Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: CAM software upgrade policy

I read it the same way you do, John.

stevenson_engineers wrote:

> If I read the above correctly and put it in plain english you are
> saying the customer buys the licence for that particular CD and only
> that CD.?

This is a pretty standard software sales approach.

> Vector has the right to decide if and when the next upgrade / bug fix
> is chargable ?

Most companies I've dealt with have a clearer policy than this, but I agree
that this is what Fred is saying. This is true with any company; the bad
taste in our mouths is that it sounds like we pay every time (as you say
next). How often do upgrades happen with Vector? I'd hate to be out $100 a
year ($50 per upgrade) trying to keep my software current.

> V 9 was a paid upgrade, 9.3 was a paid upgrade and 9.x will be a paid
> upgrade??

Hard to tell, but it seems very likely. I wish I had known this in advance.

Autodesk approaches this differently than Vector. Upgrades within a major
version number (2.0, 2.1...) are free for downloading. When a major version
change occurs, significant improvements in functionality occur. Owners of the
old version can upgrade for a reasonable fee. Users need to perceive upgrades
described as major as actually being significantly different.

Vector being 32 bit is a nice feature. There were other items too, but 32 bit
was the main change. I keep debating with myself over whether this would
qualify as a major upgrade and not being sure. It certainly would look like
one if it happened a quarter later and had additional features.

> Will the bug fix that stops you pocketing with an elipse as an island
> be a paid upgrade ?

Bugs with no workaround should be patched for free. Always, by any company. I
haven't been following the ellipse issue, so I don't know if the workaround
is practical or not (which clearly affects the priority of patching now or
waiting until the next release).

Steve Smith

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