August 2013 Monthly Newsletter – What’s New at MicroBiz

New Release of MicroBiz for Windows – Version 15.3

We are happy to announce that our newest release of MicroBiz for Windows, version 15.3, is in the final stages of testing and will be available in mid-August. This is an upgrade to version 15.2 which we released March 2013. New features in this release include:

Closeout Process
The closeout process will now let you retry a closeout if there was a printing or computer issue during the closeout process. While the closeout is running, invoices are synchronized with the database so you are sure to get accurate closeout information.

Software Installer
Once upgraded to 15.3, all your future installs will be managed by a new installer package. The new installer automatically detects if the install needs to be made on the server or client. The new installer also allows for the installation in subdirectories and speeds the overall install process.

Tender Types
Tender type options are more flexible, simpler to use and more powerful. For each tender type, there is an option to enable/disable, require customer, open drawer and require a signature. There are also two additional tender types, providing even more flexibility in the tender process.

Coin Rounding (for Canadian Customers)
Canada recently discontinued its penny coin. Consequently, Canadian retailers now need to round their transactions at the point of sale. With version 15.3, MicroBiz can be set to automatically round cash transactions to the nickel– rather than having the employees round the transactions manually. Cash rounding can be disabled on the fly, if exact change is available. MicroBiz also reports on this rounded cash to help keep your financial records accurate and actionable. This coin rounding is variable, and as such will be useful in places other than Canada.

Other fixes and upgrades in version 15.3 include:

Features
1. Allow any vertical on any licensed keyblock
2. Registry holds paths, install versions, install dates
3. Tender options are now far more flexible without sacrificing simplicity
4. Additional Custom Tenders
5. Electronic signature capture using Magtek’s “IPAD SC” on any tender type
6. Variable Coin Deprecation
7. Simple Closeout failure recovery
8. Automatic invoice recovery (synchronization)
9. Option for use new updated user interface without losing title bar and taskbar
10. Return to Credit Card is more intuitive than in 15.2
11. Improved transaction setting organization

Fixes
1. Promotions – Customer / product load order is no longer significant
2. Promotions now function even without consolidating SKUs
3. Store State and Zip Code now appear on purchase orders
4. Improved transaction setting organization
5. Resolved Closeout Process sporadic issue involving “Apply to Account”
6. Correct keyblock driver included with installer
7. ‘Copy’ button in ‘Store Name / Ship to Data’ now also copies ‘State’ and ‘Zip’ fields
8. Credit Card info now prints consistently after switching invoice types
9. Deposit refunds no longer add tax
10. Data paths including spaces no longer cause issues in Query Manager

MicroBiz Tip of the Month: Don’t Forget About Online Resources Available

Our website, www.microbiz.com, includes many customer resources (system requirements, downloads, supported hardware, etc.) enabling you to find answers for many questions that you may have on MicroBiz.

One of the most useful resources for current customers is the MicroBiz for Windows online knowledge base. The online knowledge base allows you to browse the links to review common issues, frequently asked questions and topics by category. You can also use keywords to search the entire knowledge base for a specific issue. To access the online trouble ticket portal, click on the ‘Support’ tab, select ‘MicroBiz for Windows’ and ‘Knowledge Base’. There is also a link located at the lower right corner of  the www.microbiz.com landing page.

50 Business Directories for Local Marketing

As a local business, attracting new customers can be a major challenge. Quickly disappearing are the days when people go to the Yellow Pages to find local businesses. Today, people are turning to the internet as a way to find trusted business recommendations. One way local businesses can get found is through inclusion in online directories. Adding a listing to these online directories is easy, but if you only list in a few, you’re really missing a huge opportunity to get found by online searchers. Every individual directory that you submit to is another chance to get found online, so it’s important to make sure you’re listed in every directory possible. We have compiled a list of many popular local directories available on the internet.

1. Google
2. Bing
3. Yahoo!
4. Yelp
5. Merchant Circle
6. LinkedIn
7. YellowPages.com
9. Whitepages
10. Supermedia
11. Yellowbook
12. CitySearch
13. Mapquest
14. Biznik
15. Local.com
16. Foursquare
17. ThinkLocal
18. CitySlick
19. USYellowPages
20. SuperPages
21. Outside.in
22. Dex
23. BizJournals.com
24. TeleAtlas
25. JustClickLocal
26. Discover our Town
27. Metrobot
28. EZ Local
29. twibs
30. LocalEze
31. Kudzu
32. CityVoter
33. Manta
34. Zipweb
35. MatchPoint
36. UsCity.net
37. Local Site Submit
38. InfoUSA
39. Axciom
40. Infignos
41. Yellow Assistance
42. Get Fave
42. My Huckleberry
43. GenieKnows
44. MojoPages
45. Brownbook
46. Magic Yellow
47. CitySquares
48. TeleAtlas
49. Navteq GPS
50. Judy’s Book

Making sure that you have a presence everywhere your potential customers might find you is critical to any local marketing plan. Don’t wait! Add your local business to these directories today!

Upgrade to Version 15 to Avoid Issues with Windows 8 Hardware

Only MicroBiz for Windows version 15 is certified to be issue free with the Windows 8 operating system. So, if you are running the latest version of MicroBiz, you may upgrade your Windows POS hardware with confidence. Please note that your POS peripherals must also have Windows 8 drivers installed to ensure a successful upgrade.