Over the years, we have observed many different approaches to how our customers take advantage of their software updates, the services available with the purchase of maintenance and the overall effectiveness to those approaches. Some companies roll out new versions immediately, some want to wait until initial bugs are fixed and others try to wait for a gap in their very busy schedules. While others, as a worse case scenario, wait until they can't justify waiting any longer. So what is the best strategy? In general, we believe it's best to roll out immediately and avoid the difficulties that can come with waiting until the last minute.

There are technological advantages at your disposal and that should by far outweigh the perceived economic benefits of waiting. The initial roll out information can be taken in and the hype of the new version can be an energizing kick start that is best absorbed at the peak. CNC Software is very good about addressing release bugs and annoyances in their first maintenance update. The faster they get feedback, the faster bugs are fixed. In many cases, the additional MU's contain additional functionality.

Running side by side (X7 and X8 both installed) is not a bad idea, as long as there is a clear migration plan in place. For example, once all of the machine definitions and support files are migrated, users should remove their desktop shortcuts to X7, and then 30 days later, X7 should be uninstalled.

Training existing users is easier with a quick rollout. With more new release events scheduled around the first quarter after release there are more opportunities to get everybody up to speed. For example, our workshop activities transition from new version functionality to application specific topics as the version matures.

Waiting until it's convenient is a double edged sword. On one hand, it's great not having the distraction of migration and learning the "What's New", but on the other, the migration is inevitable. So think of it this way, if you learn the new functionality as it trickles out, it doesn't pile up on you, it's easier to assimilate in smaller packages, and you get to leverage the new technology right away.

Our goal is to help you make your maintenance investment worthwhile, year after year.

• All maintenance customers receive support first and take priority over customers not current on maintenance. Calls and emails are taken on a first come, first serve basis.
• We migrate your files for free, from version to version, posts, setup sheets, simulators, etc.
• Our custom training and workshops are always based on current software and our goal is to emphasize the new functionality whenever possible.