 9:00 a.m. |
Boost Your Productivity with Great Developer Tools |
Vendor Demo |
General |
|
Nicholas Orr (Goya Pty, Ltd.)
Session Description
Nicholas Orr from Goya will demonstrate the new BaseElements 4.0 and how you can use this essential developer tool to expertly analyze your solutions and make your development easier. In this session, learn how BaseElements work, how to use it to your best advantage, and learn hidden tips and tricks that will speed up searches and cross referencing.
Next, Nicholas will show how you can automate updates to your solutions using RefreshFM, a new developer tool that lets you create a completely automated and error checked import process for any FileMaker Pro solution. RefreshFM works with hosted FileMaker Server files as well as local files, and creates a testable and repeatable import so you can update at any time with no issues.
Lastly, there will be short demonstration of RestFM, Goya's new product to Web Service - enable any FileMaker solution in no time at all.
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| 9:00 a.m. |
Guidelines for Designing in Go |
Session - FileMaker Go |
Beginner |
|
Session Description
The iPad and iPhone represent a new and distinct computing paradigm. iOS enables new usage scenarios, creates unique expectations, and takes advantage of exciting new technologies. Building outstanding solutions for these devices requires a new approach.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Go FileMaker Pro
What You Will Learn
- Cover best practices for designing for FileMaker Go
- Outline the key differences between the iPhone and iPad in the context of FileMaker Go
- Examine pertinent items from Apple's Human Interface Guidelines
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| 9:00 a.m. |
File Maintenance & Recovery |
Session - Core |
Beginner |
|
Session Description
Database corruption happens. If you are responsible for developing, deploying and/or maintaining FileMaker Pro solutions, it is very important to plan for disasters, to keep more minor mishaps from becoming disasters, and to take steps to minimize the chances of either in the first place. When the unfortunate does happen, you need processes-and tools-to get up and running again. The good news: FileMaker Pro has some important features to help you be more successful in handling file corruption. This session will cover best practices for good database "hygiene," and provide an in-depth overview of FileMaker Pro's options for file recovery.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro
- FileMaker Server
What You Will Learn
- The options for file recovery, what they do and when/why to use them
- What to look for in the recovery log file
- Types of file corruption and their symptoms
- Best practices for disaster planning and avoiding file corruption
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| 9:00 a.m. |
FileMaker Section 508 Development |
Session - Design/Develop Track |
Intermediate |
|
Session Description
FileMaker Pro 12 is newly redesigned with a vast array of interface tools for us to use. In this session, you'll learn how to use the latest interface tools to build accessible systems that comply with section 508 guidelines. We'll look at how the new interface standards enable integration with common accessibility tools and ways to develop systems with accessibility in mind. We'll also look at important factors to consider when converting systems from prior versions to the new file format.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro 12
- FileMaker Server 12
- FileMaker Go
What You Will Learn
- What section 508 is and why developing a compliant system matters
- How to develop a solution with section 508 compliance as a goal
- What are the pitfalls in developing solutions for accessibility
- What are the primary accessibility tools and how do you adapt for them
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| 9:00 a.m. |
How To Hire and Train a Junior Developer |
Session - General |
Intermediate |
|
Session Description
Do you have more work than you can handle but are unable to find or afford additional resources? Have you thought about hiring and training a junior developer but not sure how to start? This session will help you develop strategies to manage your workload in such a way that you can delegate to a smart, green employee who is ready and eager to learn FileMaker Pro. We'll talk about how to create a job description, what types of employees make great developers and how to delegate in such a way that they are helping you as they learn.
What You Will Learn
- How do you know if hiring a junior developer is right for you?
- How to you find and hire a junior developer?
- How do you train a junior developer when you are so busy you can hardly keep up as it is?
- How do you evaluate and manage the progress of your new developer?
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| 9:00 a.m. |
Re-Usable Code: Breaking Free of Context |
Session - Design/Develop Track |
Advanced |
|
Session Description
Most of a FileMaker developer's work isn't inventing HOW to do something, it is RE-thinking how to do it in the current layout's context. In other words, write your scripts, calcs, and other features to be context-free and you can get back to the real work of building great solutions.
FileMaker code has traditionally been tightly bound to the layout and its context. Recent versions of FileMaker Pro have added several new features which make it easier to break free of context, and write your code in ways that are reusable, portable, and testable. Learn to do this and you will spend less time debugging and have more time for adding new features and a great user experience.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Go
- FileMaker Pro
What You Will Learn
- How to design your code so that it is not tied so tightly to any given table
- How to use ObjectNames, GetFieldNames, Evaluate and Variables to make your code easier to share
- How to avoid building in unnecessary complexity while on the quest for portability
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| 10:45 a.m. |
360Works MirrorSync Demonstration |
Vendor Demo |
General |
|
Jesse Barnum (360 Works)
Session Description
Jesse Barnum of 360Works will be demonstrating 360Works' newest product, MirrorSync. MirrorSync is a revolution for FileMaker developers - it is now possible, and even easy, to keep a fast, offline database on FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Go in sync with FileMaker Server. In this session, Jesse will take the Contact Management template that ships with FileMaker, add a bidirectional sync script using MirrorSync, and deploy it to a laptop and iPad.
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| 10:45 a.m. |
Mapping and Geolocation with FileMaker 12 |
Session - Integration/Web Track |
Beginner |
|
Session Description
A map is worth a thousand words! Mapping address details on a map is within FileMaker Pro's reach, thanks to the Web Viewer, and possibilities are limitless with the Google Maps API. This session will cover some of the basic and advanced Google Maps interactions to reveal one address, multiple addresses and itineraries on a map. Also, graphical representation of data with FileMaker Pro may very well come handy to report, analyze or present many results. In this session, we will discuss how to leverage the power of the Web Viewer to graphically represent data on a map using various technologies (PHP, Batchgeo, FusionMaps, et al). It will also cover how to make better use of the built-in GPS in iOS within FileMaker Go 12.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro
- FileMaker Go
What You Will Learn
- FileMaker Pro 12 and Google Maps integration
- Representing your data on a map
- Geolocation with FileMaker Pro 12 and FileMaker Go 12
- Mapping
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| 10:45 a.m. |
FileMaker Security |
Session - Core |
Intermediate |
|
Session Description
Database security is an important aspect of system design often only considered just before going live. This session seeks to stress the importance of security planning from the start, and then constant review during the life of a solution. We will assume that attendees have a basic understanding of FileMaker security as covered in the FileMaker Training Series module. The session will cover a range of topics including the use of default and custom extended privileges, the need for file access security, security of data in FileMaker Go, and FileMaker Server access.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro
- FileMaker Server
- OSX/iOS/Windows
What You Will Learn
- What is security and when it is not
- Taking advantage of extended privileges
- Understanding File Access security
- FileMaker Go and FileMaker Server security
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| 10:45 a.m. |
FTS: Layouts |
FTS |
Intermediate |
|
Session Description
This session will take a critical look at the use, setup, and behavior of layouts and layout objects. We will examine field and object control options and when they can be used; the how, when, and where of conditional formatting; and what you need to know about resizing layout objects. We will look at recent version changes to the design toolset that can help you provide a modern user experience. Specifically, we will also discuss the layout design process and platform specific considerations (Desktop, iPad, iPhone).
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro
- Layout Mode
What You Will Learn
- The use of fields and portals to express appropriate views of data
- The use of graphical formatting tools to visually help users understand their data
- The use of Layout Mode tools for development efficiency
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| 10:45 a.m. |
Consulting Firm Conundrums |
Session - General |
Intermediate |
|
Session Description
Are you running your consulting firm as well as you could? Come to this workshop to learn valuable tips that can help your firm thrive! Learn what some of the top challenges facing consulting firms are and how to conquer them. We'll have representatives from successful firms discussing staffing, clients, insurance, tax and legal issues, billing practices, marketing, training, products and more. We'll tackle questions like: When to say yes or no to a job. How and when to write a spec. Which billing models work best. How should you handle tech support. Get creative solutions to your consulting puzzles!
What You Will Learn
- Care and feeding tips to help manage and grow your consulting firm
- Attracting, maintaining and expanding a vibrant client base
- Staffing strategies...finding, building and keeping good developers
- Administrative struggles. When to DIY vs. Use Professionals
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| 10:45 a.m. |
Under the Hood: FileMaker Pro 12 Layouts & Themes |
Session - Design/Develop Track |
Advanced |
|
Session Description
FileMaker Pro 12 introduces some big changes to how layouts look and work. Understanding what is at work under the hood can help to make more effective use of these powerful new features. This session will dive deep into the new CSS-based styling used in FileMaker Pro 12 layouts, discuss what themes are capable of, how they work, and investigate how the design choices you make impact usability and performance.
What You Will Learn
- What's new in FileMaker Pro 12 layouts
- New styling options available for layout objects
- What themes can do, and how they do it
- Details of the new CSS-based styling for layout objects and themes
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| 12:00 p.m. |
Medical Professionals Using FileMaker Pro - Luncheon |
Session - General |
General |
|
Session Description
If you are a physician, medical researcher, or if you work in the medical industry, you are welcome to attend this afternoon luncheon to discuss and network with other fellow medical professionals using FileMaker Pro.
Products & Technologies
- Familiarity with FileMaker Pro
What You Will Learn
- Network with other medical professionals
- Network with FileMaker personnel
- Network with researchers
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| 12:00 p.m. |
Software Legal Update |
Session - General |
General |
|
Session Description
John is vice president of Legal and Human Resources for FileMaker, Inc., and he oversees all legal and human resource matters worldwide. He is responsible for employment matters, software licensing, intellectual property and other areas. Prior to joining FileMaker, John was an associate attorney at Ware and Freidenrich in Palo Alto, CA from 1988-1992. John holds a J.D. degree from Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California at Berkeley and a B.B.A. Accounting degree from the University of Notre Dame.
What You Will Learn
- Review of Intellectual Property Laws (Copyright, Trademark, Patent, Trade Secrets)
- Recent Court Decisions and Legal Developments
- Q & A
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| 12:00 p.m. |
K-12 Education In-house Developer Discussion |
Special Meeting |
General |
|
Leslie Kareckas (FileMaker, Inc.)
Session Description
Join this special discussion for K-12 in-house developers attending DevCon. This is a great opportunity to hear from other educators and learn about the FileMaker solutions they are developing in their schools and districts. Meet new people, exchange ideas, and learn more about FileMaker software development and K-12.
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| 2:00 p.m. |
The Evolution of Successful FileMaker Development Companies in Latin America |
Special Meeting |
General |
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Julie Sigfrinius (FileMaker, Inc.)
Session Description
In this session we will hear from FBA developers in Latin America: Sandra Garibay from FM Databases Mexico, will share her secrets to lead a team of developers and build successful solutions. Felipe Bernstein from SOLNET will show FILEDOM - An integrated solution for the Department of Building Permits and Land Development in Local Governments. And Diego D'Alessio from Soluciones FileMaker Argentina will showcase SAGAI - FileMaker and the Web, ESS iOS and the use of custom plugins.
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| 2:00 p.m. |
The Cloud and FileMaker: Year in Review |
Vendor Demo |
General |
|
Joe King (Worldcloud, Inc.)
Session Description
In this session, we will review some of the most exciting cloud-centric techniques, products, and services which we discovered over the past year. As we strive to expand and improve our technology, products, and services; we have attended 9 conferences the scale of DevCon or larger. Like DevCon, we have come from each of these events with a few 'gems'. Even for those which do not utilize hosted services, many of these technologies can still be utilized. We will show FileMaker Pro without a computer or tablet. We will also look at the latest in Disaster Recovery and monitoring tools, as well as several new ways to market your FileMaker Pro solutions and/or ways for you to improve and expand the services you offer your clients. We will share our FileMaker Server performance results from sub-$1,000 to $450,000 servers (96 Xeon processors) and discuss the effect of RAM, Solid State drives, Storage Area Networks, CPU, and modern best practices for FileMaker Server.
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| 2:00 p.m. |
FTS: Calculations |
FTS |
Beginner |
|
Session Description
Calculation functions are the lifeblood of FileMaker. They are used throughout the application, for everything from defining fields to scripting, security, and conditional formatting. If there's one thing that can make you a better FileMaker developer across the board, it's having a solid grounding in the use of calculation functions. In this session, you'll learn about the core calculations that every FileMaker developer needs to be adept with, as well as practical applications of their use.
Note: A Gold Pass is required for all FTS sessions. Attendees will receive one DVD of the FTS materials (includes modules, videos, exercise and demo files).
What You Will Learn
- Syntax and usage of dozens of core calculation functions
- Best practices for writing effective and efficient calculations
- Practical applications for using functions
- Tips for learning new functions
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| 2:00 p.m. |
Look Both Ways Before Crossing the Street: System Documentation |
Session - Core |
Intermediate |
|
Session Description
Why bother writing comments or documentation or following standards in the back end; especially if all the users ever see is the user interface? Now ask yourself another question: if you are hit by a bus, will your clients, colleagues, or development teammates be able to understand the code you have written to a degree that they can complete the project without you? Even in the rare cases where the answer is "yes," inheriting your undocumented code may well jeopardize the project by delaying the schedule and putting it over budget.
The simple act of following standards and creating documentation will make you a better programmer and will also help you to remember design choices you may have made years ago. What exactly are the things you should document? This session will help you make wise choices about the type of documentation to keep for a system, and also to create documentation that will actually help you and others understand your solutions.
What You Will Learn
- Learn to comment an entire solution to remember what you did months or years in the past
- User documentation is just as important for the developer as for the users. Make it work for you!
- All choices are made for good reasons, those reasons may not be true anymore, and what were those reasons?
- Give yourself the discipline to be a better developer
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| 2:00 p.m. |
Taming The Graph - Techniques for Graph Modelling |
Session - Design/Develop Track |
Intermediate |
|
Session Description
The FileMaker Relationships Graph has been the subject of many theories and opinions and a few orthodoxies. In this session we will look at the realities and expose a few of the myths. In addition to reviewing some of the Graph modeling approaches that can be used as the basis of a successful solution, this session will examine techniques that can assist in minimizing Graph complexity. The session will also include discussion of the relative merits and potential drawbacks of different methods and will explore some alternative techniques and advanced strategies that can provide the basis of innovative Graph design.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro and FileMaker Pro Advanced
What You Will Learn
- Alternative ways to approach structuring the Relationships Graph for your solutions
- Pros and cons of some of the common approaches to Relationships Graph design
- Ways to streamline the Relationships Graph and choose methods best suited to your solution
- Innovative techniques for Relationships Graph design that allow you to do more with less
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| 2:00 p.m. |
Server and WAN Performance Under The Hood |
Session - Core |
Advanced |
|
Session Description
FileMaker databases are being used on more iPads, iPhones, and laptops than ever, so performance over a wide area network is ever more important. Understanding how FileMaker Server 12 shares data over the network can help you improve the speed of your solutions over both local and wide area networks. This session will go "under the hood" of FileMaker Server 12 and how it uses the network, and what you can do to improve the performance of your databases over the WAN.
What You Will Learn
- Under the hood details of FileMaker 12 networking
- How to analyze Server performance and your database's performance
- Specific improvements you can make to your solutions
- Improvements we're working on the FileMaker "labs"
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| 2:00 p.m. |
Getting the Most From Your Converted Solutions in FileMaker Pro 12 |
Session - Design/Develop Track |
Advanced |
|
Session Description
With completely reengineered layout capabilities, FileMaker Pro 12 provides the tools you need to build solutions that look and feel like applications native to the host OS. This session will detail the relevant aspects of converting your file to the new format, help you take advantage of features new to FileMaker 12 in your converted solutions, provide some new methods for implementing UI that once required significant workarounds, and also highlight potential opportunities for improving the usability of converted layouts.
What You Will Learn
- The FileMaker Pro 12 conversion process
- Tips on updating layouts to the new themes in FileMaker Pro 12
- Reducing UI coding overhead using FileMaker Pro 12 features
- Improve usability by optimizing converted layouts for FileMaker Pro 12
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| 3:45 p.m. |
Automated Conversion of FileMaker Pro Databases to CakePHP Web Applications Using FmPro Migrator Platinum Edition |
Vendor Demo |
General |
|
David Simpson (.com Solutions, Inc.)
Session Description
Rather than spending over $1000 per layout for offshore PHP web development, FileMaker developers can use the PHP Conversion feature within FmPro Migrator Platinum Edition. During this session, a FileMaker Pro to CakePHP application will be generated using FmPro Migrator. The resulting web application uses the existing FileMaker Pro layouts to build functional web forms having the same look and feel as the original database. FmPro Migrator supports 12 different database servers, including FileMaker Server Advanced. When using FileMaker Server Advanced, the generated CakePHP applications uses the FileMaker ODBC driver, providing significant performance enhancements compared to the FileMaker PHP API.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro Advanced
- FileMaker Server Advanced
- ODBC
- PHP
- CakePHP
- SQL
- MacOS X
- Windows
What You Will Learn
- Scaling up FileMaker Pro solutions using SQL database servers, cloud hosting, and database scaling technologies (i.e. phpfog/AppFog, dbShards, memcached)
- Using FileMaker Pro Servers with SQL database servers via data replication, ESS, import/export data transfer techniques
- Pre-migration database schema changes and Post-migration code and view file changes
- Application usability features (workflow, SESSION variables, scripted buttons, JavaScript/CSS, record/form navigation toolbar, user logins and data access control features)
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| 3:45 p.m. |
iOS Mobile Device Management And Deployment |
Session - FileMaker Go |
Beginner |
|
Session Description
When being faced with the task of deploying your solution to many iPads, iPhones, or iPod Touches, you need to know what your options are. Learn about the technology that will enable you to configure networking, security, email, push notifications, and many more options with ease. After attending this session you should be familiar with Mobile Device Management and what it can do for you.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Go
- Mac OS X Server
- iPhone Configuration Utility
What You Will Learn
- What the best options are for deploying your solution to many iOS devices
- How volume purchase programs can aid in deployment
- What remote management can and can't do for you
- How to use Configuration Profiles, Over-the-Air Enrollment, and the Apple Push Notification service
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| 3:45 p.m. |
FileMaker Server 12 Configuration Best Practices |
Session - Core |
Intermediate |
|
Session Description
Performance and reliability are essential for business critical tools in any environment. Databases that are used by many people in an organization must be available when needed, and they must allow the user to perform his or her task as efficiently as possible. When working with FileMaker Pro databases, this generally means FileMaker Server must be properly installed, configured, used, and maintained in order to provide high availability to all users. This session will focus on how to properly install, configure, and maintain a FileMaker Server. It will also cover some of the new features of FileMaker Server 12 and how 64-bit support and enhancements to backups can aid in performance and availability.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Server 12
- FileMaker Server 12 Advanced
- Mac OS X
- Windows
What You Will Learn
- Discuss hardware and platform options for FileMaker Server 12
- Learn about 64-bit support in FileMaker Server 12
- Examine new backup options available in FileMaker Server 12
- Discuss configuring your FileMaker Server 12 and maintaining a healthy environment
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| 3:45 p.m. |
Long Live Your App! |
Session - Design/Develop Track |
Intermediate |
|
Session Description
Writing an app that not only rocks, but also survives the test of time is an art and a science. Learn how to assess the needs of a department or business to deliver a finished product that has longevity and remains relevant through business and technological changes. Explore the many issues that should be addressed when designing an app for longevity, and how to share this vision with clients, colleagues, or in-house stake holders. Give your app a look and feel that will not become dated before its time. Explore the various methods that will allow you to return to your code base and pick up where you left off, even years later.
Products & Technologies
- FileMaker Pro/Pro Advanced
- FileMaker Go
What You Will Learn
- Designing robust, flexible, and scalable data structures
- Creating outstanding visual and interaction design with no expiration date
- Building a solid and well-documented code base
- Planning for technological changes
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| 3:45 p.m. |
FTS: Reporting |
FTS |
Intermediate |
|
Session Description
This session will be based on materials from the first three lessons of Module 7 of the FileMaker Training Series (FTS) materials. It will focus on the mechanics of creating both basic and advanced subsummary reports, including how to use layout and summary fields, how to use scripts to incorporate reports into the user workflow, and an introduction to FileMaker Pro 12 Quick Charts.
Note: A Gold Pass is required for all FTS sessions. Attendees will receive one DVD of the FTS materials (includes modules, videos, exercise and demo files).
What You Will Learn
- How to create basic and advanced subsummary reports
- How to incorporate a report into the user workflow
- How to work with layout parts
- How to create FileMaker Pro 12 Quick Charts
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| 3:45 p.m. |
Developer or Consultant? |
Session - General |
Intermediate |
|
Session Description
Increase your value by growing from a desk-dwelling developer to a business-changing champion! Learn to spot business problems and promote creative technology solutions that bring incredible value to an organization. Understand how to help steer the decision-making and ease institutional logjams. We'll uncover leadership techniques that can generate excitement and help your ideas get past the obstacles. Find out how to locate good partners that can add value and reduce your burden. See how powerful metrics, planning and "chunking" techniques can help offset challenging budgets. Spot integration options with existing platforms that can help increase the life and value of your solutions.
Products & Technologies
- Basic database design and integration concepts
What You Will Learn
- Successful strategies to grow your career beyond pure programming
- Discover the proper way to identify problems and promote valuable technology solutions
- Learn the importance of leadership, creative negotiating, navigating politics and effective partnering
- Key discussion of budgets, planning, metrics, integration and other pieces that can help you succeed
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| 7:00 p.m. |
Annual FileMaker Excellence Awards Dinner For FBA Members |
Networking - Event |
General |
|
Hosted by FileMaker, Inc.
Session Description
This is a special evening for FileMaker Business Alliance members. Some of the best of the best will be recognized for technical excellence, innovation, and outstanding achievement in FileMaker business and solution development.
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