Integration of existing address data as a formatted text file (eg CSV)

Partially, address data are available as a formatted text file, for example, after an export from another application. You can integrate the text files whose data fields are separated by semicolon or tabulator via [PhoneBook > New > New > Folder Linking] in write protected mode.
In the following description, the term "CSV file" is used to represent "text file".

Hints:

  • Column structure:
    • The CTI Client does not specify a fixed column structure, but allows typing of the found columns.
    • The first line must contain the column names.
    • If possible, the first column should contain a permanent record ID.
  • Write Access:
    • If you require write access as a single user to the address data, you must use variant B) with subsequent data import.
    • If you need writing access for several users, a text file is the wrong format. Suitable alternatives are listed under Shared Address Data.
  • Cache / Refresh:
    • By default, the CTI Client copies the original CSV file to its local working directory.
    • Each time the program starts, the CTI Client checks whether the file date of the original CSV file has changed and, if necessary, copies it again.
    • With F5 you can force a re-import of the original CSV file at runtime.
  • Integration into several existing CTI Client instances using a sample file "Contacts.csv":
    • The address data are stored on a network drive "S:" under "S:\\Data\Contacts.csv".
    • You have integrated this CSV file in a CTI Client and typed the columns and, if necessary, adjusted the data mask. The CTI Client saves the information for column typing and data mask under [Menu > File > Working directory > Open > "folders\Contacts\mask.cfg"].
      At the same time, the CTI Client tries to copy the file "mask.cfg" to "S:\\Data\Contacts.cfg" if he has write permission to the directory.
    • If the current user does not have write access to "S:\\Data\", you can copy the file "mask.cfg" manually with administrator rights to "S:\\Data\Contacts.cfg".
    • If you now include the file "S:\\Data\Contacts.csv" in another CTI Client instance as a phone book, the column assignment / data mask is automatically applied.
Load CSV file from web server via HTTP/HTTPS

CSV files can also be downloaded from a web server using HTTP/HTTPS. In heterogeneous enviroments central phone books can be provided.
The integration in the CTI Client is done via [Phonebook > New > New Folder Link > ... > HTTP].

  • The above notes on CSV files in the file system apply analogously to Web server / HTTP.


Option B: Create a new personal folder

To create a new personal folder, select [Phonebook > New > New Folder > Phonebook] and follow the dialog. Afterwards in this folder you can administer your address data or import also existing records. The data are always stored in your local working directory.

Hints:

  • Other users may carry out no writing operations on this folder.
  • In the editor's mode of the data mask you can add new data fields or adapt available ones.