December 30, 2010

Issues with uploading files and data over Internet connection have been restored

We just would like to inform that problems with our Internet provider have been resolved and now we are operating without any restriction with uploading data on our website. Thanks for patience.

December 28, 2010

Internet connection issues are detected in our office

We would like to inform our users that we are a little restricted by some way by our Internet provider. We are not able to upload large files, new versions and updates on our website for the past two days. Seems that the problems belong to outgoing traffic not to incoming so we are still able to response to e-mails and via IM system. These are our provider's issues and we hope that our Internet connection will go back to a normal state soon.
Thanks for your understanding.

December 25, 2010

New IM client update: Bopup Observer fixes a function that forces the user to change his password

Bopup Observer version 4.3.18 has been released. This version is a minor update that fixes automated if the user's password should be changed.

Previous versions of the observer worked incorrectly and opened the "My Account" window but did not move to the "Password" tab automatically. This confused the user which had to close the window every time on the observer startup.

Download new version of Bopup Observer from www.bopup.com/downloads to update your existing version.

December 23, 2010

Bopup Messenger 5.5.4: Critical bug fix release

Bopup Messenger version 5.5.4 have been released. This version is a critical bug fix release that applies for version 5.5.3 that was released 2 days ago. The new version fixes an error with updating presence status of a user in the assigned groups list. When that error appears the messenger might show an error message box or silently close with no any exception.

Version 5.5.4 also fixes and improves the "Show only online users" checkbox that manages appearance of offline users displayed in the Contact List. Now this option also manages a list of users from assigned groups and properly shows/hides the contacts if it is called from the context menu in sending dialog boxes.

December 20, 2010

Tips & Tricks: How to copy and move Bopup IM clients to another location with no setup

This article explains and answers to the question:

Are the instant messengers, both Bopup Messenger and Bopup Observer, portable IM software?

We agree that we did not explain and throw light on this question before. We forget to say that our client-side messengers are portable software so you can copy and move Bopup Messenger and Bopup Observer applications to another folder on a hard drive, shared network location, USB flash drive or move the software to another computer/workstation and get the messengers working with no any setup and configuration.

In order to do this you need to copy/move all the files/directories from installation folder of the instant messenger. First, find and locate the installation directory of the program.

By default Bopup Messenger has it's installation folder located at <DRIVE>\Program Files\Bopup Messenger and for Bopup Observer that folder can be found at <DRIVE>\Program Files\Bopup Observer

A list of files and directories in installation folder of Bopup Messenger:
Resources\ (folder)
Bopup.chm
bopup.exe
bopup.exe.manifest
Contacts.txt
CSClient.dll
CSClient.X.manifest
History.dll
History.X.manifest
IdleHook.dll
incoming.wav
Readme.txt
Resources
SecPrvdr.dll
SecPrvdr.X.manifest
Transfer.dll
Transfer.X.manifest
typedsnd.wav

Copy all entries of that directory or that folder in full to any other location on a local, remote computer or a flash drive. Run the executable file (bopup.exe or observer.exe) to launch the instant messaging application.

Please note that all settings and options stored in system registry and installed via the setup.ini file including downloaded branding logo will be lost if you move the messenger to another computer. If you just move the messenger to another folder on the same computer and run it under the same Windows user account then all the settings are saved and restored.

B Labs signs a partnership with Group of Companies «Arsenal +»

We glad to inform our Russian-market clients and customers that we start to sell and distribute through our new partner and distributor, Group of Companies «Arsenal +».





About «Arsenal +»

Based in Tyumen, Russian Federation «Arsenal +» is a leading provider of IT services and software for businesses in Ural area. The company provides and offers it's services since 1993 year.

Contacts
Lenina str, 15
Tyumen, Russia, 625003
Phone: +7 (3452) 79-70-70
Fax: +7 (3452) 79-70-50
E-mail: ars@arsplus.ru
www.arsplus.ru

December 19, 2010

Bopup Communication Server fixes connection errors and issues on IM client side

New version 3.3.22 of Bopup Communication Server has been released today. This release is a strongly recommended update for the IM server software because it fixes and resolves possible issues and errors that may occur in the instant messengers while establishing a connection with the communication server.

We received reports from our customers and noticed ourselves that sometimes the messaging client may display the "The IM server not found (#132)" error on it's startup even the communication server is running and accessible. If the IM server has the Windows Authentication (SSPI) enabled to authorize users then the "Login to the IM network" pane is shown in the messenger that forces the user to enter his logon credentials even he is logged into Windows Domain network on the computer.

This issue is related to a bug of Bopup Communication Server which can be working on initializing a new session for the client and is not able to handle a new request from the same messaging client. Then the messenger recognizes this situation as a connection error.

In order to avoid the situations and issues described above it is strongly required to upgrade your current version of Bopup Communication Server to the latest release. Download the version 3.3.22 from www.bopup.com/downloads and just run the new setup package to update an existing server software on the fly.

December 3, 2010

Guide on installing MS SQL Server 2005 has been updated and appended

Our Step-by-Step Guide to Install Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition as a Host Database Server for Bopup Communication Server that is available on our websites has been updated. This guide helps to install and setup MS SQL Server 2005 Express Edition on a computer in order to use it as a database server. Since MSDE 2000 software (shipped with the setup package of Bopup Communication Server) is not supported by latest versions of Windows then you cannot install and use it on Windows 2008/Vista/7 operational systems and higher. In order to run Bopup Communication Server on these systems you should install MS SQL Server 2005 Express Edition first.

This guide has been appended with information about SQL Server Browser service. This service, part of the SQL Server 2005, should be started if you plan to connect and manage the IM server remotely. It is also required if the communication server is installed on another computer, i.e. if both the SQL Server and Bopup Communication Server are running on different workstations.

Below is the information that has been added to the guide.


You need to configure a little SQL Server 2005 after it's installation will complete. You should enable TCP/IP protocol for it, start the SQL Server Browser service and add the SQL service to Windows Firewall exceptions list.

Start the SQL Server Configuration Manager from the "Start -> Programs -> Microsoft SQL Server 2005" menu. Then open the "SQL Server 2005 Network Configuration" and select the "Protocols" in the left tree. You must enable TCP/IP protocol and then start the SQL Server Browser service to allow connections from Bopup Communication Server to the SQL server and also to support remote connections to the database if you will install the Management Console of the communication server to administrate the IM server remotely. Select and right-click on the TCP/IP protocol in the list and select "Enable" item from the popup menu.

To start the SQL Server Browser service click the "SQL Server 2005 Services" in the left tree and double-click on SQL Server Browser, the Properties window will show up. Move to Service tab and change Start Mode to Automatic. Therefore, the service will be start automatically when the computer starts. Click OK to apply changes. Back to SQL Server Configuration Manager, right-click on SQL Server Browser on the right window and select "Start" to start the service.

Then restart the Microsoft SQL Server service from the console or reboot computer to apply changes.
 

Our guide on installing the SQL Server 2005 Express Edition is also valid and can be used for Microsoft SQL Server 2008. You can access the step-by-step guide at www.bopup.com/products/install_sql_server_2005_as_database_server.html

November 30, 2010

Bopup Communication Server adds a function to print a tree structure of Organizational Units and user accounts

Today a new version of Bopup Communication Server has been released. Version 3.3.21 contains small improvements and adds printing support for a tree of Organizational Units and contacts that are available to currently selected OU. That tree structure can be displayed on the right from the users list if an Organizational Unit is selected in the Management Console.


Previous versions of the communication server did not show that tree structure by default. In order to enable it and get visible the appropriate option called "Display available contacts on the right in the Organizational Unit views" must be checked on the Interface tab in the Options dialog box. See the "Options. Interface settings" topic available in Online Help.

Download the latest version of Bopup Communication Server

November 26, 2010

Tips & Tricks: How to get users connected under different IM accounts if they have the same Windows logon name

We get a lot of requests and inquiries from our customers and clients that ask us regarding our software and its functions. Sometimes the customer explains his situation which he want to get resolved or avoided with Bopup instant messaging products. Since the products have rich functionality and options so it is possible to set up and tune the software in most cases. You can find some answered and solved requests here, in our blog, under the "Tips & Tricks" label.

How to get users connected under different IM accounts if they have the same Windows logon name

Sometimes users on the network enter to Windows under the same logon ID, for example "Administrator" account name. If you install and use the communications server you need to separate that users and give them different and unique names in order to contact them personally and to allow the users to communicate with others.

It is possible to do that. You should create new users on the communication server with different logon (account) names and set a personal authentication method for each user.

In addition to the global Authentication Mode that you can find in the Options window of the Management Console you can set up an authentication method for each account personally. Get the properties of the user account on the server and go to the Authentication tab. Then enable the “Use personal authentication method” check box and choose an appropriate mode to authorize the user.



Now let's return to our question and our situation. In order to accept connections from the same Windows logon ID, let's call it "Administrator", as different users on the communication server you should delete (or rename) the “administrator” account on the IM server and create new user accounts with any other names. Those accounts can have any names like user’s e-mail address or something else. And for each newly created account you should specify a personal authentication with the “Private login/password” mode (if the IM server uses Windows Authentication). When your users with the “Administrator” Windows logon ID will connect to the communication server then messengers will show the Login tab in their interface to allow the users to enter their private login and password to enter to the IM network.
By the way if you only disable the “administrator” user account on Bopup Communication Server then your users with such Windows logon name will not be able to proceed because the messenger will display an error message that the account is disabled on the server and the login interface will not be shown.

November 22, 2010

Added support for pre-defined settings in the IM client software

New versions of the have been released. Bopup Messenger version 5.5.2 and Bopup Observer version 4.3.16 add support for pre-installed options in the setup.ini file in addition to "common" settings.

The new versions of the now provide support for new options set with the "Pre_" prefix in the name that are located in the setup.ini configuration file. Those options can be used to set up pre-defined settings in the messenger software that can be changed by users in the future.

This gives more functionality on installing and tuning the IM client software because now not only "common" settings can be specified in the setup.ini file.

Download the new versions from www.bopup.com/downloads/ and do not forget to update your setup.ini file to use newly added options.

November 18, 2010

A really great review of Bopup Messenger on www.findmysoft.com

 "Thanks to the internet we can easily communicate with one another in real-time. This is mostly done via messenger applications, like Yahoo! Messenger or Windows Live Messenger. But what if you do not have access to the internet? What if all you have is a local network, with limited or restricted access to the internet? How do you communicate with others on the network in real-time?

Why you use the right piece of software of course. And the right piece of software in this situation is the B Labs Software-developed Bopup Messenger. This application, as its name so adequately points out, is a messenger. Unlike Yahoo! Messenger for example, it doesn’t need an internet connection; it works over the local network, making it a good choice for office environments where people need to communicate but don’t necessarily need access to the internet." 


Read a good written review of Bopup Messenger product at bopup-messenger.findmysoft.com/review/ 

November 15, 2010

Bopup Communication Server version 3.3.20 has been released

New version 3.3.20 of Bopup Communication Server is available to download at www.bopup.com/downloads/

What's New
  • Information on user's current/last session is shown under his account details on the profile page. 
  • User's account profile page contains the name of Organizational Unit and it's location (path) within parent units. 
  • This version gives another 30-day trial if it is installed above an existing version. 

About Bopup Communication Server

Bopup Communication Server is an instant messaging server for private IM, internal chat and secure collaboration over corporate and business networks. It provides Active Directory support and integration, message and file archiving, offline messaging and document distribution with a strong encryption of transmitted data. The server offers various authentication modes to accept user connections, manages user groups from a single place, supports and handles easy and very effective distribution of documents and important events from the IM server to employees and users.

Since the communication server is designed for business and enterprise-level environments it is intended to install and organize a private and internal chat system and real-time communication platform for companies with no outside access too. Bopup Communication Server is easy and fast to set up which takes about few minutes to get completed. It comes with embedded SQL server to host it's database or can be installed using an existing MS SQL Server software.

The communication server includes a built-in functionality to upgrade IM client software with uploading new versions of the messengers on the server. End-user messaging applications can be also distributed and deployed with pre-installed settings and options that reduces an overall time of software setup. And the IM client branding feature lets upload company's image, logotype on the communication server and show it in the messengers interface. It is highly important for companies and organizations that want to get their messaging software in a common corporate style.


More information is available on IM Server product page  

November 11, 2010

B Labs starts to distribute and sell it's IM software through Softline company

B Labs is proud to inform clients and customers from Russia and ex-USSR area that is now available for distribution and purchase through Softline company. And we have been also included to their Vendors catalog at soft.softline.ru/b-labs/





About Softline

Since it’s foundation in 1993, SoftLine has been consistently building it’s marketing strategy using direct-marketing approach. SoftLine-direct is the name that stands behind all our direct-marketing activities. Our vision of the software market implies utilization of the two major marketing cornerstones: qualitative information and qualitative database. With the personalized channels-based approach we reach most of the contemporary IT sector in Russia and CIS countries. And in all our communications, the ultimate goal remains bringing the most value to our customers. This enables us to keep our database clean and updated and measure the volume of marketing pressure we attribute to each market segment.
www.softline.ru

November 8, 2010

30% discounts are offered for Bopup IM software to medical and educational organizations

Do you know that we offer great discounts for our software products to non-profit organizations? Medical and educational institutions and organizations can receive 30% discount from a total cost of . Want to get a discount? Just contact us via any e-mail address you can see on our website, by phone, or via Live Help system.

We also have another great offer available to small-size companies and offices. We provide our server-side software, Bopup Communication Server, for free to those clients that are interested in a small number of instant messengers, i.e. the number of concurrent connections to . And if the number of purchased licenses for the IM client software is between 10 and 20 licenses then there is no need to buy Bopup Communication Server too — it comes FREE! This is -$219.00 US discount per a single purchase!

Please visit our pricing and order page to calculate the cost for your amount of licenses.

November 1, 2010

B Labs technical support and sales dept are available seven days a week

Do you know that our customer and technical support are available 7-days a week including holidays and celebrations? So you can contact us by US toll free phone 877-99-BOPUP (877-992-6787), via e-mails, through our feedback Web form at www.bopup.com/support  or via online messenger installed on our website every day a week from Monday to Sunday!

Have a question, issue or need our immediate assistance? No problem! Just get in touch us with the best way for you.

October 30, 2010

Bopup Messenger 5.5.1: New hidden option is added

As you know we always work on the software and improve our . We also hear our clients and add a suggested functionality. So we've just released new version 5.5.1 of Bopup Messenger which adds the "OpenMinimizedSendingDialog" hidden option to the setup.ini configuration file. Let's explain how it works.

Our messenger includes a standard setting in it's options which allows to open a new conversation dialog on receipt of new instant messages. And that sending dialog box is opened above all other windows on the desktop. That's good.

But what should we do if we want to open that conversation automatically in a minimized state?

Then you can use the "OpenMinimizedSendingDialog" specified in the setup.ini file. When a new message comes and the option to open a new conversation is enabled then the sending dialog will be opened and minimized in the Task Bar.

Try the new feature by downloading the new version of Bopup Messenger.

October 14, 2010

Bopup Messenger 5.5.0: Tune the messenger as you want!

New version 5.5.0 of Bopup Messenger has been released. This major build includes a huge number of usability improvements and enhancements which offer to tune and use the messenger more effectively.

Added ability to disable the "Today's Messages" screen

Now the messenger supports disabling the "Today's Messages" tab and pane with received messages by user's current session. This will let use the messenger as a standard messaging client with Contact List shown in the main window.

Added option to use only single sending dialog

New setting that restricts opening multiple sending sessions is added. Now Bopup Messenger can operate with a single sending dialog box without using several sending windows in the application.

News Messages are now shown in the Contact List

This interface improvements adds incoming News Messages to Contact List under the "News" root. Since the "Today's Messages" screen can be now disabled in the program then a user is able to access and read News from the Contact List.

Conversations now contain user's text font and color

Another great improvement relates to conversations between you and sender in the sending sessions. Now the conversations includes text font and color settings that are applied to both sent and received messages.

Both sent and received messages are now shown in conversations even a local Message History is not logged

New version of Bopup Messenger extends its functionality and shows conversations between you and other users/groups/news even logging local Message History is not enabled.

Sending dialogs are now shown in the Task Bar area

Tried to find open sending dialog boxes on your Desktop? Now the messenger adds its open sending sessions to Task Bar and it is easy and quickly to find and switch between sessions or from another applications.

Added new hidden settings to setup.ini configuration file

Two new hidden options have been added to the setup.ini file.
The first setting called "DisableExtendedSendingDialog" hides Contact List in sending dialog boxes. And the second "DisableRestoreSendingDialog" option disables restore minimized sending windows if a new message comes.

Fixed opening links/addresses/URLs shown in messages

This bug fix related to internet/network/etc addresses shown as links in instant messages. Sometime it was impossible to open some addresses by clicking the link and new version of Bopup Messenger fixes this problem.  


Download Bopup Messenger version 5.5.0 from our Download Center at www.bopup.com

October 3, 2010

New version 4.3.15 of Bopup Observer comes with small improvements and enhancements

Version 4.3.15 of Bopup Observer is available. The new version of this secure one-way messenger provides small improvements and bugfixes. See the changed below.

Extended support of SETUP.INI configuration file

Added support of the "DisplayMode" option in the setup.ini file to format displayed user names. This value contols how to display user names in the program interface. The "DisplayMode" setting is located under the [CONTACTS] section and previously this value was used only by Bopup Messenger client. Please note that the option cannot be changed from a program interface, it can be set only as a common option on installing/deploying the software.

The setup.ini configuration file also contains the [HIDDEN] section. Options from that section are used to control and tune the messaging clients more efficiently. Since options under this section are hidden then they are not shown as standard checkboxes in the messengers. The new version of the observer now can override previously set hidden options when a new hidden options are specified in the setup.ini configuration file on version upgrading.

For more information on download the setup.ini file or refer to our IM Software FAQ section.

GUI and functionality bug fixes

Fixed an availability of the "Log history" menu item if common option is set. There was a bug in the messenger when a logging history option can be managed by a user from main menu even that option was set as common and non-changed for all users on a computer.

This version also fixes opening URL/network/e-mail and other types of links shown in incoming messages.

Download new version from www.bopup.com/downloads/

September 17, 2010

Live Help & Support is available to users on our websites

New important feature is now available on all our websites including www.bopup.comwww.bopup.eswww.bopup.de and www.bopup.ru domains. It is called "Live Help" and allows to send questions, feedbacks, inquiries and get a response instantly via Windows Live Messenger system. This built-in system does not require users and visitors to have their own Live ID to use this IM system. So if a user has no Windows Live Messenger account he is also able to send messages to us and get a reply with a few seconds.

How this looks and works

When a visitor browses our websites he is able to see the "Live Help" window on top left corner of pages. If a user clicks the orange button with B Labs caption there then a new pop-up window appears in the browser with the Messenger interface. It also contains current presence status of our support and pre-sales department, i.e. Online or Offline. To start a conversation with us click "Begin a conversation" link, then the built-in messenger offers to choose which an IM account to use. If a user already has his own Windows Live ID installed in the system then he is able to choose to use that account or send messages to us anonymously. 


By the way, if you already have a Windows Live ID account and use MSN/Windows Live Messenger you can find and contact us via IM system by searching blabsoft@gmail.com e-mail address.

September 16, 2010

B Labs become a sponsor of gaming event in Germany

We proud to announce that our company has become a sponsor of the gaming event in Schwebda, Germany. This gaming event will take place on 15th—17th October 2010 and include about 150 participants in various game genres, from 3D shooters to strategies. This event called "LAN Party" is organized by the "Group 36 Lan Team" (Gruppe 36 in German) since 2005 year. In order to extend and improve LAN communication and file transfer options between gamers and connected computers we offer Bopup Communication Server and Bopup Messenger licenses for free.

For more information on this gaming event please visit Gruppe 36 Homepage.

September 14, 2010

FAQ on Bopup IM software has been appended with 2 new questions/answers

Our FAQ section at http://www.bopup.com/support/faq/has added new questions and answers that briefly overviews the new functionality of the server and messengers.

The first question sounds: Can instant messages be sent from the communication server using a command line interface? An answer contains a brief information on bcscmd.exe command line utility which is designed to send personal and group messages from external applications and programs.

The second answer is related to the folowing question: Is it possible to distribute and install the messengers with a built-in brand/company logo? This information belongs to new function supported by the instant messengers when a custom BMP image with the brand-logo.bmp filename can be simply placed near an MSI setup package in order to be distributed, installed and shown in the messenger as a common branding logo.

These questions and FAQ section are also available to Russian clients and customers at http://www.bopup.ru/support/faq/

September 12, 2010

Send instant messages from the IM server using a command line interface

New version 3.3.19 of Bopup Communication Server have been released. It includes new great functionalities which allow you to send instant messages directly from the Management Console and from a command line interface.

Sometimes it is required to send a personal message to user or send group messages directly from the Management Console, for example you want to send an urgent event or important message. Now there are no needs to create a News message or run the messenger on the server computer to perform this task for a single time. Just select and right-click on a user account or messaging group in the console and choose "Send instant message" from the pop-up menu. This functionality offers to send urgent and offline messages if recipients are not available at the present moment. Refer to the product documentation to see how to send personal instant messages to users.

Another great feature helps you to perform sending messages from the IM server using a command line interface. The new version of the server includes the bcscmd.exe module. You can find this file in the installation directory of Bopup Communication Server. This command line utility allows you to send news and instant messages using command line switches and parameters. So now you can access the server and deliver messages to users and groups from third-party applications, scripts or batch files. For more information about supported command line arguments and switches, please refer the Using BCSCmd.EXE command line tool topic.

New versions of the messengers add support for a pre-existing branding logo

New versions of Bopup Messenger 5.4.16 and Bopup Observer 4.3.14 are available for download. The latest releases come with the support of a pre-existing branding logo image file that can be placed near the MSI setup package during installation of the applications.This works similar to pre-configured settings in the Setup.ini file. Create and place your company logo/image with the brand-logo.bmp filename into the same folder where the MSI package is located. When the messenger will be installing or deploying via GPO it will find and use that image file as a common branding logo in the software. Of course, the logo will be always overwritten when you upload a new logo image on Bopup Communication Server from the IM Client Updates & Branding view. For more information about support of pre-existing branding image please refer to the FAQ section at Frequently Asked Questions on IM software

The new version of Bopup Messenger also improves multiple selection in the Contact List area. Now this works like Window Explorer works: when you right-click on currently selected contacts your selection is not cleared.

August 26, 2010

Bopup Communication Server version 3.3.18 is ready

New version of Bopup Communication Server is now available for download at Download Center The latest release of the IM server fixes possible issues and error events including #134 event that may occur on a client-side messenger software while connecting and establishing session with the server. That situation occurs only if Windows Authentication or Private Login/Password authorization mode is enabled on the IM server.

Since this bug has been marked as a critical error we advise to download and update the communication server software to the latest version 3.3.18

Error event #134 is discovered in Bopup IM clients

Some of our users reports about connection issues and error event #134 which displays the "Windows Sockets internal error occurred. Cannot receive a response from the remote client." message in the messengers. We discovered this problem and found that it may appear not always and only if Windows Authentication or Private Login/Password authentication methods are enabled on Bopup Communication Server.

This error will be fixed ASAP because it is marked and assigned with critical status.

August 25, 2010

Possible issues and problems with our US toll-free number are fixed

We apologize for some issues and unavailability of our US toll-free phone number that our customers and clients could experience. Due to wrong forwarding and time settings our +1-877-992-6787 (877-99-BOPUP) toll-free number might be unreachable and busy. And voicemail did not also work properly so even recorded messages could not be left for us. Now the phone is accessible and working properly. We apologize again for this.

August 21, 2010

BOPUP.ME blog has been published on Technorati

We are glad to discover that this blog has been published in Blog Directory on Technorati website at http://technorati.com/blogs/www.bopup.me

About Technorati 

Technorati was founded to help bloggers succeed by collecting, highlighting, and distributing the global online conversation. Founded as the first blog search engine, Technorati has expanded to a full service media company providing services to the blogs and social media sites and connecting them with advertisers who want to join the conversation, and whose online properties introduce blog content to millions of consumers.

The leading blog search engine, Technorati.com indexes millions of blog posts in real time and surfaces them in seconds. The site has become the definitive source for the top stories, opinions, photos and videos emerging across news, entertainment, technology, lifestyle, sports, politics and business. Technorati.com tracks not only the authority and influence of blogs, but also the most comprehensive and current index of who and what is most popular in the Blogosphere.

August 19, 2010

Gmail declines e-mails with archive in attachments

We have discovered that some e-mails with attached .zip files sent by us to @gmail.com addresses are returned with a delivery error. Returned messages contain the following information in the message body:

Gmail won't accept these types of files even if they are sent in a zipped (.zip, .tar, .tgz, .taz, .z, .gz) format. If this type of message is sent to your Gmail address, it is bounced back to the sender automatically. http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=6590

Please note this if you provide and send screens of errors, documents and other types of attachments in a zipped format. Use another format to archive your files (with another file extension), for example WinRAR program.

August 8, 2010

Started selling Bopup Communication Server through QBSSoftware.com

We glad to inform our potential clients and customers that we have started selling our instant messaging software within Bopup Communication Server product through QBS Software at www.qbssoftware.com. If you are represent an UK-based company and need a local reseller/distributor you can contact QBS Software via sales@qbssoftware.com or call them at 08456 580 580 for enquiry.

About QBS Software Limited

Established in 1987 to provide tools to the developer community, QBS Software has expanded to become a leading software supplier in Europe providing thousands of products to developers, designers, IT Managers, Network Administrators, DBAs and Corporate Buyers. Products range from IDEs to code tools, components to Installation tools as well as security, reporting, installation, web, database, help creation, system tools and application software.

QBS has developed a keen expertise in product marketing and management alongside sophisticated in-house publishing and fulfilment. We have an extensive network of industry connections and commercial relationships with software publishers and vendors throughout the world, many of whom rely on QBS Software to build strong markets for them in the UK and Europe. QBS Software is an active participant in leading industry exhibitions, conferences and roadshows and works closely with various user groups.

The QBS web site is an integral part of our business, providing up-to-date news and product information and a practical and secure online purchasing facility.

We also provide software immediately via ESD (Electronic Software Delivery) for certain products.

August 7, 2010

SQL database maintenance options added to the latest release of Bopup IM server

Version 3.3.17 of Bopup Communication Server adds new options to manage SQL database used by the IM server. The new version has added a new "SQL database maintenance" tab in the Options dialog box.


Now the Management Console includes functionality to backup SQL database to a file or restore the database from a previously saved backup file. A function to clean up the database has been also added. It deletes unnecessary data such as message and file transfer archives, user's session activities history that is older than 30 days. This function reduces a size of the SQL database that affects to a memory size used by MS SQL Server.

August 6, 2010

Bopup Messenger adds icon notifications in Contact List

New versions of the messaging clients are available. Bopup Messenger version 5.4.15 and Bopup Observer version 4.3.13 have been released.

The new version of the messenger comes with a new major feature. Now the messenger attracts a user's attention by blinking an icon in the Contact List if a new message comes from that contact/group.


Icon notifications are also visible in all open sending dialog boxes so a user is able to see from whom new messages received and quickly to switch and read a message from that contact.

August 1, 2010

BOPUP.DE and BOPUP.RU websites have started to operate

New stand-alone domains follow www.bopup.es domain that has started it's work yesterday. Meet www.bopup.de and www.bopup.ru domains that contain information on Bopup IM platform in German and Russian languages.

July 31, 2010

BOPUP.ES has been launched as a separate domain

We proud to inform that www.bopup.es domain name has been launched on a separate domain name without redirecting to www.blabsoft.com/spa/. The new domain also offers new e-mail addresses for general enquiries, feedback and support questions. Hope that this will let us to be more homely with Spanish-speaking customers.

July 30, 2010

Why was XMPP not chosen by us. Part 1

We receive a lot of enquiries and questions regarding support of XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol, www.xmpp.org) in our software that is used by Jabber and other IM systems. Today Jabber is a open/source standard that provides features and functionality for instant messaging and online collaboration with a great scalability and compatibility. And seriously, why was XMPP not chosen by us as a base client/server protocol to communicate between our instant messaging software, Bopup Communication Server and it's IM clients?

Let's us explain our vision and understanding this question. There are several important aspects we need to mention, they are related to customer's requirements and needs:

1. If a end-user wants to get an IM system that will allow to connect to existing instant messaging services and networks like MSN, ICQ, Yahoo, Google Talk etc then a Jabber-based service with appropriate gateways is a good choice to provide this.

2. If a end-user has different operating systems running on his environment including non-Windows clients then a Jabber-service is the right step because there are a big amount of XMPP-clients for different platforms on the market.

So are these all the benefits and positive sides of Jabber-based services against third-party IM platforms? Sure. But what are negative and hidden aspects?

We need to say that not of all features and functionality offered in Bopup IM software you can find in Jabber services. A lot of functionality is not supported/implemented by XMPP as well. And if you even find IM server and client for Windows that come with a required function then this can be a problem to find a non-Windows client that supports that function. Since XMPP is always extended there are many "draft" implementations and still greater functions that have been implemented by only one vendor.

So what are benefits of using XMPP-based if it provides an unique feature that is supported only by current software? Then it looks and works like a messaging software on a third-party IM protocol.

When we were deciding on supporting XMPP we knew that we will implement and add a lot of new functionality that will extend core XMPP. And those extensions will be supported only by Bopup software. So we made a decision to use our own IM protocol for communications. In the next post we will describe and explain which features and functionality in our instant messaging software differ from standard XMPP-based software. Stay connected!

July 25, 2010

Major update of Bopup Communication Server 3.3.16 is available

New version of the communication server has been released. Version 3.3.16 adds a lot of improvements and fixes amount of bugs.

Increased speed and performance of the server on MS SQL Server 2005 Express Edition.
This version adds "AUTO_CLOSE" option set to OFF for SQL database which increases a performance of the IM server because it tells the SQL Server to do not close the database if last connection has been closed. This issue appears only on MS SQL Server 2005 Express Edition that can be installed as a host database server using our guide at Step-by-Step Guide to Install Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition as a Host Database Server for Bopup Communication Server.

Fixed and improved option of rebuilding users' Contact List on the server.
If the server enables option to automatically rebuild Contact Lists for all users and there are several Organizational Units in which users are located then the service and console might bring an SQL error while rebuilding contacts. The new version of the communication server fixes this problem.

Fixed issues with stopping the service.
Sometimes the service could not be properly stopped and it stayed in memory. This caused a problem with starting the service again and the service's process must be removed from Task Manager (bcssrvc.exe module) first. We improved the code and now the service should be stopped without issues.

The Management Console added a section to view www.bopup.me blog.
The console added a new item in the left tree called "Our blog at www.bopup.me". That item opens and displays this blog and we hope that it will help our customers to stay updated and informed on our development process and news.


Update your Bopup Communication Server software by downloading new installation package from Download Center at www.blabsoft.com

July 21, 2010

Bopup Messenger improves receiving and displaying group messages

We have recently released a new version of Bopup Messenger 5.4.14. This version improves an interface functionality to display group messages in the sending dialog box. Previous versions of the messenger showed only group messages sent by current user with no messages from others in the conversations dialog. This caused a problem with a group chat when group messages from other users were not displayed properly in the conversation. Now group chat works like a personal chat, enjoy new version!

Quick download link: IM Products Downloads and Updates

July 20, 2010

AUTO_CLOSE option for the SQL database should be turned off

New issue with MS SQL Server 2005 Express Edition has been discovered by us. We noticed that the SQL Server service logs a lot of "Starting up database bcs30" messages with event ID #17137 to Event Log. This occurs only on SQL Server 2005 Express Edition and may cause problems with Bopup Communication Server performance and stability. This issue doesn't appear if the communication server was installed with built-in MSDE 2000 (Microsoft SQL Desktop Engine).

We found that in order to avoid closing and starting up the database we must use AUTO_CLOSE option set to OFF. This bug fix will be included to the next release of Bopup Communication Server.

More information on this issue: SQL Server Best Practices: AutoClose Should be Off

July 16, 2010

New version of the IM server fixes issue with a brand logo image

We glad to announce that new version 3.3.15 of Bopup Communication Server has been released. This version fixes bug with displaying uploaded image logo in latest versions of the IM clients.

The new version also includes an updated content help file that now contains topic on installing MS SQL Server 2005 Express Edition as a host database server and information on migration of communication server database to another MS SQL Server software. These topics are also available online on our website on Chat & IM Software page.

July 15, 2010

Found a problem with a brand logo uploaded on the IM server

We have discovered error with downloading and displaying branding image logo in the IM clients, in Bopup Messenger starting from version 5.4.10 and in Bopup Observer version 4.3.10 and higher. This issue relates to incorrect detection of a client version on the communication server so the logo is not delivered to the messenger. This may cause errors and issues with establishing connection on the messenger startup.

This issue also has an effect with updating IM client versions from Bopup Communication Server. This is a server-side error and it will be fixed ASAP.

July 2, 2010

Ease to start a chat with your co-workers

The latest version 5.4.13 of Bopup Messenger comes with a new function that overrides how to reply to incoming group message. Now you can set up an option to reply directly to messaging group, not to send a personal message to the sender. This option offers to start a chat session with all users in the group instead of sending personal answer to the sender of group message. You can find the newly added option on the Messaging tab in the Options dialog box.

Version 5.4.13 also contains many other improvements. It marks incoming group messages that have been sent by us as read messages. This hides system tray notifications, sound alerts, etc.

Among the updates mentioned above the latest versions of Bopup Messenger and Bopup Observer fixes receiving new versions and brand image logo from Bopup Communication Server. Sometimes downloading an update of new version in the messenger might hang up and never compete.

Download new versions of the IM clients at Download Center.

June 23, 2010

Meet new versions of the IM clients

Today, 23rd June 2010, new versions of Bopup Messenger 5.4.12 and Bopup Observer 4.3.11 have been released. These versions bring a new functionality to copy selected text from the Message History into clipboard. This is a very useful function because previous versions of the IM clients do not copy selected text even the text has been selected.

The new version of Bopup Messenger also fixes error with a very small size of text font in the sending dialog box. That font might occasionally appear even user's settings have a proper size.

German installation package of Bopup Messenger has been also updated. Now it includes correct Away and Quick Answer messages in German.

Download new versions from Download Center and update your existing software.

June 16, 2010

Setup package of the communication server has been improved

We have just updated the setup package of Bopup Communication Server that ships with a built-in MSDE 2000 (Microsoft SQL Desktop Engine) software. Since the MSDE 2000 is not supported by Windows Vista and later versions then it cannot be installed on these operational systems. And to avoid unsupported issues the Setup Wizard of the IM server shows a special dialog box if a user chooses to install MSDE 2000 under Windows Vista/2008/7.


That page of the wizard contains a button that opens the Step-by-Step Guide to Install Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition as a Host Database Server for Bopup Communication Server if a user have no existing Microsoft SQL Server on his environment to host the program database.

June 15, 2010

How to migrate and move database to a new SQL server

New article is available on our website at Step-by-Step Guide to Migrate and Move Bopup Communication Server Database to a New Microsoft SQL Server. This article contains a detailed guide on how to backup an existing SQL database of Bopup Communication Server and restore it on the same or new Microsoft SQL Server.

We understand how important to save all users data, if you are going to reinstall your communication server software. This guide will be also useful if you want to move your existing SQL database of Bopup Communication Server to a new SQL server.

June 9, 2010

How to install Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition as a host database server

We glad to inform that new article is available on our website at http://www.blabsoft.com/products/install_sql_server_2005_as_database_server.html. This article describes a step-by-step information how to install and configure Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition as a host database server for Bopup Communication Server.

Since MSDE 2000 (Microsoft SQL Desktop Engine) is not supported by Windows Vista and later versions of Windows then you cannot install a built-in SQL server that ships with our communication server package. The new article contains detailed step-by-step instruction on downloading, installing and configuring Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition prior installation of Bopup Communication Server. Screens are also included! Hope this article will be useful for many users and customers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition as a Host Database Server for Bopup Communication Server

May 29, 2010

New version 3.3.14 of Bopup Communication Server

Today, May 30, 2010, new update of Bopup Communication Server has been released. Since the , that was released on March 2010, we did a lot of work on the server and it includes many bug fixes and improvements.

The brings the fixed Active Directory Import Wizard which might hang up on importing user accounts using the Groups criteria. The wizard also contains an improvement which now supports and finds more than 1,000 user objects in the same AD Group/Organizational Unit (OU).

The most important bug fix relates to a deletion of a user account from a messaging group when the group suddenly disappears on other users from it.

May 11, 2010

Bopup Messenger 5.4.11 is available!

Minor update of Bopup Messenger has been released, it's version 5.4.11 is now available for download. This version fixes and improves support of organization of user's contacts from the messenger. If this ability is prevented on the communication server then Bopup Messenger does not open the "Organize My Contacts" wizard and displays no notifications regarding changes in user's Contact List.

This update also fixes "Transfer files..." item in the pop up menu that is shown in German language (applies only to English package).

April 25, 2010

New versions fix playback of a sound file on receiving new messages

Minor updates of the IM clients have been released. Bopup Messenger version 5.4.10 and Bopup Observer 4.3.10 are now available. These non-critical updates fix a playback of a sound file when a new message arrives. This error occurred only in non-english versions of the client software, i.e. in German, Spanish, French and Russian versions.

By the way, the new versions improve a user's usability and it is easy to show or hide the application to a System Tray area by clicking program's icon near the clock. Click once to show the messenger, click again to hide it.

As always you can download the software at www.blabsoft.com/downloads

April 5, 2010

German versions of the messaging clients have been released

We would like to inform that new versions of Bopup Messenger 5.4.9 and Bopup Observer 4.3.9 are now available. These versions are minor versions and they include some non-critical bugfixes and improvements. Among changes the new versions fix error in the Message History module which did not properly save and display messages with a single quote sign (').

German versions are also available for download at www.blabsoft.com/deu

April 4, 2010

Bopup.de website has been launched

We glad to announce that German version of our website is now ready. Now you can access www.bopup.de domain name and read about our services and software products in German language. German versions of Bopup Messenger and Bopup Observer software are coming soon within the next few days.

As you may already know we also have www.bopup.es and www.bopup.ru domain names that point to Spanish and Russian versions of our website correspondingly.

March 19, 2010

Version 3.3.13 adds support of Windows 2008/7 and fixes searching functionality

New version 3.3.13 of Bopup Communication Server has been released. Now the server properly supports Windows 2008 Server and Windows 7 systems and registers the service on these OS. The new version also fixes minor error on in Management Console. This bug brings no results on searching and this cause was a result of comparing dates in a SQL query.

March 3, 2010

Started working on German versions of the instant messenger software

We've just started working on German versions of Bopup Messenger and Bopup Observer software products. We believe that German market is a very important and huge, and this is confirmed by our two largest customers that are from Germany.

Currently our IM client software is localized into , and French languages, and stand-alone setup packages are provided for these languages.

February 17, 2010

Added smart screenshots for IM server and messenger products

Our website at www.blabsoft.com has been a little improved and re-designed. We have also added a preview of screens for our Bopup Communication Server and Bopup Messenger software based on the Litebox 2.0 engine. Review how product pages of Bopup IM server and Bopup Instant Messenger look now.

February 16, 2010

Management Console fixes and improves displaying administrative accounts and user groups

New version 3.3.12 of Bopup Communication Server has been released. It brings small interface changes regarding users with the administrative account type and showing them in the console.

Previous versions of the IM server did not allow to see a list of groups to which an administrator is currently assigned. And group profile pages did not also show assigned administrators. So sometimes it was difficult to find a list of assigned groups for the administrator and vice versa. The new version fixes this.

Download and upgrade your communication server now

February 13, 2010

Working on issue with retrieving group contacts in messenger

One of our clients has reported that he experiences a strange issue with retrieving and displaying list of group users in Bopup Messenger. Sometimes there are no users in the group, sometimes users are shown but incorrectly: they can be mixed and displayed for groups for which they are not members. Does anyone have the same troubles? We're now working on this issue.

February 8, 2010

Version 3.3.11 of Bopup Communication Server correctly handles cancelling file transfer

Today, February 8, we've released version 3.3.11 of our . It includes a small bug fix regarding file transfer beetween 2 online users. The issue occured when a recipient cancels the file transfer process and closes the dialog box. Then the server mistakenly did not notify the sender about that and the file transfer was not stopped on the sender's side.

Proceed to Downloads and IM updates to download the new version.

January 26, 2010

New version of the server fixes accepting and saving offline files

New version 3.3.10 of Bopup Communication Server has been released. It brings a lot of minor improvements and also fixes an error on sending files to offline users. That error occurs in Bopup Messenger client when files and documents are being transferred to a single offline user and the that offline transfer is disabled.

New versions of Bopup Messenger 5.4.8 and Bopup Observer 4.3.8 have been also released. They improve file transfer on slow connections.

New versions, as always, are available at www.blabsoft.com/downloads

January 23, 2010

Vote for Bopup IM at About.com

If you use and like our , just please vote for us! It's easy to share your experience and let others know about Bopup IM software!

Vote for us and your favorite instant messaging applications at 2010 Nominations for Best IM. Be quickly, the voting ends up on March 1, 2010.

January 14, 2010

Exclusive Offer to Small-Size Businesses and Office Networks

We understand how is important even in small companies and offices. And we want to help those companies to get an for the best and affordable price. We offer Bopup Communication Server for free to all customers if they buy only 10 – 20 client messengers, both Bopup Messenger and Bopup Observer. So they have to purchase only IM client software!

Get Bopup Communication Server at no cost by purchasing 20 or less IM clients!

Order Instant Messaging Software Online

January 7, 2010

New US Toll Free Number is available for Sales Enquiries

New toll free number is now available for pre-sales questions and sales enquiries for English spoken users and customers from USA and Canada. Now it is easy to reach us by phone Monday through Sunday and the number is simplest to remember: +1-877-99-BOPUP. Working hours are 10:00AM — 18:00PM EST (GMT-5, NY USA).

January 6, 2010

January 3, 2010

Is the branding of the IM software required for a company?

To what extent is the functionality to brand required for companies and business entities? Is this needful to get the branded if a company purchases the software?

We agree that branding is the most important key to embed the to the working environment much better and intergrate it within a company's identity, existing servises and software. But another question is: what is an ease of the branding, what is time and cost to get the branded with a company's logo/image?

There are several ways that are usually provided by software vendors to their customers:
  • Custom installation packages of the software that are already branded with a customer's image.
  • Manual deployment of the branding to the end-user messengers including copying files, configuring settings, etc.
  • Supporting on-the-fly deployment of the brand logo that is uploaded on a to get visible in the connected messengers.