Overview of MessageSlips

What Is MessageSlips?

Abacus MessageSlips is an intra-office-only instant messaging system, in/out board, and phone message pad. Intra-office-only means users cannot use it to converse with family and friends because it is only available to users of your Abacus database.

Use it to:

  • immediately send and receive text messages to other users,

  • see who is currently in the office,

  • take messages for users who are out or busy,

  • start the Call Manager to return calls, and

  • schedule callback reminders.

Because it is integrated with Abacus, messages can be associated with your clients and matters for quick data entry, and significant messages can be posted as notes to Abacus so you don't need to re-enter data.

Installing MessageSlips

No special installation is necessary. When you install Abacus, MessageSlips is also installed to the Abacus folder. (The installer has a Components page for you to mark the programs you want to install. MessageSlips is selected by default but you can choose to not install it). Notice that after you install, the MessageSlips icon is added to your system tray.

As normal for Abacus itself, each station on the network must run Station.exe to set up icons there.

Starting MessageSlips

MessageSlips starts automatically every time you start your computer. NOTE: You can stop this by setting MessageSlips user preferences.

To start it manually, select Start > Programs > AbacusLaw > Abacus MessageSlips, or send that icon to your desktop or QuickLaunch toolbar. This is handy if you want to use MessageSlips as an in/out board. Have users exit the program when they leave the office and run it again when they return.

Exiting MessageSlips

To exit MessageSlips, right-click the MessageSlips icon and select Exit Abacus MessageSlips. Your initials will appear in red on other stations' menus, indicating you are out.

Automatic MessageSlips Database Shutdown

After 10 minutes of inactivity, MessageSlips closes the databases. This allows automated backups to run even though MessageSlips may be left running overnight.