During 2020 we have been working on a major new release for ConQuest Q-series, we have though become aware that many customers are running Q-series on old infrastructure, which will not be compatible with this major release. For example, versions of Microsoft SQL Server, which are no longer supported by Microsoft.
This version is a compulsory interim release that all existing customers are advised to take. It includes some key items, while also laying the foundations for us to be able to roll out further releases.
Our aim is to move all our customers forward, providing powerful new features, and this release is the first step of that process.
Online Enquiry Custom Branding
With this release, Online Enquiries can be set up with the branding of your organisation.
As standard, when subcontractors use the link to view your enquiry package, it shows the Access ConQuest logo but with this version, we can now update Online Enquiries to show your branding to your subcontractors. This change makes it clear to your subcontractors that it’s you who is providing them with the enquiry package.
This feature forms part of this update, however, a one-off nominal fee is required to cover the setup service cost. If you'd like to set this up, please reach out to your Account Manager, who can arrange this for you.
Defect Resolution
This release includes several urgent fixes.
Upgrade Compatibility Checks
This version includes an improvement to the upgrade process. It adds a check so that before any future updates are applied, it will check the following elements of your technical infrastructure:
The Microsoft Windows version
The Microsoft SQL Server version
If the upgrade process finds that these are not compatible, the upgrade process will be stopped before it makes any changes, and you will be asked to contact your Account Manager to discuss the hosting options Access can offer or upgrade the above services directly.
Enhanced Telemetry
The Telemetry Service allows Access Support to view basic information about our ConQuest customers, including which version they are using. This release also includes the following additional information:
The version of Microsoft Windows being used on the server
The version of SQL Server is used for the database
This will allow us to understand the infrastructure being used by customers, so we can offer advice and options.
How this version will be made available
Existing users will be prompted to upgrade via the Q-series application.
New customers will receive the latest version as part of their initial installation.
This version (5.0.5.8) is intentionally not restrictive in terms of which versions of Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Windows it supports. It is compatible with Microsoft SQL CE, and SQL Server 2008 R2 and above.
While we would encourage customers to maintain and update their technical infrastructure, we want this to be version that all ConQuest customers can adopt.