Latest News

Version 8.10 Release

OpenConf 8.10 is a roll up of interim patches released for 8.00, and we encourage all version 8 installations be upgraded. Some new features are also included, such as:

• Weighted scoring for review form fields through the Custom Forms module. Individual review scores have been changed from an integer to a decimal value in support of this.
• Streaming of video files for browsers supporting Accept-Ranges:none.
• Temporary storage of automated review and advocate assignment parameters during Admin session.
• Experimental support for Cloudflare Turnsile CAPTCHA.
• New email recipient group to contact submitters missing IEEE copyright.
• Editing of additional built-in review form field values.
• Storage of modified header and footer when downloading Program or Proceedings.
• Filtering on type and decision when making submission assignments to Program sessions.
• Deletion of reviewer rebuttal by Admin.

For a full list of additions, changes, and fixes, reference the Change Log.

Version 7.41 and 8.00 Releases

We are super excited to announce the release of OpenConf 8! But wait...

Before we get to the really good stuff, we are also announcing the release of OpenConf 7.41. This includes updates for the most recent PHP versions and patches that have been incorporated into version 7.40 since its release.

The all new OpenConf 8 is an extensive redevelopment of OpenConf with a focus on usability and accessibility. The responsive design also makes it much more friendly for use on mobile devices. And the consolidation of various sign-in methods into one should make it easier for your users to access all features. This does mean authors will now be required to create an account before making a submission, however they will no longer have to separately sign-in to each author feature or remember their submission ID.

With the change to how authors sign-in, we are recommending that you continue to use OpenConf 7 if you already have the software installed or have an active OpenConf Hosting Service account. If you typically migrate settings from one year to the next, have created your own set of documentation, or have code customizations, you may also want to keep using OpenConf 7 a while longer. We will continue to make OpenConf 7 available for at least the next year.

OpenConf 8 will initially be available in the Plus and Professional Editions only. When purchasing a new license or hosting account, you will be able to specify what version you prefer (7 or 8). Due to the extensive changes, we do not recommend upgrading an existing installation from 7 to 8, however if you still want to, email our support team to change over your license version or if you have a question on what version to select. Note that OpenConf 8 now requires PHP 7.3+ (8+ recommended) and MySQL 8+.

A demo of OpenConf 8 is now available on our website. As with the OpenConf 7 demo, it is pre-populated with data, allowing you to quickly click through features, although without being able to make updates. The documentation in the Support section of our website has also been updated — see the revised Chair/Editor and Committee Member Guides, and new Submitter (Author) Guide, for navigating OpenConf 8.

Perhaps less exciting is our first base price increase in nearly ten years. This was something we had planned for before the pandemic due to increased costs, but with so many hard hit clients we decided to hold-off until things settled a bit. We still believe OpenConf is competitively priced and one of the best options available for abstract management and peer-review with outstanding support.

The changes in version 8 will make it much easier for us to roll out new features while maintaining OpenConf's ease of use. We already have a long list of enhancements that did not make this release, and also welcome your suggestions.

# # #

— OpenConf 8 Mini-FAQ: —

Q: Can I keep using OpenConf 7?
A: Yes. For at least the next year, we will continue to make OpenConf 7 available, and there is no impact to an already existing installation or account.

Q: Can I upgrade or import settings from OpenConf 7 to OpenConf 8?
A: Yes, however we do not recommend it. There are significant underlying changes and new options in OpenConf 8, so we are recommending that OpenConf 8 be installed for new events only and configured anew.

Q: Is OpenConf 8 available in the Community Edition?
A: At this time, OpenConf 8 is only available in the Plus and Professional Editions. OpenConf 7 will continue to be available in the Community Edition.

Q: Will there be a price increase?
A: Yes. This will be our first base price increase in nearly 10 years. We put off the increase due to the pandemic impacting so many of our clients, however we have continued to see our expenses grow.

Q: What happens to the custom module OpenConf developed for our event?
A: More than likely an update to the module will be required. Contact us at least a few weeks before you plan on using OpenConf for a new event, and we can let you know if an update is needed along with how long it will take to implement.

Q: What are some of the key changes in OpenConf 8 I should be aware of?
A: There are hundreds of changes, so picking just a few is hard, but let's try:

• Extensive interface and accessibility improvements
• Responsive design making mobile device use friendlier
• PHP 7.3+ and MySQL 8+ now required
• Chair no longer has to return to home page to access features
• Chair home page now shows status of most features at a glance
• Optional app-based multi-factor authentication for additional Chair account security
• Single sign-in for user to access all features (no more separate user sign in links)
• Email address verification at account creation
• Option for users to sign in with a one-time use link emailed to them
• Account now required to make submissions
• Auto-fill feature to enter account data into author fields during submission
• Submitting account now defaults as submission contact
• Arabic and Farsi translations removed
• JavaScript now required on the browser
• File upload directory structure changed

For additional changes, check out the Change Log.