Known Bugs or Issues (Last update: March, 2006)

eAuthentication log-in: This release includes eAuthentication log-in capability (using the official USDA log-in procedure). This won't be implemented until formal approval is received, and the current release proves robust.

Performance: The March, 2006 release has been designed to handle typical NRCS and NRCS partner traffic. It's not a commercial site and won't handle the traffic some commercial sites attract.

Searches: People have expressed interest in more flexible searches and in advanced searches. Specific requests have been made to include a keyword search option using an 'AND' relation between words (North AND Carolina), and using beginning and completed request dates. These options were explored and, for the time being, not done.

Custom fields: Not all of the centers agree on the exact drop down selections that appear for requests. One center requested the option of having their own custom selections (different from the other Centers). This was actually how this application was originally designed -each Center had full control over the content that appeared for their Centers. This led to confusion and, to some extent, chaos. The application was redesigned so that all Centers report in the same, consistent way.

Email notifications: Several beta testers liked the ability to automatically notify interested persons about changes to requests. This feature (found under the Notifications tab of a request) requires access to an email server. This release doesn't have this access.

File Attachments size: File attachments have now been moved out of the database and stored in the file system. In addition, the size limitation for files has increased from 1MB to 20MB. Persons have expressed interest in having no limit on the size of files that can be stored. The Internet has limitations and this is one of them -file sizes that exceed 20MB should be referenced by using a 1 line url (i.e. include the url in a text attachment).

Bugs and Recommendations: Bugs should be reported to:
Kathleen.Dobler@por.usda.gov
Recommendations for improvements can be made to the Technology Specialist in charge of requests for each Center.