Digital Workshop

Hi DW,

Since it's getting near Christmas, how about giving us a few clues about the next version of Opus, and what it might contain

Paul

Any progress on Opus v6, it's been two months since it was annoucned in Dec 26.

Really looking forward to the release.

DW has been using the Evolution customers to preview OPUS version 6 in a beta testing process. Preview #1 was the smoothest, most error free software I've seen, but DW wanted to add even MORE features, so Preview #2 was commissioned. It was finished at the end of February.

We are sworn to secrecy about any details of version 6, to prevent competitors from starting to work on similar features. So no one should be revealing specifics until DW says its "OK."

I was very impressed with the productivity improvements in v6. They were well thought out, and tested great. It will definitely be a worthwhile upgrade for professionals who use OPUS to build multimedia projects for a living! Even with such a good second beta test, it will take DW awhile to complete the HELP documentation, new packaging, new marketing material, new website info, and the replication of CD-ROMs for distribution.

It is probably a good idea for DW to take time to get things right the first time with all of the required steps, rather than rush something together which could cause problems. It will be worth the wait, and greatly appreciated when it is announced as "officially ready." I've got a project which could immediately benefit from version 6, so I'm even more anxious than most others.

Noticed your forum name and was wondering is it:

1) Jose Phroddy, or

2)Joseph Roddy?

Just wondering.

It is Joseph, or Joe.

No sign of new Opus 6 yet, maybe they're trying to encourage me to sign up for an Evolution account. Can some from Digital Workshop outline the advantages of an Evolution account and how is it possible to purchase it. I can not find any details about it on the home page.

Or you could spill the beans on Opus 6 including price and when it will be available.

Joe --

We're all excited about OPUS v6! I've worked with Evolution Preview 1 in January, then Preview 2 in February. I really can't wait for it to be released. V6 has a full page of new productivity features. Now, they've added even more after Preview 2, so it would make sense to have a short review of this version.

I think we all agree it makes sense to take time up-front and catch any possible "bugs" than to do a full release, and have everyone wanting to know "why didn't you see that?"

Evolution
Yes, being a member of the Evolution program has advantages. Maybe now that you've asked, DW will give the details of joining. You are first to receive new versions of OPUS. Upgrades are included in the price. You have access to the "Evolution" portion of this forum, so you know more of what's going on in development. I would recommend an Evolution membership to any professional user of OPUS.

Hi Fred
While I'm happy to accept your enthuastic support for Evolution, I've corresponded with other Evolution subscribers whose names I will not divulge because I do not have their permissions to do so. Months ago I contacted them because I was considering taking out a subscription.

No one was as enthusiastic as you have been for a long time. Some doubted that they got value from the cost of subscription, and said that they would have to review an ongoing renewal. Others were ambivalent.

All this says is that, like most choices, some are enthusiastic, while others are less so. It would be great to read more comments from Evolution subscribers about their evaluation of the program -- not the content of v6.

Hi Ray

I'm an Evolution subscriber but I've come to the conclusion that it's pretty much dead in the water. I may have missed something, but I can't find any current reference to Evolution on the main DW site.

Simply stated: there has been no benefit of any kind in being an Evolution subscriber in the past 13 months. The last software Evolution subscribers received (other than 2 recent time-limited betas for testing) was the upgrade to 5.5 that everybody else got on January 9th last year. Even that couldn't really be considered a new version as it was a free upgrade for anyone with version 5 from May 2005.

Let's hope that version 6 represents 2 years worth of value and innovation and that it appears in non-beta form soon.

Andrew

Perhaps Evolution has been suspended because the new version is due out so soon - it would seem unfair for someone who takes out a subscription now to get a free new version, when others have been subscribing for months or even years without a similar benefit.

Perhaps DW could confirm if this is the case.

Having used the eval version, I'm waiting for v6 to come out before I buy - I don't want to buy v5 if its going to be obsolete in a few weeks. But if an ongoing subscription is available then I would certainly consider that.

While we're on the subject, will v6 come with any multimedia resources?

Tom --

DW I am sure will allow you to upgrade to v6 if you buy v5.5 today. That's what they did in the past.

If you buy a dictionary today, and a new one comes out tomorrow, does that make the first one obsolete? If you know how to use OPUS 5.5, you will know how to operate v6. That's a fact! There are MORE features in v6 which you will want to learn/use, so the sooner you become expert at v5.5, the sooner you'll be able to understand and use the newest features. I'd suggest you make your purchase today. Seriously!!!!

Hi Demofred,

Thaanks for your response. Perhaps I will take the plunge with 5.5.

I'm still not sure wether this would be better than the evolution subscription. Is there a minimum time period on the subscription - 12 months perhaps?

Is there any info on the prices of v6, upgrade to v6 if I buy 5.5 now, subscription costs etc

Hi Tom

Fred is correct as always!

Why not email sales@digitalworkshop.com and ask them for a price for the current version and ask if they will give you a free upgrade to V6 when it is released, if you buy Ver 5.5 now.

Ask about subscription too. My father often told me that you can never ask too many questions.

That way you get an answer in writing and you know where you stand.

Cheers

Graham

Its disappointing people are not happy with the Evolution program and even more disappointing that they haven't let us know - we can't fix what we are not aware of.

Having said that we have had problems with all aspects of the business over the last two years (as regulars know) and we would like to have had time to do more Evolution releases. That's why we extended most people's Evolution subscriptions way beyond the original subscription period. But the bottom line is that I believe all Evolution subscribers will at least have got major upgrades at less cost than everyone else by subscribing for them in advance. All Evolution subscribers get their copies of the upgrade in advance of the regular release - much like magazine subscriptions.

We now have the Evolution Lounge running here although its just been used so far as a discussion of v6 testing - hopefully it will broaden out into more useful discussions soon.

Basically, the Evolution program is a kind of insurance (some software companies call it "investment protection") and it means corporate or institutional clients know that they have budgeted all they need for a set period in order to keep the product up to date. We tried to add additional value as well but have been less successful with that.

There will be additional advantages to Evolution in the future as much new development of Opus will be via dedicated and separate extensions and most (if not all) of these will be free for Evolutions subscribers.

In the end I hope that everyone who subscribed will have found Evolution of value.

Paul Harris

I think it is fair to say that the Evolution programme has for some been a bit of a disappointment - but in fairness - some of the additions that have been introduced e.g Joystick input and qtvr control have been invaluable - and as a direct result of consultation with the company through the evolution programme.
So I would echo Paul's last comment - if you have an issue, suggestion or question - speak to DW - although I feel that it is important that this forum is also kept informed wherever possible, particularly as there appears to be overwhelming support for the product and a real desire to encourage constructive criticism on this forum.

SO when we gonna get v6 Paul?????????????

Pete sums it up nicely there.
Even a vague idea of a delivery date would help to lessen some of the concern and impatience being shown by some of us.
As far as keeping quiet on what's in Opus v6 because of competitors, you haven't got many left to worry about.
This is by far the most complete all in one package available, and you can quote me on that.

cheers
Paul