Re: software "upgrades"

Posted by Michael Weber-4 on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/sorry-tp593651p593659.html

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Ian,

if your system doesn't perform as it should be and the issue is located on
software level, then this should be fixed by an update for free - if the
system is under warranty or covered by a service contract.

Regarding upgrades, which add additional features, this you usually have
to pay, unless something else was negotiated during the ordering (which
might make sense).

Michael

> Search the CONFOCAL archive at
> http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal
>
> Hello Everyone
>
> When is a new version of a confocal operating system an "upgrade" and
> when it is a mere bug-fix??
>
> Considering the high cost of buying any of the major manufacturer's
> systems, my view is that the software should work properly, with some
> allowance for unforeseen glitches that sneak through the pre-release
> testing. After all, the operation of the microscope is entirely
> dependent on the satisfactory implementation of the software as the
> interface between the user and the hardware. Consequently, I have
> considered (perhaps unreasonably...) that when you buy the system, you
> get bug-fixes to the software for free (especially, but not only, if
> you find, document and report the bugs yourself). On the other hand, I
> am quite willing to pay for a software upgrade that offers new
> capabilities that were not present in a previous version of the
> operating system.
>
> How then should we respond to vendors that offer new versions of
> operating systems that are no more than bug-fixes as "upgrades" and
> then expect us to pay out serious money to acquire them?
>
> I'd be interested in your responses, off list if necessary...
>
> thanks
>
> IAN
>
>
>
> * * * * * * * * * * *
> Prof Ian Gibbins
> Anatomy & Histology
> Flinders University
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