 It was fabulous to see the first feedback on the release of RS-SQL 4.0, the latest software update from our development team. It was clear that in this release we managed to hit some of the functionality that you wanted us to improve: from simple field additions to completely new features, but I feel this release is much more than that. To me, this release is a statement of the future of RS-SQL, how bright that future looks, and why our development group remains the best in the industry. Why do I think that?
First, I look at the obvious changes: those listed in the New Features Document. Not only are there so many changes in one release, making this one of our biggest releases in many years, but how many of these changes got there was new. With the launch of our User Forum, back in October 2008, we gave the opportunity for our users to openly discuss the software and it's uses in their businesses. We quietly observed and could quickly see what topics were popular, and which one's were not so important to you. Much of that feedback was used when we discussed what new features would be included in RS-SQL 4.0. We always strive for the software development to focus on areas important to our users, and the User Forum has been a huge help towards that goal. A big thanks goes out to all our members, more than 650 of you, for your participation. This release shows how getting involved can pay off.
Next, I look at changes that may not seem obvious, but are critical to our future together. One large component of RS-SQL 4.0 is the support for full Unicode characters. If you are not sure what this means, Unicode is a worldwide character standard used in all the major languages written today, including European, Middle-Eastern and Asian scripts. These characters can now be displayed in RS-SQL, RSWeb.NET and RSMobile. With customers in more than 70 countries, it is critical that we continue to ensure that we support their business goals, one of which is the ability to do business with their clients in their language... but, to me, Unicode is much more than that. As we work on other R&D projects, we have to be sure that we can communicate with any RS-SQL system, anywhere in the world. By ensuring our solutions are Unicode compliant, this not only creates a solid foundation for our future product enhancements, but also allows all our software functionality to be utilized everywhere.
Finally, I always think our development team are our un-sung hero's, especially where they have a hidden task. One we don't often think about, but is probably more important even than adding new features. That task is making sure that RS-SQL remains technologically current, so it can run on the latest iterations of the operating systems and databases being launched by Microsoft. RS-SQL 4.0 is the first, and still possibly the only, commercial record management software that is certified for Windows 7 and compliant with Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2. Why is this important? Can you imagine what would happen if you came to work on a Monday morning only to find out that an excited IT technician had upgraded your workstations and now your software doesn't work!! Back in February, I blogged about how Technology is a treadmill and, the only thing I would add to that article is that, if anything, the pace of change is increasing. As we launch RS-SQL 4.0, we are already discussing a version of RS-SQL that is a true 64-bit application. If you don't think this is important, just try and buy a 32-bit computer today. Behind the scenes, our development group are always looking ahead, so when you invest in hardware or software, you need to know that you are future-proofing your business. You should also be aware of this, so you can plan your future business growth. Technology waits for no man today, so make sure that you think about your technology infrastructure, so you can also stay up-to-date.
So, as we launch RS-SQL 4.0 it is exciting to see how we got to this release and how it is just the next stage in the continuing evolution of RS-SQL, RSMobile and RSWeb.NET. Now I must go, as I have a meeting to discuss RS-SQL 4.01 !
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