Release Notes for LISTSERV Maestro 2.0Release Notes for LISTSERV Maestro 2.0|
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LISTSERV Maestro 2.0 introduces powerful new abilities to collect, manage, save and reuse data from mailing list subscribers. Data administration and mailing list creation now are combined in one interface to allow greater flexibility and control over personalized targeted opt-in email messaging. LISTSERV Maestro is now capable of collecting, managing and storing subscriber information internally. The Maestro User Interface component of LISTSERV Maestro comes ready to use with an instance of MySQL 4.1.7 as the internal system database. Using this internal database or a compatible external database, subscriber data can be managed by a data administrator. Subscribers can set their own mail preferences from within a password protected setting. Subscriber information can be collected from individuals filling out a custom made Web form. This data is stored in LISTSERV Maestro, and can be edited, queried or deleted. Subscriber data can also be augmented by the data administrator. LISTSERV Maestro can create mailing lists from its own internal recipient data as well as create Classic LISTSERV lists. Both types of lists can be managed within the LISTSERV Maestro interface, including the ability to add, delete, and update subscribers. LISTSERV Maestro's ability to store subscriber data takes place in the "Recipient Warehouse". The warehouse acts like a database, containing datasets and lookup tables used to save data pertaining to subscribers. Where to find: For accounts with the right to administer target groups and hosted recipient data, a new icon appears on the homepage. A Recipient Dataset is where the data entered in the member/subscriber area is collected. A dataset has data about each member, and also contains lists that members can join (or be added to). Each dataset acts like its own separate data table and has a separate Web form to collect data. The design of the form and the types of data collected is determined by the data administrator. Data collected in one dataset is not shared with other datasets. Where to find: Recipient Warehouse -> Recipient Datasets Lookup tables are columns of data stored in the warehouse that can be used across datasets to save time and system resources. If several datasets are each collecting the same data, a lookup table created and used in the Datasets would ensure that work is not duplicated. For example, if multiple datasets were asking if subscribers had a preference for HTML mail or Text mail, a lookup table containing each selection could be created and then used by each dataset. Where to find: Recipient Warehouse -> Recipient Datasets -> Lookup Tables Mailing lists can be created within LISTSERV Maestro from data collected in the datasets. Individual lists can have their own fields of data associated with them that are not shared in the dataset. Classic LISTSERV lists can be created within LISTSERV Maestro, including one-way announcement lists, open discussion lists, and moderated discussion lists. Lists and subscribers are managed within the LISTSERV Maestro interface. Where to find: Once members have joined the dataset by successfully filling out the form, submitting it, and confirming the membership, they have access to the "Membership Area". The membership area is customizable so it can blend in with an existing Web site. Members can control their subscription settings, change their profiles and leave mailing lists from this area. Where to find: Data administrators can
access subscriber URLs: The user interface has significantly changed for the data administrator, but normal users will not detect any major changes in the layout and functionality. Individuals from outside of LISTSERV Maestro will have their own pages to join mailing lists and manage their personal subscription settings called the "Membership Area". A new subscriber interface can be made available on the Web. People can log into a password controlled environment to join mailing lists and control their subscription settings. Data administrators can make member area URLs available on a Web site or in an email message. Where to find: Recipient Warehouse -> Recipient Datasets -> dataset name -> Subscriber Access URLs For the data administrator, a new sixth icon called Recipient Warehouse* has been added. Under this icon the DA can administer subscribers and mailing lists maintained by LISTSERV Maestro and can administer Recipient target groups. *Users without the right to administer hosted recipient data and target groups will not see this icon. A powerful advanced feature called "System Drop-Ins" has been added to content definition. These drop-ins can be added in email messages to provide each individual mail recipient links to their subscriber pages. They can also be used to perform mail merging on multiple selection fields, intensifying LISTSERV Maestro's ability to create personalized message content. Another advanced feature, "Calculation Formulas" allows mathematical formulas to be used with system drop-ins or with setting conditions for a subset of mail recipients from hosted lists. System drop-ins are drop-ins named and defined by LISTSERV Maestro. System drop-in names begin with an asterisk "*", and are enclosed with the standard opening and closing tags. They include the Login URL for the Member area {{*LoginURL}} and the Unsubscribe URL for the list {{*UnsubscribeURL}}. System drop-ins can also be used to allow mail merging with multiple selection fields. To use system drop-in in the content of an email message, drop-in content must be enabled on the Define Content screen. Where to find: Information on the names of existing system drop-in is available in the LISTERV Maestro User's Manual. Formulas can be used when adding a condition to a target group definition for sending mail to LISTSERV Maestro hosted lists. This advanced feature can be used to define a subset of list subscribers based on a mathematical formula. Details on allowable expressions are available in the LISTSERV Maestro User's Manual. Where to find: Recipient Warehouse -> Recipient Target Groups -> Hosted Recipient List -> Source Details -> Add Condition Formulas can also be used with the system drop-in {{*Calc}}. This system drop-in allows you to combine merge fields from subscriber data with other merge fields or number- or text-constants and even predefined functions into a formula. Then the formula will be calculated individually for each recipient to determine an individual drop-in replacement text for that recipient. Where to find: Information on the names of existing system drop-in is available in the LISTERV Maestro User's Manual. Recipients target groups have been expanded to include three additional types:
Where to find: Recipient Warehouse -> Recipient Target Groups Microsoft Excel add-in for reports is compatible with Excel versions 2000, 2002, 2003, and XP. There are some significant changes to the administration of LISTSERV Maestro in order to be able to host recipient data and created hosted lists. The Maestro User Interface component of LISTSERV Maestro comes ready to use with an instance of MySQL 4.1.7 as the internal system database. This internal system database is capable of expansion and use in a production environment. Using it is optional. If you do not install it, you will have to install a separate external system database. Alternatively, you may choose to install it during setup, but then switch to a different external system database at a later time. More information on MySQL is available here: http://www.mysql.com Where to find: HUB Global Component Settings -> Maestro User Interface -> System Database Connection The right to administer hosted recipient datasets is a new user right. The system administrator can grant or revoke this right separately for individual accounts. If a user is granted the right to administer recipient datasets, the right to administer target groups is automatically granted. Where to find: HUB Administer User Accounts -> [user name] -> Maestro User Interface -> User Right Settings -> The user may administer hosted Recipient Datasets Defines the host name and HTTP-port under which the subscriber access pages of the datasets are accessible to subscribers. Sets the default user and group settings for the types of lists users can create. Available selections are:
Where to find: HUB Administer User Accounts -> [group name] -> Hosted Data Settings Setup for LISTSERV hosted lists If hosted LISTSERV lists will be created, some additional administration needs to take place in order to allow Maestro to create LISTSERV lists. A client address (must be POSTMASTER) and password needs to be configured at the LISTSERV instance and those settings input in Maestro. If archives will be created and used by the lists, their base folder location must be set as well. Where to find: HUB Global Component settings -> Maestro User Interface -> Default LISTSERV Connection -> Connection Settings for Hosted LISTSERV Lists |