SP2 Cascaded Release

SchoolPRO2 will be released using the 'Cascaded' release model.  We expect this to make the transition to SP2 as easy as possible for our existing clients.

There are two primary ways in which software can be released.  The first is the 'waterfall' approach.  This approach provides the user with a completely new version and makes no provision for the user to access the previous version.  This is quite acceptable for smaller applications with a few users.  But it can cause headaches for larger applications.  That is because every user needs to be trained and proficient in the use of the new package from day one.  Also, all PCs need to be updated in a single day.  And users tend to have a steep learning curve.

The alternative approach is a 'cascaded release'.  Instead of dropping a completely new product onto every computer, we allow schools to install and release the modules they desire to their users.  This means that, say, the accounts staff can continue to use Billing Module they are familiar with in SP1 but the teachers can use the new features found in SP2.

The cascaded approach is much easier on the school because schools can embrace the transition at a speed that they are comfortable.  This can even be done on a user by user basis.