One of the most common questions from both prospective and new clients is “How often will we get updates and how are they indicated.
We’ve built significance into our version numbers so when you see an announcement or see that your version number has changed, you can easily determine how that might impact your system. We keep a current list of the version numbers for both TimeControl Online and TimeControl on-premise in the TimeControl Support area at: TimeControl.com/support. We list the last date of an any version and the exact version number. The TimeControl version number has four parts to it, each corresponding to a specific level of release. We’ll identify those below along with the expected frequency of an update of that level.
Level 4: Build
The full version number of TimeControl always includes the “build” number. For an initial release, that number might be zero (0). For example, in version 8.2.1.4, “4” would be a new build of update 8.2.1. This Build number may change over time. A new build is usually made when we identify a hotfix that is required but might only refer to a highly specific and limited circumstance. A build almost never has any change to the database at all and never introduces new functionality. It is typical for us to release a new build every 4-8 weeks.
Level 3: Updates
An update to TimeControl is identified by the 3rd level of the version number. For example, in version 8.2.1.4, “1” would be an update. An update to TimeControl includes fixes to existing functionality and while it may have small additions to the data structure it has no changes to the existing data structure. An update may include minor enhancements to existing functionality and, rarely, new functionality. We release an update to TimeControl every 6 months or so depending on the need.
Level 2: Upgrades
An upgrade to TimeControl is identified by the 2nd level of the version number. For example, in version 8.2.1.4, “2” would be an upgrade. An upgrade to TimeControl may includes fixes to existing functionality and will contain enhancements to existing functionality as well as new functionality. An upgrade may include some changes to existing data structures as well as additional data structure elements. We strive to never deprecate data structures, so there should never be the removal of a table or fields. It is typical for us to release a new update every 6-12 months.
Versions
A new version of TimeControl is identified by the 1st level of the version number. For example, in version 8.2.0, “8” would be a new version. A new version of TimeControl represents a change in the underlying architecture. This may mean a change or an increase in the types of platforms supported, in the technology layers such as database connections or communications protocol and in the fundamental interface design and architecture. A new version typically includes new functionality and enhancements or changes to existing functionality. In some cases, functionality in a new version is deprecated and a path to shifting from the old functionality to new functionality is identified. Data structures may undergo change in a new version compared to an old version. We typically release a new version every 3-4 years. TimeControl is enjoying its 30th anniversary this year and we are in version 8 so it wouldn’t be surprising to see a version 9 in the next year. That’s something to be excited about.
Where to find your version number
In either TimeControl Online or TimeControl on-premise, you can clickon your profile logo at the top right of the screen and select “Support Info”. You’ll see a screen like the one here. The version numbers is in the Web Information area. You can see the version is 8.5.0.3. That’s Version 8, Upgrade 5, Update 0 and build 3. You can ignore the “e” as this is sometimes used for internal systems.
We always publish the changes in any new Version or Upgrade. on the TimeControl website. You can find the most current release notes at: TimeControl.com/features/latest.
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