Ken Erman from CNC Software, Inc.
Member # 1650
posted 04-14-2004 05:12 AM I'm not sure if i want to step in here or just lurk... I was kind of hoping James would hijack this thread.
The Alpha release to our dealers happened as planned. The purpose of that release was to get as much feedback as possible in time so we could do something about it. We got so much good feedback that we decided to rework some things we had not planned on. Currently we are winding down those changes and working in some new stuff we are inventing for X. Hopefully we will be making a Beta announcement in the next couple of weeks.
The GUI on X is completely new and will require a little time to get used to. The good thing is that it is so customizable for each users preferences you will easily be able to make it just like you want.
As for a option to have an interface EXACTLY like version 9, that won't happen. We considered it and realized that maintaining 2 interfaces would be an extremely difficult proposition. We are maintaining some key things that will help users learn the new interface quicker, but it won't be identical to V-9.
Many mentioned the CADKEY transition, believe me we have considered that in every decision. I and several others here were at CADKEY during that time and know what happened first hand. But that was almost 9 years ago, many users are now used to a Windows style GUI so things won't be as traumatic as they were then.
Will there be a learning curve? - You damn betcha
Will you keep a copy of V-9 on your system to work with while you transition to X? - You'd be crazy not to.
Once you get used to the new product will you like it? - We are staking our future on it.
As for when will it be released, we want to get it right the first time. There is no benefit to anyone if we ship before it is ready. I am very confident it will be shown at IMTS, if it isn't released by then it will be rock solid. But i have been wrong before
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Ken Erman - aka PMGuy