IVM can operate remotely. At regular intervals IVM can check a server for any updates and, if the file has been changed, automatically load the updates. The updates can include changes to the OGMs, Mailboxes, System Prompts or Settings.

This can be used in a single IVM system (for example where you want to setup and test the IVM program in your office but where the active IVM runs on a computer in the Telephone Room in the basement). Or it can be used by voice prompt studios and telephone system consultants who offer system updates for any number of remote customers. A single Internet server setup can serve an almost unlimited number of remote systems.

To setup a remote update server system, you must have a good understanding of computers, networks and the Internet (including FTP client software like Fling available at www.nchsoftware.com/ftp).

Basics

All updates are with IVR Program Files. For more information about saving IVR Program Files see Loading or Saving IVR Program Files.

File Names. To reduce the chance of errors the file the remote IVM loads has an implicit name based on the registration ID of the remote IVM. If you are testing IVM and have not yet registered, this is 0. The file name is ivmX.ivr where 'X' is the ID number. For example, if your registration ID for the remote IVM is 1078, the file name will be ivm1078.ivr. THIS IS CASE SENSITIVE.

To setup the remote IVM. In the IVM applications go to File -> Load... -> Direct Remote Download. Here you need to point IVM to the remote ftp server (e.g. ftp.nch.com.au) or the LAN folder, tick the Automatic box and enter the interval for how frequently IVM should look for updates.

Internet FTP Servers

To use this feature, you must have access to an FTP server that offers anonymous FTP access. You do not need to setup your own server. Most web hosting services include FTP. If you have a web site, there is a good chance you will already have access to an FTP server.

To upload files, you must have a FTP client. For example Fling or Classic FTP available at www.nchsoftware.com/ftp.

Before you proceed, you must know the exact folder into which you must load files so that they can be downloaded directly from the root directory of the anonymous ftp account. This is often something like /home/youraccount/www/anonftp on UNIX / LINUX web hosting servers. As a test, you must be able to download the file (say for ivm0.ivr) directly by typing ftp.yourdomain.com/ivm0.ivr into Internet Explorer.

The steps to update your remote IVM are:

  1. Save the IVR Program File. The file name must be ivmX.ivr where X is the remote IVM's registration ID (case sensitive). For unregistered remote IVMs use the file name ivm0.ivr.
  2. Upload the file using your FTP application like Fling.
  3. From the remote IVM, point it to your server using the Load / Direct Remote Download item of the File menu. For example, enter the server ftp.yourdomain.com. Also set the Automatic Interval. The recommended intervals are either 60 minutes (hourly) for fixed internet connections or 1440 minutes (daily) for dial up connections.

Local Area Networks

If the remote IVM is running in the same building, you can use the LAN to update the IVM. This is usually faster than using the Internet.

Create a shared folder on the network server. Save the IVR Program File with the correct file name (see above) into that folder. Then point the remote IVM to the folder using the Download Remote Direct option. The recommended time for the Automatic Check Interval is 2 - 3 minutes.