Beta Testers Wanted
I'm happy to announce that we are just putting the finishing touches on ESC Version 11. This version is officially scheduled for a September release. Before that time, however, we would like to offer you an opportunity to get your hands on it a little earlier.
I'm talking about a beta test. Before I continue, please allow me to explain the concept of a beta test. When dESCO finishes an ESC release we submit it to extensive testing. This occurs through a team of dedicated testers, a select group of alpha testers, as well as the efforts of our entire company, who use the new version of ESC on a daily basis. Once we are satisfied that none of those channels can find any bugs in the software, we open the software up to a Beta test.
During the beta test we offer several hundred customers the opportunity to try the software. Although it should be very stable at this point, beta testers do occasionally find minor issues that we might have missed. They also ask questions about the new features that allow us to tweak the software, polish the documentation, determine what videos are needed, etc. This helps us ensure that when we roll out the software to thousands of customers it is a smooth and pleasant experience for all. If the concept of being a beta tester appeals to you, please keep reading.
To be eligible to participate in the beta program you must meet the following criteria:
- Have ESC Version 10 Installed - We made a lot of changes in Version 11 and want you to be able to focus on them. So customers that haven't been using Version 10 for a while should not apply.
- Be on a support plan with us that is valid through September 1, 2010. This is the anticipated release date of Version 11 and you will need to be on support at that time to be eligible to receive the release copy when it is ready. If you are unsure when your plan expires sign up anyway and we will contact you if you need to renew it to participate.
- Have at least 6 months experience using ESC. You should already have a good idea of how the software works now so you can compare the new features with the old.
Important Notes
Before becoming a beta tester you should also be aware of the following items:
Version 11 will no longer support custom dispatch or invoice forms created in Crystal Reports. The new and improved report designer should allow you to recreate just about any previous form directly in ESC.
Version 11 will no longer work with SQL 2000 or earlier. In order to support newer operating systems and maximize performance, ESC will only work with SQL 2005 or newer. We will be happy to help you upgrade to a supported version of SQL Server Express if you are currently using SQL 2000. |
OK, so you meet the requirements - now what? Well before you commit we would like to show you what is included in ESC Version 11 so you will know what you're getting into. Please watch the video below to get a brief overview of all the major changes in Version 11. The video will take you about 26 minutes to watch completely. At the end of the video you will be taken to the beta signup form. Enter your information and we will be in touch with you in Mid June to let you know if you are one of the lucky 300 we are accepting and what the next steps are.
Thank you!
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