Update Strategy for PIAS and Fairway

Contrary to most other software packages, for PIAS and Fairway no explicit release information, such as version name or number, is applied. The reason is that the software is extended and improved so frequently that the updates arrive more in a continuous stream, than in distinct blocks. Because it is in the interest of the users to have the modified software directly at their disposal, combined with the fact that  Internet provides a proper distribution medium, all updates are released through our website at the moment they are available. For this purpose each user is supplied with a username/password combination. So, thanks to the fact that our software is delivered including maintenance, updates and support without yearly maintenance fee, the question ‘which version of PIAS  or Fairway software do you use’ use, can always be answered with ‘the latest’.

Concerning the information about the nature of the software modification, three cases can be distinguished:

· Significant enhancement, or modifications which (might) alter the calculation method or the results, are discussed in a newsletter. These newsletters are both distributed to everybody on our list of contact persons, as well as included in our website (see item ‘newsletters’). Through the latter a complete historical overview of updates is available.

· Minor enhancements are not explicitly communicated, but of course in the user manual, which reflects the latest state of the software, new functions are duly discussed. All user manuals are also available on www.sarc.nl (option download, log in as non-registered user).

· Minor modifications, such as the correction of typing errors or modified menu layouts, are no subject for further discussion.

We recommend to update at least every six months, and additionally if a newsletter describes and necessary or interesting feature. Software older than one year may give a warning that it is about time to download and install the latest edition.

If you have further questions or remarks on this subject, or want to be put on or off the newsletter distribution list, please contact us.