Sending a Fax Alert

To send a user a fax alertage, select the user from the list  by clicking on the user name, and then click on the fax icon.  Faxes don't have details so you are not prompted for any.  The user will be alerted to the new fax in about 2 minutes.

For example, if you want to send Judy a fax alert, you simply locate Judy's name in the list, click on her name, and click on the fax icon at the top of the screen.


Change User Status
Changing a User's Status

As the receptionist you have the additional responsibility to maintain a user 's status if they forget to (or can not) update it themselves.  It is always preferable for the user to maintain their own list, but this may not always be possible.

By clicking on the user's name and then clicking the detail button (or just double clicking on the name) the detail window displays.  This window contains additional details about the user's status.  Unlike the detail window for non-receptionist, you may change the user's status, phone, return time, and brief message.  Similar to changing your own status you may type in the status or select from the list provided.

For example, a group of people are heading out to lunch.  As each one leaves, you can check their status.  If they forgot to change their status to "At Lunch" you can change it for them.  The same is true when they return.  Remember, you are not only updating your own list, but the list of every computer in the office.  This service can be invaluable.


Delete Any Bulletin
Deleting Any Bulletin

To view all bulletins click on the paper icon at the bottom of the Work Status window.  A list of all current bulletins displays.  You may highlight the desired bulletin and click View (or just double click on the bulletin) to see the detail.  When you are done you should click Cancel to return to the bulletin list.

As the receptionist you can delete any bulletin message (even if you did not originally post it).  Click the Delete button while viewing the detail of the bulletin you want to delete.  You are prompted to confirm the deletion.


Phone Log

When the receptionist takes a new phone message and send it to a user, a copy of the phone message is saved in the ASCII file PHONE.LOG in the Work Status directory.  This file is a safety net in the event a user says they did not receive a phone message.

You can use most word processors to read and print this phone log.  The log continues to increase in size as phone messages are sent.  You are responcible for clearing out the log.


View Details
Viewing the Status and Details of Others

The left side of the window contains the user list.  This is the list of all users who are able to use the Work Status program.  If you need to know the status, phone, return time, brief message, etc. of a specific user, you simply find their name in the list, click on the name, and click on the Detail button (or just double click on the name).  The detail window displays.  You can view (but not change) this information.  You can use this information as a real-time phone book, network directory, etc.  The brief message can give details about the user's status.


Receive Alert
Receiving Alerts

Alerts tell you that you have a new phone message, mail message, or fax.  The Work Status system checks for alerts every 2 minutes.  If any alerts are detected, a Work Status Alert window displays and the computer beeps (or a .WAV file plays).  The icon(s) for the alerts display in the window.

You have several options at this time.  You can click on OK to remove the alert window.  Two minutes from now the window re-displays.  You can click Clear Alerts to clear all alerts and remove the window.  You will not get alerted again unless someone sends you a new alert.  You can click Work Status which displays the Work Status window.  You can then check your messages or change your status.

Up to three icons will also display indicating the type of alerts you have.  You may click on the icon to immediately display the messages (or in the case of a Fax alert, clear the alert).  This can save you some time.  Instead of going to Work Status and clicking on the message icon, you can click on it here.

If you do nothing (i.e. you are away from your computer) the window disappears after 30 seconds.  If Work Status is minimized to an icon,  the icon changes to "!" and the icon title changes to "Work Status Alert!".  This indicates that you have one or more new alerts.  When you check on the new alerts the icon changes back to a stop light.

IMPORTANT : If Windows is not the primary application (i.e. you are running DOS full screen exclusively), the Work Status program is not running even though it may be loaded.  You won't receive alerts until you are in Windows for about 2 minutes or click the Work Status Update button.


Forward Phone
Forwarding Your Phone Messages

Work Status allows you to forward your phone messages to another user in the event you are unable to take the message.  To forward messages simply click on the menu options "Option" and "Forward Phone".  Select the User ID you want to forward to. When you click OK all future phone messages will be forwarded to the selected user automatically.

If the user you are forwarding messages to is also forwarding their messages, any message sent to you will follow the forward path until a user in the path is found that it not forwarding messages.  The system will check for a endless forward loop  (User A -> User B -> User C -> User B) and if discovered, the message will be sent to the original intended recipient.

When you want to discontinue forwarding phone messages you simply select the "[none]" user.  You will now receive new phone messages as usual.

A phone message that has been forwarded will indicate in the message text who it was forwarded from.  You can use this information to determine who the message was originally intended for.


Exiting
Exiting Work Status

You may exit the work status program at any time.  It is recommended that you leave it running as an icon so that you are promptly alerted to new messages, fax, and mail.

When you exit the program a message box displays asking if you want to tell others that you are "Out".  If you click Yes, your status is changed to "Out".  If you click No, your status is not changed.  If you click Cancel,  the program does not exit.  It is recommended that at the end of the business day you indicate you are Out.  Don't forget to change your status to "Available" when you next return to work.

Note: If Work Status is running and you exit Windows, you will also receive this message box.  The cancel button, however, will not stop Windows for exiting.


Conversations

This feature allows any two users to engage in a real-time network conversation.  This saves one of them from having to walk across the building to have a face to face meeting.  It can prove invaluable in setting up meetings or exchanging text information.

Starting a Conversation

It goes without saying that the user who you want to contact must currently be using Work Status (and that you can not start up a conversation with yourself).

To start a conversation select the user you want to talk to from the user list and then click on the Ear icon above the user list (or select menu option Send -> Conversation).

The conversation window displays on your screen.  The top box maintains a history of all text sent to and received from the other user.  It is also used for Work Status conversation status messages.

The first message in this window tells you that Work Status is trying to contact the other user.  Please wait for a few seconds for the other user's computer to respond to the conversation request.  When this happens you will receive a message from their computer that the user has been notified of the request and to please wait for a responce.

If you do not receive any responce from their computer it probably means that the user has enabled Do Not Disturb or that they are currently running an application (DOS full screen) which is not permitting Windws to run background processes.  Click the "Terminate" button to terminate the conversation request.

If you recieve a responce that the request was received, but the user never sends you a message, the user probably decided not to respond to your request or they are not near their computer.  If you find that your conversation window disappears it means that the user has terminated the conversation (i.e. rejected your request).

If any of these events occure you can send the user a mail message instead.

Using the Conversation Window

Once a conversation has started you use the conversation window to communicate to the other user (and to see what the other user is communicating to you).

You can see what the user has sent you in the top text box.  This box maintains a history of everything you have sent and received during the life of this conversation.  You can use the scroll bar to see previous messages.

Everything you type in the lower text box will be sent to the other user when (and only when) you press the "Send" button.  All messages are send to the other user as small packets of information (instead of each keystroke being sent seperately).  This permits you to send text information from other applications by simply copying the info to the clipboad, positioning the cursor in the send box, and the pressing CTRL-V (paste).  Once the text is in the box you may modify it, delete it, or send it (by pressing the "Send" button.

You need not wait for the user's responce before sending another message.  They will continue to receive each of your messages in the upper text box.  In general,  however, it is probably best to use a handoff (I talk, you talk, I talk, you talk, etc.) where possible.  This reduces confusion about who is responding to what.

Terminating the Conversation

Either user may terminate the conversation by pressing the "Terminate" button.  This ends the conversation and removes the conversation window from BOTH your and the other user's screen.  Conversation history is lost at this time.

Is it probably best to let the other user know you are going to terminate the conversation (by saying goodbye and waiting for a simular responce).


Send Mail

You may quickly send a mail message  to any user.  In the user list, click on the user you want to send the message to and click on the Mail icon at the top center of the window.  A message window appears prompting you for the subject and message text. You may also indicate additional items about the message by clicking on the options on the right side of the window.

To send this message to only one user (the user you selected on the Work Status window) click Send.  If you want to send this message to other users (or change the addressee) click Copy.

Selecting Multiple Users


Select Users
Selecting Users

In addition to viewing messages you may make changes and then send the changed message to any number of users.  If you want to send this message to other users (or change the addressee) click Copy.  A list of all users and groups displays in the left column.  The right column list all users who will receive this message.

Click on each user  in the left column to add them to the distribution list. Click on the user in the right column to remove them from the list.  If you click on a group (ID's which begin with an asterisk) all members of that group are added to the right column. Click OK when done.


Post Bulletin
Posting Bulletins

You may quickly post a global bulletin for other users to see.  Unlike eMail messages you don't send a bulletin to a specific user.  All users who have access to Work Status can see the bulletin.  Think of these bulletins as items you would post on your company's  cork board.  Anyone can post but a user can only delete their own bulletins.  Note: The receptionist can delete any bulletin.  Also, bulletins (once posted) can not be changed.  You can, however, use Copy (Ctrl-C) and Paste (Ctrl-V) functions to create a new bulletin from the text of an old one and optionally delete the old bulletin.

To post a bulletin click on the notepad above the user list.  A message window appears prompting you for the subject and message text.   To post this bulletin to all users click Send.

Posting of a new bulletin automatically send a bulletin alert to all users letting them know that there is a new bulletin they can read.


Incoming Mail
Processing Incoming Mail

Reading Mail Messages

To view your mail messages click on the mailbox icon at the bottom of the Work Status window.  A list of all current messages displays.

You may highlight the desired message and click View (or just double click on the message) to see the detail.  When you are done you should click Cancel to return to the mail list.

Forwarding Messages

In addition to viewing messages you may make changes and then send the changed message to any number of users.  Click Copy and highlight the users you want to send the message to.  Click OK and then click Send to send the message.

Replying to Messages

You may also quickly reply to a message.  Display the message in the detail window and click Reply.  The Replying flag is checked and the address of the message is automatically set to the network ID that posted the message.  You can change the message any way you want.  If necessary you may also add additional users to the distribution list by clicking Copy.  Click Send when you are ready to send the message.

Deleting Messages

You can delete a mail message by clicking the Delete button on the detail window or by returning to the message list, highlighting the desired message, and clicking Delete.  You are prompted to confirm the deletion.


Incoming Phone
Processing Incoming Phone Messages

Reading Phone Messages

To view your phone messages click on the phone icon at the bottom of the Work Status window.  A list of all current phone messages displays.

You may highlight the desired message and click View (or just double click on the message) to see the detail.  When you are done you should click Cancel to return to the phone list.

Deleting Phone Messages

You can delete a phone message by clicking the Delete button on the detail window or by returning to the message list, highlighting the desired message, and clicking Delete.  You are prompted to confirm the deletion.


Read Bulletins
Reading Bulletins

To view all bulletins click on the paper icon at the bottom of the Work Status window.  A list of all current bulletins displays.  You may highlight the desired bulletin and click View (or just double click on the bulletin) to see the detail.  When you are done you should click Cancel to return to the bulletin list.

You can only delete a bulletin message that you originally posted.  Click the Delete button while viewing the detail of the bulletin you want to delete.  You are prompted to confirm the deletion.


Incoming Fax
Processing Incoming Fax Alerts

Fax alerts do not have details.  If the receptionist notifies you about a new fax, you will receive the alert just like messages and the Fax icon will appear at the bottom of your window.  This is a reminder that you have a fax waiting.  When you pick up your fax you should click on the icon to remove it from the window.  This stops the system from repeatedly alerting you about the same fax.

The next time you get a fax the icon will reapear and you will again receive the alert.


Do Not Disturb

There may be times when you want to have Work Status running on your computer but don't want to be bothered by new alerts, callers on hold, and conversation requests.  You can select the menu option Options -> Do not disturb.  A check mark is placed beside this menu option indicating that Work Status will not beep or otherwise change your screen.

Do not disturb is only in effect during the current session of Work Status.  If you exit the program and then restart you will again receive alerts.  Other users on the network will not be able to tell that you have activated your do not disturb option.

While do not disturb is in effect you will not receive alerts.  You will, however, continue to receive new mail and phone messages etc. (although you won't know it).  Shortly after you disable this feature you will be alerted of any new items which were received while you had do not disturb active.


Alert Interval

You may change your automatic alert interval from 1-9999 seconds.  This interval controls how often Work Status will automatically check for new alerts (mail, phone, fax, bulletin), conversation requests, and callers on hold. Select form the menu "Options" and then "Alert Interval".

This value defaults to 7 seconds.

Clicking on the "Update" button also checks for new alerts.


Refresh Interval
Setting Your Refresh Interval

You may change your automatic update refresh interval from 1-9999 minutes.  This interval controls how often Work Status will automatically refresh your user status list (and show any recient status changes of others.)  Select form the menu "Options" and then "Refresh Interval".

This value defaults to 2 minutes.

You may manually update the status list by clicking on the "Refresh" button.


Register
Registration

The Work Status program is provided as a preview for up to 5 users for up to 15 days..   If you have additional people who need to use the program of you use it past the 15 day period you will need to license all users.  Users are licensed in sets of 10, priced at only $5.00 per user.  Quantity discounts are available above 30 users.

Please start the Work Status Admin. program and review the help text for information about registration and increasing your user count.

License Agreement

Introduction


License
License Agreement

Work Status is not and never has been public domain software, nor is it free software.  You are, however, granted 15 day evaluation period to try out the system.

The software product and user's manual are copyrighted and all rights are reserved by TARDIS DP Consultants and Charles L. Cranford IV.

Evaluation users are granted a limited license to use Work Status for no more than 15 days for the purpose of determining whether Work Status is suitable for their needs. The use of Work Status for more than 15 days  requires licensing and the payment of a license fee. The use of the product for more than 15 days by any person, business, corporation, government agency, or any other entity without licensing it from TARDIS DP Consultants is strictly prohibited.

A license permits a user to use Work Status on one file server.  The software may not be installed on more than one file server without additional licenses.

No one may modify or patch the Work Status files in any way, including but not limited to decompiling, disassembling, or otherwise reverse engineering the program.

A limited license is granted to copy and distribute Work Status for the trial use of others, subject to the above limitations, and to those below:

(1) Work Status must be copied in unmodified form, complete with the file containing this license information and all documentation.

(2) Work Status may not be distributed in licensed form to any person.  It MUST be distributed as an unlicensed copy.

(3) No fee, charge, or other compensation may be requested or accepted for distributing Work Status, except as follows:

(a) operators of electronic bulletin board systems may make Work Status available for downloading. A time-dependent charge for the use of the bulletin board is permitted so long as there is no specific charge for the download of any Work Status files.

(b) vendors of Shareware may distribute Work Status, subject to the above conditions, and may charge a disk duplication and handling fee, not to exceed ten dollars.


Warranty

TARDIS DP Consultants guarantees your satisfaction with this product for a period of thirty days from the date of original license. If you are dissatisfied with Work Status within that time period, return the package in salable condition to TARDIS DP Consultants for a full refund.

TARDIS DP Consultants warrants that all disks provided are free from defects in material and workmanship, assuming normal use, for a period of thirty days from the date of purchase.

TARDIS DP Consultants warrants that Work Status will perform in substantial compliance with the documentation supplied with the software product. If a significant defect in the product is found, the Purchaser may return the product for a refund. In no event will such a refund exceed the license price of the product.

The product and all updates are provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied, except as stated above including, but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk as to the selection, quality, results, and performance of the product is with the Licensee. Should the product prove defective, then the Licensee (and not TARDIS DP Consultants or its dealers) assumes all liability and expense incurred as a result thereof. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain implied warranties so in such jurisdictions, the above exclusion of implied warranties may not apply to you. The limited warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

TARDIS DP Consultants shall have no liability or responsibility to you or to any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the product or your use, misuse or inability to use the product, including but not limited to, any interruption of service, loss of business, anticipatory or actual profits or consequential damages resulting from the use, misuse or inability to use the product.

TARDIS DP Consultants does not warrant that the functions contained in the product or updates will meet your requirements.

Use of this product for any period of time constitutes your acceptance of this agreement and subjects you to its contents.


TARDIS
Contacting TARDIS DP Consultants

Questions or comments about our software or services?  Need to Register?  Contact:

CompuServe ID:	73337,2472

Mail:

TARDIS DP Consultants
Department 45
6 Sedley Ct.
Greensboro, NC 27455
                      USA