Looking Toward 2007

Current Updates
   We have been attempting to address user concerns with the new Version 7.2 as soon as possible, which is why
   we have had so many versions of 7.2.released since 7.20.00 on June 5 2006.  The current one is 7.20.08,
   released Dec 1.  (Last year, for example, in twelve months Version 7.1 never exceeded 7.10.06.)

   Here is a list of new operations and enhancements added since 7.20.00, June 5 2006.  These are not contained
   in the published document Version 72 New Features:

    1)  Changed the Maximum number of teachers from 50 to 80.
    2)  Allows 14 characters for a Class Description.
    3)  Changed Filenames for some bulk E-Mail files (Class & Code) so they would be easier for you to find.
    4)  Changed the Backup operation to allow back ups to the C: drive.  We don't recommend that you do it.
    5)  The Transfer Option 7 now includes the list of Cities.
    6)  The format of the Copy function - Ctrl/C from SRD - was changed to be more readable for you.
    7)  Added the ability to print the Income Ledger Grid after changing the sort.
    8)  The Class Roster display can now be sent to the Clipboard in a tab-delimited format.
    9)  All Class Rosters can now go to the Clipboard in a tab-delimited format.
  10)  There is a new Apportion report by category.  This is useful if you pay teachers based upon class income.
  11)  Added a method of deleting EFT Transactions - see #6, Options.
  12)  We restricted access to EFT & CC Files in the Browse Operation to Level 2 Password users.
  13)  Added built-in Headers to all Clipboard reports.
  14) The Recital Participation Report can now be sent to the Clipboard.

   All of these were added because of user comments.   

   Update Statistics
     Looking at some statistics, we note that only 23.7% of all CompuDance Users have updated to 7.2.
     And, less than 1% have the latest version (7.20.08 or even 7.20.07).
     Also we note that only 35.6% of users have updated from the old Version 5 or 6 to any Version 7.
     Most users, therefore, still use Version 5 or Version 6.  So, even though each year since then we added between
     25 and 30 new features and operations to help studios operate more smoothly and save precious time,
     most studios seem not to be interested in those new features.  Most of those updates could have been
     downloaded from the Internet for $7.50, a fraction of what other dance management updates cost,
     so we assume that price is not a factor.  It must be lack of interest in the new features.

Plans for Future Updates

    Based upon the above observations, we have made a decision.  Spending thousands of hours, seven days
    a week adding new features for less than 25% of our users just doesn't seem to be very cost effective.
    Therefore, in 2007 Version 7.30 will contain only one new major feature - the ability for a student to be in
    25 class instead of the current limit of 15.  We will also continue our commitment to make certain that you
    are able to export all of your data to other programs through ASCII files or the Windows Clipboard.
    In addition to that we have made a commitment to create a scale of variable class prices so that CompuDance
    can calculate tuition for you.

    We look forward to spending more time with the family and working in the garden - and maybe even taking
    a four day vacation to the Coast this summer instead of only a three day vacation.

    So, if you find some data that you are not able to export to a word processing, or database, or spreadsheet
    program, please let us know.  Version 7.3 will be released Monday, June 4, 2007.  It will be free for those
    currently using Version 7.2.

Our Servicemen and Women

    Please pray for the safety of the sons, daughters, husbands, wives of our studio owners who are serving
    in the military.  There are many.  We know because we hear from them often.  And pray that our country
    will sooner rather than later find an end to the terrible hostilities around the world that keep our young
    people in harms way.

    Take care . . . Merry Christmas . . . . and have a safe, rewarding 2007.

December 9 2006
San Antonio TX