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FMS Email NewsletterMarch 2012

For Microsoft Access, SQL Server,
Visual Studio .NET, and VB6 Professionals


Spring Greetings!

Cherry Blossoms on Capitol Hill Spring Rainbow from FMS

After our mildest winter ever, spring has arrived early in the Washington DC area with cherry blossoms on Capitol Hill and a spectacular rainbow seen from our offices.

We are very pleased to announce that Total Access Analyzer is now available for Microsoft Access 2010 supporting both 32 and 64 bit versions. Thanks to many of you who tried the preview version and provided feedback that we incorporated into the shipping version. Total Access Analyzer is now better than ever, with better database documentation, 280+ customizable reports, and the detection of 300 specific types of errors, design suggestions, and performance tips. We hope you like it!

In this issue, we've also included a few tips on Combo Boxes and List Boxes on Microsoft Access forms, some innovative work we've done with Android smartphones, and my recent experience supporting entrepreneurship in Virginia with the governor. Also check out the free Microsoft beta releases for Windows 8 and Visual Studio 11.

I'll be speaking and hanging out at the Portland Access User Group conference in early May at the very pleasant Silver Falls State Park conference center. I had a great time there last year and look forward to seeing everyone again. Hope you can make it.

FMS Facebook PageBe sure to Like our Facebook page to get the latest information about our product releases, tips, and other news related to helping you be more productive.

Luke Chung
President

Contents


Microsoft Access 2010Documentation and Analysis of Microsoft Access DatabasesTotal Access AnalyzerAccess Analysis

Total Access Analyzer for Access 2010 is Now Shipping

Total Access Analyzer, the most popular Microsoft Access add-in of all time, is now shipping with support for the 32 and 64 bit versions of Microsoft Access 2010.

We've added many new features to support Access 2010, generate more documentation, identify more errors, and suggest more design improvements and best practices. There's advanced validation of macro commands, macro printouts showing indented syntax, temporary variable cross-referencing and verification, improved query performance analysis, etc.

We've also enhanced the user experience with the ability to open a cross-referenced item in design mode while viewing the information, previewing multiple reports at once, and adding color to the 280+ available reports.

Here is a description of the new Access 2010 features and new PDF flier. Existing customers can upgrade at a discounted price.

"Total Access Analyzer is an amazing product that I’ve relied on and recommended for years," said Sal Ricciardi Programming Writer for Microsoft Corporation. "It’s a huge time saver." Press Release


Luke Chung with Governor McDonnellFMS Participates with Virginia Governor's Declaration of 2012 as the Year of the Entrepreneur

FMS President Luke Chung was invited to participate with Virginia's governor in his proclamation of 2012 as the Year of the Entrepreneur. Luke stood behind Governor Bob McDonnell and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling during the press conference and participated in a day-long event supporting entrepreneurship, small businesses, and job creation.

FMS Blog More information on our blog.


Microsoft AccessCreating Cascading Combo Boxes and List Boxes on Microsoft Access Forms

Combo boxes and list boxes are a great way to display data and control user selections by limiting the values that a user can choose to a defined list.

Microsoft Access Cascading Combo BoxesMultiple combo boxes or list boxes may appear on a form. Having the selection in one box limit the choices in the next one is very powerful.

We wrote a new paper with sample database to illustrate this through a taxonomic selection for a species (kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, then species). As you choose each level, the filtered values in the next level automatically appear.

Read more in Creating Cascading Combo Boxes and List Boxes on Microsoft Access Forms


Microsoft AccessSelecting the First Item in a ComboBox or ListBox on a Microsoft Access Form

When working with ComboBoxes and ListBoxes, we often find the need to select the first item in the list by default. This can be done when the form loads, or with the contents of the ListBox or ComboBox are changed based on another selection.

We have a new paper with a sample database to show how to do this with the ItemData(0) property. Learn more in Selecting the First Item in a ComboBox or ListBox on a Microsoft Access Form


Innovative Mobile Solutions and Android Smartphones

Innovative Custom Mobile Solutions on Android SmartphonesSmartphones and tablets are beginning to change the way organizations share and collect information, communicate, manage and make decisions.

It's not about taking an existing desktop or web application and squeezing it into a smaller screen. The real revolution is transforming the way organizations operate through the unique features of mobile devices.

The FMS Professional Solutions team has leveraged our experience building scalable and maintainable database applications for mobility solutions. We recently created an Android application for a multinational manufacturer that gives their North American sales team a significant competitive edge.

They still use their PCs and laptops with a web application. The mobile solution extends that to let them enter and receive data in a whole new way. It is an Android application that:

  • Integrates the camera, GPS, and calendar features to easily upload and geo tag photos
  • Sends and receives messages and alerts from their primary web application so the entire field team is managed in real time
  • Leverages information delivered from their SQL Server business intelligence analytics
  • Uses secure connections to a transactional Microsoft SQL Server database

For more information, visit Custom Mobile Solutions on Android Smartphones or contact us if you're interested in a similar solution.


Impact Aid Application for the Washington DC Public School Systems

Because federal property is not subject to local taxes, the federal government compensates municipalities for federal students and workers through their Impact Aid program.

Washington DC Public SchoolsEvery year, school systems need to submit claims to receive this payment. The Washington DC Public Schools (DCPS) sends surveys to determine students who live or have parents who work on federal property.

Microsoft AccessBy automating a process that was previously performed manually, FMS helped DCPS achieve increased efficiency and accuracy with a multiuser Microsoft Access application. Professionally designed and deployed, FMS created reports to identify a larger number of federally connected families, and file the forms to obtain federal funding. This translated directly into greater funding which more than paid for our services and allows DCPS to devote more resources to classrooms.

Learn more about our Impact Aid Software System, other solutions for the education community, and our Microsoft Access programming services.


Luke Chung Speaking at Portland Access User Group Conference in May

Luke Chung, FMS PresidentComing soon! FMS President Luke Chung will be attending and speaking at the three day Microsoft Access conference sponsored by the Portland Oregon Access User Group. Join him and other guest speakers May 5-7 at the beautiful Silver Falls State Park Conference Center.

Microsoft speakers include Ryan McMinn, Microsoft Access Senior Program Manager Lead, and Kevin Bell test engineer on the Access team. Other speakers include industry authors and notables F. Scott Barker, Alison Balter, Juan Soto, and Armen Stein.

Luke will be giving a new presentation on Tips and Techniques for Taking Over an Existing Access Application.

For complete details and registration, visit the PAUG Conference site. See photos from last year's conference on our Facebook page.


Thank you for your continued support!

Watch our FMS BlogBlog, FMS Facebook PageFacebook page, and FMS TwitterTwitter feed for our latest announcements


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