The ArcGIS Resource Center and the Esri Support sites are designed to work in tandem as the go-to resources for ArcGIS users. The emphasis of each site is different however, so here’s how they work…
Resource Center
For those who want the latest product information and can’t wait to download the new products, check out the new Resource Center links at resources.arcgis.com. The newest enhancements to the ArcGIS Resource Center (due to roll out around the end of June) showcase what’s new in ArcGIS 10 and are designed to simplify your understanding of this exciting new release. ArcGIS 10-final will be available for download to everyone by the end of June.
From the ArcGIS Resource Center home page, you’ll be able to access key areas: ArcGIS Product information, Functions, User Communities and Solution Products. Along the top margin, you can find direct access to all-product online help, product-specific blogs, and the forums.
Each category has a variety of ArcGIS 10 information: the galleries (map templates, model and script tools, and imagery samples), videos, system requirements, conceptual help, and links to even more.
Support Home
The Esri Support home page has had many recent enhancements, focused on providing Support information for all-versions up to the newest due-to-release version. For example, while ArcGIS 10 is due to release, the Support site continues to provide information for 9.3.1, 9.3, and earlier versions.
Use the Support home page for direct access to these key Support areas:
- Knowledge Base – Web Help, technical articles, white papers, GIS Dictionary, and product life-cycles
- User Forums – previous and current
- Downloads – ArcScripts, Patches and Service Packs, Data Models, and more
- Software – Product information for previous versions of ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Desktop Extensions, ArcView, ArcEditor, ArcInfo, and others
Search
Efforts to optimize your search experience from both Support and Resource Center sites are getting favorable responses. While you may have a slightly different experience when initiating a search from either site, we’ve restructured the results pages, implemented a variety of post-filtering options, and (transparent to you) applied search engine optimization techniques that assist with accurate and relevant results.
On Friday morning, June 25 and after, visit ArcGIS Resource Centers and Esri Support sites. Navigate for some content, try the searches on each site, and let us know your experience. Send as many comments, as often as you’d like, to http://support.esri.com/en/feedback. Your feedback is the most valuable aspect when we deploy enhancements, because, in the end, they are changes that benefit everyone.
- Online Support Resources group, Esri Support Services
