Do not mis-understand. I like the product. I like the way it works. I
hope to continue working with it for a long time. Nevertheless, I do have to
disagree with you on a few points:
* Most developers DO provide a list of features that they are adding to a
product
* Most developers DO provide a stated time-line [sometime in 2001 is NOT a
timeline - how about a target date by quarter????]
* Most developers DO use beta testers to try components that they may or may
not include in the final product.
The problem here, as I see it, is that we are hearing NOTHING from Ipswich
or at least this list is not hearing anything. For eight months I have
watched the rumers swirl about the release of the new version [note that
this includes much of 2000] - often the rumors were saying that the release
was "next week". Anyone in the development business knows that timelines
are often broken, but not having [or releasing] one also alarms people.
There is already enough FUD in this market place, we do not need to continue
the game of silence.
While you correctly note that Ipswitch is the number one seller of email
server programs, that does not eliminate their leadership role in helping
those of us who depend on the product as to what to expect. How about a
limited list of new features/enhancements? Keep something back as a
surprise!
Again, my 2 cents.
Bryant Nielson
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Sheldon Koehler
Sent: Monday, February 05, 2001 3:13 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [IMail Forum] Version 7 -- Real or Development Cancelled?
I have to jump to Ipswitch's defense here.
They have NEVER released a feature list on products before they are released
and almost no one else does either. Competitors can and will use this type
of information to their advantage. Ipswitch requires beta testers to sign a
tight NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement) before they can become a beta tester
for that very reason.
At ISPCon in San Jose last November, I talked to one of the developers at
the Ipswitch booth (I forget his name) and he asked me questions and
listened (intently I might add) to my answers and suggestions for version 7.
He would also not commit to a date, but said sometime in 2001. I do not want
to see a repeat of the problems we had with version 6.00 all over again...
Ipswitch does monitor this list and does take good ideas seriously. I have
seen this process happen again and again since we started using Imail with
version 3.02 (in mid 1996).
As far as the cost to upgrade, get the service contract! All upgrades (major
and minor) are included.
When Ipswitch feels version 7 is ready, they will post a message asking for
beta testers (at least they have in the past, but they could very well work
with the current bunch they have and not tell us, they have that right...).
When version 7 is ready they will tell us.
Imail is the number one selling mail server program (Sendmail is number 1,
but it is free). I am sure Ipswitch will not stop developing a winning
product! And when version 7 comes out, I am sure MOST of us will be happy :)
Sheldon
_____________________________
Sheldon Koehler, Owner/Partner
Ten Forward Communications
360-457-9023
http://www.tenforward.com
E-Commerce that makes sense!
http://store.tenforward.com
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