A major new version of SC4W is now available
- Why is there a new version?
- SC4W1 was written in the Delphi programming language, which is very much a niche technology compared to the industry standard for the Windows environment, C#.NET, that is now used for SC4W2. This means better support and sustainability for the future.
- For 20+ years, SC4W1 has used dongles to protect your investment and our intellectual property; however, the dongle technology we have been using is reaching end-of-life and there is no guarantee that it will work with future versions of Windows. The ‘soft’ solution we have built into SC4W2 is easier to deploy and gives greater protection against unauthorized use.
- What does the new version look like?
- We have tried to make SC4W2 as closely compatible with SC4W1 as possible, meaning a very small learning curve between SC4W1 and SC4W2.
- However, there are some differences:
- There is a new visualization feature which allows you to view the coordinate data in a CAD-like window.
- Some of the ‘minor’ features of SC4W1 are no longer available. We will consider requests to reinstate these features on a case-by-case basis.
- The format of data files is different – by default, SC4W2 uses .xml format files for coordinates and observation data; however there is still the option to read and write data in SC4W1 format.
- How do I get SC4W2?
- To purchase a licence for SC4W2, or upgrade from SC4W1 to SC4W2, contact SC4W@SmithAndCoulson.net
- A time-limited trial version is also available.
- The business model
- SC4W1 was available to purchase for a one-off fee, and other than a promise to support SC4W1, there was no ongoing commitment on our side to provide updates, fix bugs or add new features. However, SC4W2 is available on an annual subscription basis – meaning, providing you keep your subscription up to date, you will receive updates, bug fixes and new features as they are developed.
- An annual subscription may be easier on your cash flow, i.e. small regular payments, rather than one big payment up front.
- There is a ‘trade in’ price should you wish to trade in your SC4W1 dongle for a SC4W2 licence. Note that we will stop supporting SC4W1 as of June 2024 an no further dongles will be sold after that date. The trade-in offer will end in December 2024.
- Full price list, T&Cs available from SC4W@SmithAndCoulson.net
- SC4W1 was available to purchase for a one-off fee, and other than a promise to support SC4W1, there was no ongoing commitment on our side to provide updates, fix bugs or add new features. However, SC4W2 is available on an annual subscription basis – meaning, providing you keep your subscription up to date, you will receive updates, bug fixes and new features as they are developed.
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