How to upgrade from eMailSignature 'classic' (all versions) to the Azure-based web portal (estimate 2-4 hrs.)

Modified on: Thu, Feb 17, 2022 at 2:20 PM

Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365)
Exchange Server on-premises
Google Workspace (formerly G Suite)

We are announcing new options for the Azure-based email signature web portal and 'classic' end of support. The 'classic' version got the end of support by 31 Dec 2018. It's time to upgrade. The Azure-based web portal is ready for Microsoft 365, Exchange on-premises and G Suite environments. It's incredible how much and how rapidly technology evolves. We want to thank our 'classic' customers, and we will make sure we support our customers in getting ready for the future and taking maximum advantage of today's technologies.

You will get a smooth transition from 'classic' to the Azure-based web portal.

For instance, it's possible to run the Azure-based web portal and 'classic' concurrently as you onboard pilot users and prepare for launch.
A Quick Video Walk-through.
Explore the Azure-based web portal.

We launched the web portal in 2013 (Microsoft Azure Cloud). Before 2013, we did everything with IT on-premises.
We wanted to find a way to allow IT to hand off administration to marketing/communications dept. (No workload in IT).
We did this by creating a browser-based user-friendly web portal with role-based login capability.
Now, IT is only involved during the initial setup (45 min.).
Marketing/communications dept. are now self-managed, and if they need help, we assist directly (chat and online training) without any workload in IT.

eMailSignature is re-branded as Xink (as we as a company re-branded back in 2014)

You no longer have to maintain everything on-premises. Many clients have no installation on servers when upgrading to the latest Azure-based web portal.

The Azure-based web portal (Microsoft Azure Cloud) replaces the 'classic' management console.
Your SQL database continues if you want to manage OWA/Mobile email signature with Exchange Server on-premises.
Sign.exe is replaced by the Xink client which updates Outlook (Win/Mac) and Apple Mail (Mac) during office hours (not only during domain login). Alternatively, you can also apply the signature at the server with Microsoft 365 environment.
Your company login replace your license key (you can assign a login to the responsible department using role-based access control).

A quick comparison between 'classic' and the Azure-based web portal.

1. How to request your login

Keep 'classic' running (it can run together with the Azure-based web portal as you add pilot users).
Schedule an intro meeting or submit a support ticket and request your Xink login.

Handoff my login during a quick intro meeting

2. How to upload or copy/paste templates

We recommend uploading signatures from your inbox as it will automatically upgrade your HTML and include your images > Learn how.
Alternatively, copy the HTML source in your 'classic' console.
Login to Xink > Signatures menu, click signature, click Source button and paste HTML source.
The upload and insert images > Learn how.
Now insert fields from the drop-down (you can rename the standard fields if you prefer).

Get remote help

3. How to add employees

Learn the different ways to add users, e.g. from Active Directory.

Get remote help

4. How to assign email signatures

How to assign email signatures to everyone, groups, and individuals.

If your PAs are sending on behalf of the partners/managers:
How to share other users' default signatures.

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5. How to update Outlook (desktop)

Outlook (Win/Mac/Citrix/RDS) deployment.

Get remote help

6. How to update mobile devices

With Microsoft 365.
With Exchange Server on-premises (if already set up in 'classic,' you reuse your SQL database).

Get remote help

7. How to update Outlook on the web (OWA)

With Microsoft 365.
With Exchange Server on-premises (you use your existing SQL database).

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8. How to stop 'classic' updates

Stop executing Sign.exe during domain login (typically found in NETLOGON share).
When you move to Microsoft 365, you can also uninstall eMailSignature (found in add/remove programs) and delete the SQL database (default DB name is eMailSignature).

Get remote help

FAQs when upgrading

Why is it essential for us to move forward now?

Build a single, consistent experience for all our customers.

Make sure you don't miss out on any new features and enhancements.

We need to build and deliver a faster, bug-free, scalable web portal.

What does it cost to upgrade?

With the current 'classic' software maintenance and support agreement, upgrading to the Azure-based email signature web portal is included.

What does the end of support mean?

After the end of the support period, there will be no support available for your 'classic' environment.

Which data is required in the Azure-based web portal?

Only the data used in your email signature template(s) are required. E.g., name, title, telephone, etc.

Can we upgrade without software maintenance?

Yes, submit a support ticket here on the help desk or book a quick intro here. Then we'll submit an upgrade quote.

How to add more users

Contact us, and we'll add additional users to your account login. You can move to a monthly subscription if you prefer (require credit card payment) - or stay with a yearly subscription, and then we pro-rate additional users.