The upgrade from AutoMate™ 3 to 4 is the biggest and most compelling in Unisyn history.
Previous versions of AutoMate™ have been called the Definitive Windows Task Scheduler by Windows Magazine (a CMP publication), Editors Pick by C-Net, and a Five Cow Rating (like 5-star) by TUCOWS.COM. As you might guess we had a pretty big challenge on our hands to improve on those kind of accolades. One of the approaches we took to doing this was to transform AutoMate™ into much more than a task-scheduler. Rather, we wanted to make an automation platform wherein a variety of automation tasks, including but not limited to scheduling, was possible.
At Unisyn, we pride ourselves in our attentiveness to customer feedback. AutoMate™ 4 contains all the features you have been asking for over the years. First of all, it is a complete re-write from previous versions, created using the C++ programming language and it implements fully an object oriented architecture with exposed OLE server object for easy customization and extension. You will find we have re-created and improved on the base functionality of previous versions of AutoMate™ -- creating a new high-speed, multi-threaded, industrial strength architecture that we will continue to build on for many years into the future.
And now we are proud to present the new feature list for AutoMate™ 4:
Re-written from the ground up in C++
This was done mainly for the purposes of speed, memory footprint, extensibility, and reliability.
Up to 500% speed improvements in many areas, including interface operation
Lower Memory Requirements -- Dual Module Architecture (5-10% of previous versions)
The configuration interface (SETTINGS.EXE) is a separate EXE file from the Task Processing Service (AUTOMATE.EXE). Since AutoMate™ will need to be running most of the time, you will not be making changes to the interface as there is no need for it to be always loaded. AutoMate™ now has been split into two program files so that when you are done making changes to the configuration, the interface can be completely unloaded.
Fully multi-threaded operation
When a task is triggered in AutoMate™, it is contained within its own thread. AutoMate’s scheduling engine remains on its own critical thread, unaffected by any problems or load placed by the task it has just started. As an example of the power of this architecture, AutoMate™ could now in theory run an unlimited number of tasks simultaneously and could launch them all at the exact same time of the day (down to the second).
Down-To-the-Second Precision
The scheduling engine in AutoMate™ now has the ability to maintain down-to-the-second precision when determining when to launch a task. This allows for extremely time-critical tasks to be carried out by AutoMate™.
TIA (Trigger Independent Architecture)
This new architecture means simply that AutoMate™ is no longer simply a task scheduler. Rather, a schedule is just one of many things that can launch a task. New triggers include, Hotkey , Window Watcher , and Window System Events (such as SHUTDOWN and LOWBATTERY)
More Actions
AutoMate™ 4 hosts a wide array of new steps, ranging from native FTP client actions for automating FTP sessions, controlling the flow of a task based on user input, and manipulating open windows. And the features and steps keep growing with each release. AutoMate’s TIA architecture ensures that future triggers and steps can be added quickly and easily as they become available.
The new Step Builder has been carefully designed to be more functional, faster and easier to understand then its predecessors. Actions are now grouped by their function for easy location when first entering the Step Builder. Furthermore, steps in a task can be cut, pasted, multi-selected, tested, temporary disabled and more. Also, you may now edit your BASIC script by selecting and right clicking it from within the Step Builder. You will be able to work faster with this new interface.
Those running Windows NT will now be able to execute their tasks while the NT machine is locked or logged out .
Improved and updated BASIC scripting support addition of New Objects
Updated and faster BASIC engine. New AutoMate™ Objects such as the task object and CurrentTask so that scripts can access AutoMate™ tasks from within the basic language. New IDE as a separate and more robust EXE file.
Better Late Task and Precision Rescheduling Options
You may now retain originally set times (down to the second) when rescheduling regardless of when the task is launched. Disable if late was also added.
Improved security
AutoMate™ provides several steps that allow tasks to be run in a more secure environment. For example, you can lock the mouse or lock the keyboard from user input while a task is running. You can add steps that prompt a user for a password while the task is running or from being modified, read or executed without authorization. The task-file has also been improved to prevent unauthorized editing and manipulation.
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