What is ACAConnect mobile?
ACAConnect mobile provides a smart phone friendly user interface for ACAConnect functionality. Designed 100% for small screens and using common touch interactions, a better mobile experience is delivered to you.
ACAConnect mobile is delivered as a website through the browser. There is nothing to install. ACAConnect automatically detects how a user is accessing the site and delivers the most appropriate interface. Staying current with the latest community content and engaging with other members has never been easier.
What is the difference between ACAConnect mobile and a mobile application?
A mobile application needs to be downloaded from an application store and installed on the mobile device. Updates are delivered through the store and a user must reinstall the application on their device. ACAConnect mobile is a website delivered through the device browser so nothing needs to be installed. The ACAConnect mobile code lives on the community provider’s servers so it may be continuously updated.
What mobile operating systems will be automatically detected?
The following mobile operating systems will be redirected to ACAConnect mobile: iPhone, Windows, Android, Opera Mobile, and BlackBerry.
How does log in work?
You will log in with the same user id and password that you currently use. Authentication will occur just like it does for ACAConnect.
Can a user switch back and forth between the desktop and mobile site?
Yes. There are links on each site to move back and forth.
How should a user mark the site for easy access?
Users should bookmark the site on their mobile browser. At this time we do not recommend adding a link on the device desktop (which saves the bookmark as a desktop icon, just like a native app) because doing so automatically configures the browser to launch the connected community mobile website in a "chromeless" state where both the address bar and navigational options are hidden and inaccessible.
Will all the content on my desktop community site be delivered by ACAConnect mobile?
No. ACAConnect mobile specifically targets user collaboration functionality. Customized content will not be delivered by the initial release. If a link goes to a page that isn't on the mobile site, a message will appear indicating that particular content is currently available on the desktop site.
If all the content on my desktop community site is not delivered by ACAConnect mobile what can I expect to do?
Ø view your profile, contacts, discussions, blogs, shared files, communities, inbox, events and announcements
Ø search the member directory and connected community content
Ø create library entries
Ø create and reply to discussion posts (you cannot attach yet, that is coming in a future release)
Ø reply to discussion post sender
Ø add, accept request or send a message to a contact
Ø join a community
Ø accept or decline community invitation
Ø add events to your phone/device calendar
Ø add comments to blogs and shared files
Ø recommend discussion posts, blogs and shared files
Ø switch between the connected community mobile site and the desktop site
Where are the ACAConnect colors?
The initial release does not have the ability to manage the theme or upload a logo. These features are on the list of future enhancements.
How does it work?
You can switch between latest discussions, shared files and blogs by swiping left to right on the home screen.
Menu access is available through a persistent link on the left edge of the header. This gives you all the additional options. Play around a bit! You’ll find some things are easier to do on mobile than they are on the desktop site.
Remember, we are in BETA, so if you have issues please contact Arlene at arelenem@acplanners.org or 888-834-6333 Ext. 704.
I still don’t see the benefit to contacts! Why bother?
At long last the reason for a small organization to have contacts comes clear. How many of you have been with me, that there isn’t much value add for an organization of our size on the desktop version? Well, now there is. From the mobile version each of those contacts has easy to access links for emailing and calling. It is much quicker than directory search, click on profile, get info that we do on the desktop. So get out there and start adding contacts!
Tips and Thoughts from Arlene the tester
Several companies worked to do beta testing on the mobile sites before we launched. I don’t have an iphone, so I can only testify to my results on an ipad, ipad mini and Android. There were slightly different results between browsers, but the support team is working to resolve any strange issues we uncovered. Nothing too horrific was uncovered. We are still in BETA. That means you may be the lucky winner to find a bug. I have created a fun ribbon for those of you willing to jump in and send me info on bugs or issues.
My only significant issue was with the browser that came with my phone by default. The results between Chrome on an Android and “Internet” (really, they couldn’t come up with a better name than that?) were so striking I didn’t even fight my way through all of my testing. So, if you use Android, get Chrome and be happy.
I am so excited about how this will improve your ability to stay on top of what is going on with ACA I can’t wait to hear your feedback.