Versions of Diarybook
diarybook
comes in two versions: Desktop and Portal. Why are there 2 versions and what are the differences between them?
Diarybook Desktop (v8) is the original and long-running appointment management system that was conceived and created in 2011. To this day it is the solid work horse of daily appointment management used by tens of thousands of users.
However the screen layouts are not usable on all devices and technology has moved on since then. So in 2020 diarybook Portal was created as an alternative collection of screens that could be accessible on more devices.
Both are a collection of screens that a user interacts with. Underlying both are the same appointment management system, advanced reminder platform and billing framework.
Your account subscription comes with access to both versions and each user on your account can choose which version to use.
Some differences
| Difference | Portal | Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Pop Up Notifications | Not implemented | Appearing on the lower-right of the screen they can notify a user of client replies or status changes |
| Reminder Settings | Advanced features including Letters and Additional Messaging | Basic features |
| Smaller screens | Is mobile and tablet friendly | Is designed for Desktop screens |
| Calendars | Has more calendars: e.g. users side-by-side, rooms side-by-side | Has basic calendar and link to Portal Room calendar |
| Departments | Can filter appointments by department | Not implemented |
| Lists | No sorting implemented | Many lists allow the user to sort by different columns. e.g. The clients screen |
Development strategy
Desktop The Desktop version will continue to take advantage of all of diarybook ’s advanced messaging and reminder services. Very little is planned to change the main operational screens of Desktop such as appointment management, client management and reporting. However many of the setting screens will be migrated to the Portal side over time.
Portal The Portal version will continue to advance and will take over many of the set up screens and screen for the mobile apps.