when does the payment for upgrades for software start again?

James - Great question and glad you found your answer.  I see a few "ME TOO"s so I'll present the official response so others will know.  Here is a reprint of our Upgrade/Update Policy Clarification I published in the December 2013 Edition of the FlexInsider:

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SmartSDR Upgrade/Update Policy Clarification  

by Greg Jurrens, K5GJ - VP, Sales & Business Dev.

 

I hope everyone out in radio land is staying warm.  This frigid cold and ice in Texas is very unusual weather for us!

 

I'd like to take this opportunity to clarify our Software Upgrade/Update policy for the FLEX-6000 Signature Series radios.  We realize the message hasn't been crisp and the result has been confusion with some of our customers. Below are the highlights and some clarifications:

 

SmartSDR(TM) Software Policy Highlights:

• All FLEX-6000 Signature Series radios are shipped with the latest major version of SmartSDR software.  
• Each major version of SmartSDR comes with free updates and maintenance releases for the life of that release.
• After a new major version of SmartSDR is released, maintenance releases for earlier versions will be provided free of charge on an as needed basis.
• The choice to upgrade to the next major version of SmartSDR is yours. Your radio will continue to operate on its current major version of software as long as you choose.
• Each major release of SmartSDR (v1.0, v2.0, v3.0, etc.) will have an associated license fee (currently $199.00 USD plus applicable tax).

 

You'll notice that we've removed any reference to TIME including terms like  "Annual Fee" or "Renewal".  We've determined that's not how our development cycles work and the time aspect was causing the most confusion.  We've heard comments like: "Those Flex guys are going to make you pay $200 every year or your radio won't work!" That simply isn't true and we need to make sure everyone knows that.  

 

Your FLEX-6000 radio comes with a version of software that will operate your radio as long as you want. Period.  Yes, we will continue to make improvements and fix instabilities (aka bugs) in that major version.  At some point in the future, we will release a new major version and offer it for sale.  It's up to our marketing folks and amazing engineering team to come up with exciting new features and capabilities to convince you its worth upgrading.  In the meantime, we'll work hard to make sure your existing version remains stable and functional in your shack. (Note that anyone who purchased additional years of "Flex Advantage" when they purchased their FLEX-6000 Signature Series radio will be credited for that many major software version releases.)

 

The simple way to think of our SmartSDR software licensing policy is that it's similar to the Microsoft® model - When you buy a complete PC you receive the current version of Windows(TM).  When Microsoft comes out with a new version of Windows, you get to decide if you want to upgrade.  In the meantime, bug fixes and maintenance releases will continue as needed for the existing versions.  

 

We've also disconnected the time-based SUPPORT portion from the software license.  This is actually a change but is required because of certain International support laws and practices.  The message to you our valued customer is that we will support your FLEX-6000 radios through all of our in-person, online, and distributor channels just like we do today with our other products.  (Note the 2 year manufacturing warranty period remains unchanged.)

 

The entire FLEX-6000 Signature Series Software Upgrade Policy is available on our website for your review. (SmartSDR Software Upgrade Policy ).  

Thanks for your business and support in 2013. We look forward to a great 2014 with you.  Happy Holidays!

 

 

73,

 

Greg