SAPIEN Technologies

You’ll notice that www.primalscript.com/supportcontracts.asp has a new look, detailing new product support and software assurance options. Here’s the skinny:All PrimalScript 4.0 users will receive PrimalScript 4.1 at no charge. That’s the version that will include Windows PowerShell support, our new “to-do” list, and other cool features.However, 4.1 will be the last free upgrade. After its release, upgrading to 4.2, 4.3, and so on will entail an upgrade fee. That fee’s amount will depend on what’s going into the new version, and what version you’re upgrading from.To help make upgrade costs more predictable, you can now purchase Software Assurance for 1, 2, or 3 years when you purchase PrimalScript (the options will be added to our online store soon). Software Assurance simply gets you all upgrades released during that period, at no additional charge. And here’s a special note: To all our 4.0 customers who’ve never had this “Software Assurance” option before, you’ll be able to purchase Software Assurance when you get your free upgrade to 4.1. We figre there’s no since in you paying for Assurance right now since you’re going to get 4.1 anyway, and by letting you add Assurance when you upgrade to 4.1, you’ll be maximizing the number of upgrades you’ll get under Assurance.So that covers upgrades. Some of you may have purchased a Gold Support Contract with us in the past; that covered not only free upgrades but also priority telephone technical support. Although we’ve discontinnued the Gold Support Contract, your benefits will continue unaltered.In the future, we’re going to be making priority technical support available on a per-incident basis. You’ll simply purchase the incident from www.ScriptingOutpost.com. The incident covers the *entire* support process for a single problem, meaning we’ll work with you on the phone, through e-mail, and so forth, to resolve the problem – all for a single flat rate. Registered customers will still continue to receive free Web-based technical support in our online forums, although that support is what we in the biz call “best effort,” meaning we’ll try really hard to help out, but we can’t promise specific resolution times. If you need an answer as quickly as possible, consider purchasing an incident.Which brings up a brand-new support offering: “Your Own Script” support incidents. For the first time ever, you’ll be able to get paid technical support for the VBScript and Windows PowerShell scripts that you write (terms and conditions apply). This is a level of scripting support that even Microsoft has never offered! SAPIEN’s working hard to make “Scripting Simplified” and this new level of technical support for your scripts is just one way we’re trying to help out! You’ll find “Your Own Script” support incidents for sale on ScriptingOutpost.com.The whole idea behind these “a la carte” offerings – support incidents, Software Assurance, and so forth – is to let you purchase just the right amount of support that you need to fit your requirements and budget.We look forward to your feedback on these new software maintenance and support options!