Firmware Upgrade - Version/Patch/Change Management questions

To Ectaco Tech Support: (part 1)

I just got a new Jetbook and have a number of questions about the firmware version/upgrade:

1) My Jetbook says it is running firmware version v0.30i, patch v12. BUT the firmware upgrade download available on your site only indicates that the version is v0.30i. It does NOT tell me what PATCH it is. Where can I find that out so I don't do an unnecessary upgrade?

2) I read that you don't have an upgrade log or thread letting your customers know what each new version contains/fixes. If I am correct in what I read, then could you please explain WHY you don't have that? It is common sense that when you release something new we should know what it contains and that you archive it on your web site. That shouldn't be too hard, so why don't you do that?

To Ectaco Tech Support: (part 2)

3) Your site says that the firmware upgrade is a BETA not a FINAL version. OK, the firmware is continually changing to provide new features so no one wants a FINAL version (I'm looking forward to being able to read DRM'ed formats, for example). BUT it would be nice to know what the PRODUCTION version is. If the one available for download is a BETA that should be used with CAUTION, the function of which you cannot guarantee, where does one get the version that can be SAFELY used? And what is that PRODUCTION (safe, guaranteed) version number and patch number?

4) Because the features of a BETA might be different than the features of a safe PRODUCTION version (see question 3) knowing what the features are in each version (see question 2) becomes even more important in making the decision whether or not to upgrade. I guess this isn't really another question. It's just another reason for publishing and archiving your changes.

To Ectaco Tech Support: (part 3)

I really like my Jetbook. I'm trying to make it work with the various formats. So far it seems to be a quality product. But these firmware upgrade questions show that you have some issues with your Change Management process. I look forward to your responses the above questions and hope you provide clearer, more detailed, and archived information in the future.

Thank you.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 07/13/2009 18:03:17

Dear Customer,

The only available patch version for v0.20i is patch v12, so you don't have to update Firmware on Your device since You have the latest version.
We usually do not note information about old version on the web-site because old version is not in use and doesn't need to be supported. Please, let us know WHY it is so important for You to know information about old versions.
Even though we provide BETA version on the web-site, it has been tested and must work properly. Which means it is safe to use it. BETA means only that work on the version has not been finished.

Therefore, you don't have to upgrade Your device since You have sefe the latest version of Jetbook Firmware.

Best Regards,
Pavel - technical support
Ectaco INC,
Phone: ( 718 )728-3605
Fax ( 718 )728-4023
www.ectaco.com

I'm not really sure what else you want to know about my reasons for wanting to know about versions and their changes. I THOUGHT my note was clear. But I will try again.

It is important to know what changes each new version/patch provides in order to decide whether or not to upgrade.

The reason I wanted to know about your current PRODUCTION version is because of YOUR statement that you don't GUARANTEE the performance of the "BETA". It is not the word "BETA" that concerns me, it's the fact that you state that you don't GUARANTEE which makes it makes it seem as if you do NOT expect it to work correctly.

And, since you have different patches, it would make sense that when looking at the firmware download link on your site, there should be some indication about which patch it is. Yes, we can always write you but why should we, and you, have to bother when a simple note on your website stating that it is patch number 12 (or whatever the current number is)would solve the issue?

I assume you meant that the current version was v0.30i not v0.20i.

Anyway, it seems I am running the most current version that you, sort of, think will work, (even if it is called BETA and you don't GUARANTEE it's performance), so I thank you for the response. My other comments about posting the patch number, the changes for each update, etc. can be considered suggestions for making your site and product even better.

Thanks again.