SWC & Implementation updates out today
Today we have released a new version of the appAnalytics SWC – version 0.04.0. You will need to
login to download it. If you have registered but not be activated this will happen today as well. While this update has been a long-time coming we hope that it has been worth the wait.
Before we get into what the changes are, a note to current users. The current tracking domain – my.appanalyticshq.com – will be decommissioned shortly. You will have a week to update your existing applications with the new SWC if you want to continue live tracking. Applications that are unable to reach this subdomain should continue to track locally, but their apps will need to be updated to get access to this locally stored data and send it on to the new tracking domains.
The goods news is that this should be the last time you will need to incorporate an updated SWC for some time. The solution has been re-architected to abstract much of the functionality into an encrypted payload which is able to be updated by us and pulled into your development environment. This process has been automated, meaning you won’t have to worry about whether you are working with the latest classes, appAnalytics now checks it’s version number and updates if required.
This allows us to rollout new functionality or bug fixes to the SWC without any end user involvement. All the developer has to do is keep abreast of the new functionality being delivered by the whole solution and take advantage of it. This means that we have to worry less about managing a release cycle in terms of the SWC and can now concentrate on updating the payload to quickly improve or fix issues in a way that is non-intrusive for everyone.
The new SWC is stripped down compared to previous versions, with almost all of the complexity now residing in the payload. The only real change that devs need to be aware of is that we have taken a decision to extend the parameters that can be passed through to the payload, and a small update to the tracking code used in your apps will be required.
The parameter set has previously been restricted to action, type, description but we have had a long discussion about including additional parameters such as “group” to allow for greater segmentation as we work through reporting suite enhancements. As we couldn’t forsee all such additions we have decided to allow for an array to be passed instead. Obviously anything can now be passed through, but only those parameters being expected by the tracking engine will be recorded – anything else will be discarded.
So, the new tracking code needs to follow this format:
AppAnalytics.track(["action", "type", "description"]);
Please note the inclusion of square brackets [ ] around the parameter group signifying that it is in fact an array. This is the only change you will need to make to use the new SWC and the functionality coming down the line.
Read MoreA call for feedback on monetisation
As we move towards a more stable, scalable product our thoughts turn lightly to money. Specifically, how do we get this thing to pay for itself (that would be a nice start). Or better, actually become a product that has sufficient traction in terms of revenue to allow us to devote more time and resource to it’s growth and future development (we do have some pretty cool ideas we’d like to devote time to rolling out).
Our thoughts so far revolve around some of the common SaaS business models. Freemium, flat rate monthly or charging tiers based on items tracked (effectively similar to impression based charging), a combination of all? And what about price points? What are people prepared to pay on a re-occurring basis for access to the app?
We obviously have some ideas but in in true Web 2.0 style we are open to comments below from any of you.
Thanks in advance :)
Critical Update – AS3 Classes 0.03.4
Hi all we know this is the second lib release in almost as many days but this one is critical to the continued function of App Analytics. The current build, while stable, is not performing as we’d like. Essentially it is placing unnecessary load on our servers, affecting response times across the application.
So please get the updated SWC and apply it to your apps. It’s as simple as a re-compile and re-release from your end which we know is part of your normal development cycle, so it shouldn’t take too much of your time.
How do I tell which version of the App Analytics swc lib I have?
The easiest way to tell what version you are running is trace out the App Analytics version inside your application. The best way to do this is on the next line below where you start App Analytics put this line of code
trace(AppAnalytics.version);
and then run the Application in debug mode. You will see the version trace out in your console. If it isn’t the latest version (0.03.4), you need to upgrade.
As always please test your application with the new swc before releasing it. If you have any issues please let us know.
Read MoreThere goes 6 Million
We have just passed the 6 Million item mark. Yes that means App Analtics now actively tracking more than 6 million items around the world and that number is still growing fast.
I would just like to take time out to say thanks to all those who have helped get us to this point as with out your feedback and support we would have been able to grow to this point.
Thank you.
Read MoreMultiple User Support Added
We have just released the ability for admins to add multiple users to an account. This is the biggest functionally change since the complete recode of the core and we couldn’t be happier.
What does all this mean?
Adding the ability for multiple users allows each person on the team to have their own account instead of using and sharing one set of details.
Another feature of the new multiple persons on one accounts is the ability to assign a “User” or an “Administrator” role to a person. A “user” is person who can read all the information but is unable to add, edit or delete things. For example you may want to give access to a client but dont want them to accidentally delete anything the user role is perfect for them. An “Administrator” has free reign in the account.
How do I add new users to my account?
After selecting an account from the account list you will notice the top right menu now has a link called “Account Settings”.
In the “Account Setting” page you have will see that we have added a users panel. To add a new users just click the “Add Person to Account” link in the bottom of the panel and then just follow the steps. Simplez
0.03.2 Classes Released
We have just released the latest stable version of the App Analytics classes to be used in your AIR Applications.
Fixes
- Unique application miss track fixed
- App Analytics connection poll now set to every 30 seconds
- Very rare install initialization issue fixed
- Clear debug messages added for debug mode
Enjoy and if you have any issues please let us know in the support forum.
Thanks
Read More
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