Release Notes

Aster Release

Released September 26, 2023 (build 47.1.1)

News: Ability to upload videos 

Users will now be able to upload their own video files directly to News items via the Video block. Both drag-and-drop and browse-and-select methods of uploading will be supported.

News: Block editor improvements

Our second wave of fixes and updates for the block editor. This bundle focuses on improvements for the Text block.

 

TOTAL:  182 bug fixes, improvements, and enhancements.

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Release cycle theme: Flowers and Herbs

A is for Aster

Did you know that the aster gets its name from the ancient Greek word for "star"?

There are 170+ species of asters around the world, but in the British Isles, it's more commonly known as the Michaelmas daisy. It was named as such due to it being one of the only flowers in bloom during the autumn-set Michaelmas celebration.

But, seeing as how pretty much the only thing I know about Michaelmas is how it used to involve a traditional sacrificing of geese in honor of St. Patrick, I think I'll stick with referring to this flower simply as "aster".


Zap Release

Released August 31, 2023 (build 46.26.16)

Library: Scheduled Reviews - CSV report 

This feature provides Volume Librarians with the option to download a CSV report for any review-related item in their Volume(s). The report will include multiple fields of data pertaining to the item, including Review Status, Item Contact, and Next and Last Review Dates.

News: Block editor improvements

This is the first wave of updates and fixes planned for the News block editor. Features in this bundle include improved block controls, additional block management options for touch screen devices, and dozens more.

 

TOTAL:  141 bug fixes, improvements, and enhancements.

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Release cycle theme: Jostle: A to Z

Z is for Zap

Did you know that you can create hundreds of automated workflows between Jostle and other workplace apps? And each workflow you create is called a "zap"- which was obviously named so by just shortening the name of the company responsible for this technology, Zapier.

It's a cute naming convention that can result in some very effective branding. Well, in this particular case, at least. I imagine the same approach wouldn't have been taken had the company been named something like "Napier" or "Crapier".


Yes Release

Released Aug. 21, 2023 (build 46.25.9)

Redesigned action bars for Events, Listings, and Custom Views

The action bars in Events, Listings, and Custom Views have all been updated to provide a cleaner, more consistent user experience.

The options for each view have been relocated to action menus on the far right side of the bar (indicated by the "three dots" icon), with Events and Listings also getting a "Create New Item" button ("+") for their respective Administrators.

Sign Offs (Smart List)

This new system-managed Smart List for Library allows users to see at-a-glance all the items visible to them that have a Sign Off requirement and their personal completion status for each one.


 

TOTAL:  140 bug fixes, improvements, and enhancements.

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Release cycle theme: Jostle: A to Z

Y is for Yes

Did you know that the rock band Yes had actually disbanded BEFORE they released their biggest single, the classic 80s #1 hit, Owner of a Lonely Heart?

After over a decade together, the group parted ways in 1981. Shortly after, two former members and another recording artist started a new band called Cinema. They soon recruited the original Yes keyboardist and extended an offer to one of the former Yes vocalists as well.

When their record company became aware that four out of the five members of their new band were formerly in Yes, they suggested that from a commercial standpoint, it made more sense for them to just go by "Yes" rather than a new name that was unfamiliar to listeners.

So, even though the sound they were going for leaned more towards pop-rock than the prog-rock Yes had been known for, the band went ahead with the name change. Soon thereafter, Yes released their new "comeback album", 90125.

Result: 90125 became the biggest-selling album of their career, and lead single, Owner of a Lonely Heart,  their most successful single. Yes then went on to win their first-ever Grammy award (for Best Rock Instrumental Performance).

And their legacy has endured. As of 2023, Yes is STILL touring and performing.


Xylans Release

Released July 26, 2023 (build 46.24.24)

Special Release

Aside from the usual improvements and bug fixes, the majority of features included in our Xylans release will be used to lay the groundwork for upcoming advancements. As a result, there are no customer-facing features included in this release.


 

TOTAL:  108 bug fixes, improvements, and enhancements.

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Release cycle theme: Jostle: A to Z

X is for Xylans

Did you know that xylan is the third most abundant biopolymer on Earth? Well, whether you did or not, what you're probably wondering now is how the heck does xylan fit in with this release cycle's theme of Jostle: A to Z?

And the answer is: it doesn't. Or, at least, it didn't. I'll explain.

When defined as a biopolymer, "xylan" is very much not a Jostle-related word. However, by making it the name of our latest release, "xylan" is now forever a part of the Jostle lexicon. Which means it does fit in with our theme now! Right? Kinda?

(Okay, if you're thinking this logic is faulty, then...you're absolutely right. In fact, the structure it's built upon is just as shaky as plant cell walls would be, were they devoid of their most vital component—xylan. 😉)


Word Release

Released July 4, 2023 (build 46.23.22)

Renamed fields on Create New User & Edit User forms

Selected fields on the Create New User and Edit User forms are being renamed to better reflect the features they represent. These changes are detailed below as follows: new name (old name)

  • Custom Profile Field Label (Work Messaging Label)
  • Custom Profile Field Value (Work Messaging ID)
  • Custom User Field Label (Other Label)
  • Custom User Field Value (Other Value)

These changes will also be put into effect on the Jostle User Import CSV, where they will appear just as they do above, but without any spaces separating each word (e.g. CustomProfileFieldLabel).

 

TOTAL:  128 bug fixes, improvements, and enhancements.

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Release cycle theme: Jostle: A to Z

W is for Word

Did you know that while most people know what a word "is", there has never been a consensus among linguists about the actual criteria for something to be considered a "word"? Different standards have been proposed, based on descriptive context, theoretical backgrounds, constitution, and so forth, but never have they converged in unified agreement.

After hearing this, I was inspired to provide my own take on what a word is...via a little bit of "word" wordplay, of course:

                                                    Written, Orated - Rarely Defined.


Variable Release

Released June 15, 2023 (build 46.22.19)

Special Release

Aside from the usual improvements and fixes, the majority of features included in Variable will be used in preparation of future advancements. As such, there are no customer-facing features to highlight for this release.

 

TOTAL:  107 bug fixes, improvements, and enhancements.

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Release cycle theme: Jostle: A to Z

V is for Variable

Did you know that not only can variable be used to describe something that is not consistent, it can also refer to: a factor liable to change, a symbolic representation of a mathematical object, or a storage location for data?

In short, there are a lot of "variable"s out there.

Now, usually when it comes to being very verbal, I find it valuable to be very able, but verbalizing about variables? It's simply not that viable. There very many variables, due to the variety of "variable" versions that verbally exist. So inevitably, invariably, I avoid voicing varied and verbose "variable" verbiage.

Verily.


Utility Release

Released May 24, 2023 (build 46.21.13)

Special Release

Aside from the usual improvements and some needed fixes, the majority of features included in Utility will be used in preparation of future advancements. As such, there are no customer-facing features to highlight for this release.

 

TOTAL:  133 bug fixes, improvements, and enhancements.

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Release cycle theme: Jostle: A to Z

U is for Utility

Did you know that Batman has packed at least 44 different items into his utility belt over the years?

That's 43 more than the number of things I could think to write about for "utility".


Target Release

Released May 8/15, 2023 (build 46.20.17)

Redesigned action bars for News and Activity

A handful of user-friendly improvements are in store for the News and Activity action bars, including:

  • Adding labels that clearly distinguish each each action bar
  • Replacing the gear icons with action menu ("three dots") icons
  • Relocating all News icons to right side of the News action bar
  • Merging the Manage and News Admins menus into one combined menu

Employee ID field added to Profiles

(Note - this feature was originally slated to arrive in the Success release)

User Profiles will now include an optional field for Employee IDs (in the About section). This field can only be edited by System Admins and may be set to be either visible or hidden to regular users when they're viewing someone's Profile.

 

TOTAL:  112 bug fixes, improvements, and enhancements.

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Release cycle theme: Jostle: A to Z

T is for Target

Did you know that Target has had a long and interesting history as a retailer? Read on for a quick peek behind the bullseye!

Fast facts

  • founded as Goodfellows Dry Goods Company in 1902
  • "Target" branding and the bullseye logo debuted in 1962
  • currently has 1,948 stores in the U.S.
  • made their first $1 billion in sales in 1979 (2022: $109 billion)


Notable moments

  • developers of the first fully enclosed shopping mall
  • first company to offer retirement benefits to employees
  • opened 11 stores in one city in one day (Chicago, 1993)
  • Target flopped in Canada

133 stores were opened across Canada between 2013 and 2015, but Target was never able to grab a foothold in the market. The entire Canadian branch was shuttered in April 2015.

Trivia tidbit

  • Target is a little wary of their customers once they get behind the wheel of a car

To explain: you know those big red decorative balls (aka "bollards") that are permanent fixtures outside the front of every Target store? Well, they aren't just there for decorative purposes. Their main function is to prevent any crazed shoppers from driving their cars right into the store. 😬

So, I guess the takeaway here is that just because they're called Target doesn't mean they actually want to be a target. 


Success Release

(build 46.19.19)

Employee ID field added to Profiles*

User Profiles will now include an optional field for Employee IDs (in the About section). This field can only be edited by System Admins and may be set to be either visible or hidden to regular users when they're viewing someone's Profile. 

*this feature will now be arriving in our Target release

 

TOTAL:  121 bug fixes, improvements, and enhancements.

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Release cycle theme: Jostle: A to Z

S is for Success

Did you know that here at Jostle, we love to celebrate success almost as much as we love to hear a good success story? Well, in honor of this release's namesake, we're going to do a mash-up of sorts, and celebrate the success of some (very literal) "success" stories.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Based on the 1952 novel of the same name, this musical starring Robert Morse debuted on Broadway in 1961 and took home 7 Tony Awards the following year. It was made into a film in 1967 and has had two successful Broadway revivals, one in 1995 with Matthew Broderick and the other in 2011 featuring Daniel Radcliff.

The Secret of My Success
This 1987 boardroom comedy received mixed reviews from critics but was a big hit at the box office due to star Michael J. Fox's rising popularity at the time (Back to the Future had been released two years prior and Fox was currently in the middle of a three-year Emmy-winning streak for his role on NBC's Family Ties). Budgeted at $12 million, it eventually pulled in $111 million worldwide (the equivalent to nearly $300 million today).

Succession
This dark comedy/drama series, about a family that controls a global media and entertainment conglomerate, premiered on HBO in 2018. In the short time it has been on air, it has amassed 48 Emmy nominations and 11 wins. The series has an overall rating of 95% fresh on the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes and was ranked #11 on Rolling Stone magazine's "The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time" list.


Recognize Release

Released April 3, 2023 (build 46.18.20)

People update

While not actually part of the Recognize release, a new version of People will be rolling out to all customer platforms at around the same time as its arrival (System Admins will be notified prior to this).

Included among the many improvements it will bring to the view are additional filtering options and a sleek new UI.

 

TOTAL:  137 bug fixes, improvements, and enhancements.

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Release cycle theme: Jostle: A to Z

R is for Recognize

Did you know that there's a neurological disorder characterized by the inability to recognize faces called "prosopagnosia"? The term comes from the Greek words for “face” and “lack of knowledge.”

Did you also know that companies worldwide are spending a total of $46 billion on ways to recognize their employees for their efforts, but when it comes to daily accomplishments, 85% of employees surveyed said they would be satisfied with just being recognized by a simple "thank you"?

And did you also know that there is a point I'm trying to make here? And that would be THIS:

In this chaotic world we live in, if you can regularly recognize your colleagues (both visually AND for their accomplishments), then that's a pretty good indication that you have a good brain and a good heart.*
RECOGNIZE.

*Not based on any medical findings whatsoever. Results may vary.