November's update is an interesting one for those of us that really enjoy programming challenges - it includes a lot of behind-the-scenes upgrades and enhancements. The systems that will be impacted by this update are:

• Bistro Core (2.6.5.1)
• Blog (1.4)
• Login Access System (1.3)
• Member Access System (1.5)
• Menu Manager (1.9)
• Online Store (1.15)
• Product Catalog (1.2)
• Testimonials Manager (1.6)

More specifically, this update incorporates a new core sytem called the Core Extension System. This allows us to upgrade Bistro with new components that lay dormant in a website until they are needed in the future. The primary purpose of this right now, is that we're migrating a lot of the e-commerce functions that were previously only available in the Online Store, and centralizing them - which will allow other Bistro modules and features to incorporate e-commerce functionality. More Specifically, this will allow us to complete a Registration List module that will allow site owners to sell registrations to online classes, memberships and events.

Beyond this, additional updates include:

• Online store products can now include a "custom message" as part of purchasing a product (e.g. "Enter your name to be engraved on this product")
• The Member Access System can optionally email administrators when members update their profiles
• the Blog module's Search Engine Optimization features were upgraded

Our next update should be coming out on Dec 10th, and will be focussing on more outward-facing feature upgrades.

Another month, and another update.  This month's update is an exciting one because it includes a number of core functional upgrades as well as some small usability improvements *and* a new module. The systems that are effected by this update (as well as their most recent version numbers) are:

• Bistro Core (2.6.4.1)
• Article Manager (1.7.5)
• Contact Us Form (1.7.2)
• Member Access System (1.4)
• Online Store (1.14.1)
• Profile Manager (1.3)
• Searchable Database (1.2)
• Title Override (1.1)

Key highlights of the update include the fact that the built in form handler can be better templated now, and the form builder now includes additional field types such as radio buttons and drop-down lists. Additionally the Online Store now supports additional payment options (PayPal Pro UK)  and our Member Access System now features improved controls over specific data fields. Individual members can be hidden from searches, and custom fields can be modified to only show up in the registration proces (if, for example, you have a question that they should answer on registration, but shouldn't be able to change).

We also have a new micro-module called the Title Override module, that allows you to specify a specific title for SEO purposes, but that isn't used in the list of content within Bistro.

The New Online Manual

In the interest of keeping our documentation current, we have made a shift from the PDF format to an online manual. This manual will be accessible from the Lewis Media website in both the public and password protected areas of the site.

The Manual will also be accessible from the help area of every installation of the Bistro web CMS software. If the software reseller has fully rebranded Bistro, the Online Manual will automatically display the appropriate branding when accessed from the help area within the CMS.

Some key advantages to the online manual include:

• Immediate updates are applied as information changes - no waiting for the next version of the manual to be printed
  
• Navigate through the manual using the menu tree or the table of contents
• Manual is organized functionally so you can easily find the section you need by browsing
  
• Or, you can search the entire manual for a specific topic using the built in search
  
• User, administrator and designer documentation is all provided in one location
• The manual is accessible online from any location
• And it is constantly evolving with new sections being added as they are created.

Check out the new online manual

New Website, New Product Name, New Digs!

Some exciting changes have been happening at Lewis Media this summer. While the rest of the world watched the Olympics...we've been working on a new look, a new brand, and a new location!

• We've completely redesigned the Lewis Media website to better reflect who we are - and better support our clients and design partners
• After months of market research and team discussion - we've renamed our popular web CMS (WebAdmin) and are now proud to introduce Bistro - the easiest CMS for web designers and marketers.
• Finally, with an eye to future growth, we have decided to get involved in a downtown warehouse-to-loft conversion that puts us closer to the heart of Kitchener with a little more elbow room for expansion.

For more information about the continued evolution of Lewis Media, our products and services - give us a call or drop us a line!

Establishing a new corporate record...we have found, leased, renovated and occupied our new offices in the 6 weeks since we decided to sublet our old space.

During this same period of time we've experienced staff turnover, completely redeveloped our website, automated key business functions, rebranded our software, and continued business as usual...with a little added chaos to keep the development team on their toes.

Still we thrive....and the gold medal goes to Team Lewis Media!