XPSuite 1.0 was released 4 years ago.  Then we took version 1.0, made enhancements to it, new features, and perhaps a few new controls, and re-released it as version 2.0.  But in no way did we have to reinvent the wheel and start from scratch.  Rather we took the existing source code of previous version, and changed it. This is what we consider to be an upgrade.  This continued thru version 4.0.  Also, there seems to be confusion with respect to the “Net” version.  There was NEVER, until now, a “Net” version of XPSuite, meaning a version of XPSuite written in .Net.  What we were going to offer, some 2-3 years ago, was an updated set of controls, still COM, that would function in .Net.  Again, this without having to re-invent the wheel.  Because of changes by Microsoft’s Net Framework, including the release of Vista, the option to enhance the controls to function in both Net framework 2.0 and Vista is not really an option, thereby automatically wiping out the previous notion of an XPSuite COM version which would function in Net.  As soon as we realized this we removed the announcement from our site.  As you can imagine, there are many, over 300, affiliates selling XPSuite, each with their own website.  It is difficult, impossible really, to manage their content, which is why we ask client to go to the main site, or email us, for the real scoop. 

Now, because we do still want to have a set of controls which will operate in Framework 2.0 and Vista and beyond, we had no choice but to create a new product.  This new product actually does not even apply to the VB users.  It is strictly for .Net developers.  Perhaps you would feel happier if we called it something else.  To be honest, out of over 5,000 customers you are the first and only customer that has raised this issue with respect to whether this new version should be a free upgrade.  In fact, in contact with many other customers, they have expressed the feeling that it should not be a free upgrade, but that an upgrade discount would be nice, which is along the lines of our thinking.

In fact the vast number of customers I have talked with, constantly comment how unbelievable it is, all the controls, at such a low price, with an upgrade policy which has lasted 4 years, and over 4 different upgrade versions.  We are an honorable company, but we are not stupid.  Our policy was and is still today, free upgrades for the same products.  I can assure that the only similarity between XPSuite COM and XPSuite Net is the word XPSuite!  I would discourage the assertion that spending $129 along time ago, would entitle any client to receive any and all future products we develop, for free.  Its just NOT the case.

With respect to the COM version, currently at version 4.0,  we have decided to continue to support it, since many VB’ers may never want to go to .Net.  There are several new controls in the Net version along with many animation effects not presently in the COM version.  So our plans are to add these controls and features, and release XPSuite 5.0 COM.  And yes, as you might have guessed, and before you ask, version 5.0 will be a free upgrade for COM customers, but not for .Net customers.  And if we had been able to create a COM version which worked in .Net, it too would have been a free upgrade to the COM customers.