Coding Best Practices Part 1
This blog outlines coding practices that any professional developer using the finPOWER Connect API should adhere to.
finPOWER Connect is written entirely in VB.NET. All sample scripts are also written in VB.NET. Although C# is an option, Intersoft Systems does not provide support for this.
Preparing for Release 3.03.04
Important things you should prepare for in finPOWER Connect 3.03.04.
Multi-Factor Authentication in finPOWER Connect Cloud
Version 3.03.04 introduces Multi-Factor Authentication. This adds an additional layer of security to finPOWER Connect Cloud by forcing Users to enter a second password (or code) that is either generated via an Authenticator app or emailed to their registered email address.
New Messaging Interface
finPOWER Connect version 3.3.3 introduces an updated SMS Messaging Interface.
The existing "SMS Interface" Add-On has been renamed the "Messaging" Add-On. In addition, there is a new "Advanced Messaging" Add-On, which adds new service providers and features for SMS Messages.
The Advanced Messaging Add-On adds, where possible, delivery status updates, e.g. a notification that messages have been delivered to a handset, and Replies, whereby if a client replies to an SMS it is automatically added into finPOWER Connect.
APLYiD; New AML Product within finPOWER Connect
APLYiD is an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) product that allows businesses to verify the identity of their customers, simply and easily.
To setup an Account with APLYiD you should first contact your Intersoft Dealer, who will make the necessary arrangements with the APLYiD team.
illion BankStatements BrokerFlow
BrokerFlow takes the 'illion BankStatements' Bank enquiry and enables you to retrieve Bank Statements and data, previously collected by Brokers.
The 'Broker' accesses illion BankStatements (via a process external to finPOWER Connect) and provides you with the 'Document Id'. You then enter the Document Id within the BankStatements Enquiry and view the results without having to liaise with the Client via email or SMS, as this will have been completed for you.
Investment Income Reporting (May 2020 Update)
From 1 April 2020 the way in which Interest and Withholding Tax is reported to the IRD changed through the mandatory use of Investment Income Reporting (IIR). Whilst this has been available optionally since April 2019, it is now a requirement for all institutions paying interest where Withholding Tax is applicable.
The latest IRD requirements are supported from version 3.03.02 of finPOWER Connect.
IIR within finPOWER Connect comes in the form of a Report, and a File Export process. This provides the ability to export up to three file types, one for each supported Withholding Tax Type.
- Resident Withholding Tax on Interest (IPS)
- Non-Resident Withholding Tax (NRT)
- Approved Issuer Levy (AIL)
Data Binding in HTML Widgets and Portals
Data Binding in HTML Widgets and Portals provides a fast, easy way for developers to present users with lists based on finPOWER Connect data.
However, there are performance and security considerations to take into account.
"My List" Tab Added To Reporting View
The Reporting view in finPOWER Connect Cloud now has a "My List" tab which allows users to add reports that they commonly use to their own custom list.
For example, users can add shortcuts to commonly used reports including any parameters and export options.
Tasks View Future Dating
The Tasks view in finPOWER Connect Cloud can now show Tasks "as at" a specific date.
For example, you may wish to see what Tasks (e.g., Accounts to review) are not due just yet but will be due by the end of the week.