In the past we’ve usually focused on announcing major new feature releases and updates to the Point2 Agent software and not so much about the other behind-the-scenes types of updates that lay the groundwork for our big feature releases, or that ensure that your sites continue to function in the best way possible.

You may not know this but we publish a software build every week or two weeks on average which includes bug fixes, product changes and improvements.  Many times these updates are not easily visible to our members and we realize that it might seem like we’re not doing a lot to improve your software experience.  We promise we have been hard at work – but I admit, we’ve neglected to share that information with you.

That’s about to change.  Going forward we’re going to provide our members with the details about all of our releases – even ones that include fixes and updates that aren’t really noticeable to you.

You might not always understand what each improvement or bug fix is really about.  That’s okay, I probably won’t either.  But we still think you should know.

And what I do know is that our development team is always hard at work to ensure that not only our current features work flawlessly, but also in developing new and exciting features too.

Check out the most recent Product Release announcement from this morning and stay tuned in to the Announcements Forum over at our Support site for more details about every product release we perform.

I am pleased to be able to share again some of the newest features added to the Point2 Agent software in a recent release earlier this week.

Cross-browser Compatibility:  We have fully integrated the ability to access your Point2 Agent accounts using the browser of your choice.  We have been working on introducing this feature for quite some time now - at our members’ request - and are happy to say it is finally available.  Point2 Agent is now cross-browser compatible for:

• Internet Explorer 6-8
• Firefox 2-3
• Chrome
• Safari

Remember, you’ll always receive a better browsing experience by using the latest version of your preferred browser.  For further information visit the User Manual.

(Kudos to our very own Bryan Larson for prepping these icon knock-offs for your viewing pleasure.)

Improved Content Editor: We’ve upgraded the content editor for all Point2 Agent sites to one that includes more features and is extremely user-friendly.  We are sure you’ll enjoy editing your website even more so now.  Here’s just a few of the new features of the content editor:

• Anchors can be created directly through the editor
• Hex codes can be inserted for color
• Better HTML content generation
• The restriction of 800×600 image upload size has been removed
• Full screen editing capabilities
• Table tags are now outlined so you can easily see where they exist within the content
• Editor templating system allows you to choose a content layout template and replace it with your own content

Learn more about working with the new content editor in the User Manual.

Updated Photo Upload Tool:  With the addition of cross-browser compatibility, we’ve also improved the way our members upload photos.  For those using Internet Exporer, you can continue using PUFLITE.  However for those using browsers other than Internet Explorer, you can now easily upload photos using our Java-based photo upload tool.  In order to use the non-Internet Explorer photo upload tool, you will need to have the latest version of Java installed on your computer.  (Download here: http://java.com/en/download/)  Further detailed instructions on both methods of uploading photos can be found in the User Manual.

What’s coming?: We’ve got some big plans ahead for our members – and crazy-good improvements.  I am so excited I can barely contain myself.

Keep your eyes glued to the blog (or subscribe to the RSS feed) for more details to come!

This week our development teams have released some new features for us to play with.  We’ll be the first to admit that there’s plenty left to do and we are looking forward to making all sorts of awesome improvements into 2009. 

So, what’s new?  New Features and Performance Enhancements

We are working with many MLS’s to bring their data on board with Point2 Agent, to utilize the amazing Syndication Network we have available.  As part of this work, we now have the ability to import listings directly from MLS’s into an Online Office.  We have a few MLS’s on board already, and look forward to continuing to expand.  Want your MLS listings imported directly into your Online Office?  Get your MLS interested and have them contact us.  We’d love to have them join us too!

The look-and-feel of the Online Office has been tweaked in many places to help our members better enjoy their user-experience.  Have a look around your Online Office and note some of the changes.

We know your prospect information is important.  For this reason, the Detailed Prospect History report has been rewritten to increase the speed and reliability of the report.

So what’s next?

Going into 2009 we expect to continue to import more and more MLS data as MLS’s recognize the importance and benefit of providing syndication to their members.  The likelihood that you will never have to enter your listings in more than one place is a real possibility, especially if your MLS joins the Point2 Agent network.

We also anticipate further exciting improvements to our Online Office and website solution.  Something that we’ve been working on behind-the-scenes for a while now is cross-browser compatibility.  It’s not quite ready yet, but we hope that early in the new year our members will be able to access their Online Office to edit using their browser of choice, not just Internet Explorer.

Stay tuned for more details in the coming months…and please feel free to comment below and share with us what features you are looking for and hope to receive from Point2 Agent in the future.