The next major CompuDance update, Version 8, is scheduled for release on Monday, June 2, 2008.  This new version has been in BETA testing since October 2007.  We feel confident that it will be ready at the scheduled time.
In the past we have always had anywhere between 25 and 40 new features in a major update.  This time we have fewer new operations because we are emphasizing security in order to comply with new requirements from the credit card industry and from many Internet Service Providers (ISP).

SECURITY
For example, CompuDance will now support SSL (Secure Socket Layering) when sending E-Mails.  SSL encrypts all data passing between client and server and therefore not only protects passwords, but E-Mail text as well.  Because many of you routinely E-Mail statements and Student Account Ledgers, we have made those transmissions over the Internet more secure.  So, if your ISP is now requiring you to use SSL, CompuDance will help you comply.  For more details, please see FAQ #30 on the FAQ page of this web site.   
Also, all your of clients' Credit Card Numbers will now be encrypted and saved in that form on your computer.  In addition, CompuDance will no longer store the Credit Card CVV Number (Security Code) on your computer.  These new practices will make certain that you are complying with the latest PCI Security Standards Council requirements.
EFT Bank Account Numbers will also be encrypted when stored on your computer, and you will have the option of leaving them off your printouts.
You will now have the option of using Checking Accounts or Savings Accounts for your EFT clients.  You will also be able to select more than one Income Category when posting global EFT Payments.  CompuDance will combine all of those into one transaction when creating the file to be uploaded to SPS.

Important for Credit Card Users
If you accept credit cards through our processor Smart Payment Solutions, you must download and install Version 8 by 11:00 AM EDT on June 2, 2008.  If you attempt to create and upload a Credit Card file after that time with any CompuDance Version 7, the file will not be accepted by SPS.  Version 7 credit card files will not pass the new security requirements.
When you are on the SPS gateway uploading a Credit Card Batch File be sure to select the CompuDance 8.0 format. 
 
CANADA 
We have included an annual receipt report for our Canadian studio users. In Canada parents can take certain dance/gymnastic expenses as deductions on their federal income tax return. We have created a report to help them with that tax deduction.

E-MAIL 
We have added the ability to E-Mail statements to all students in a class, and to E-Mail all students with a class on a specified day, regardless of the class time. 
You can now list all students with NO E-Mail address. 
Finally, each student and each family can have two E-Mail Addresses. 

OTHER
There are some additional lists and Query operations.  For a detailed list of other new features, please see the New Features page of this web site starting June 1, 2008.