This was a bit of a dilemma for us, as the Purchasing Functionality in CMS Professional is one of its defining features. So we took a look at the current feature sets in each version of CMS, and also took a look at some of the new software offerings that have come on the market over the past year or two. After a fair amount of research, meeting, talking, arguing, etc. we decided to make several changes in our product line.

During this process, an amazing thing happened. Here we are, smack-dab in the middle of trying to figure out what our new product offerings are going to be, what to call them, how much to charge, etc. and a virtual miracle happens. Our "Prodigal Programmer" Jeff Jacobs (who left us a year ago to persue a "dream job" at a new start-up company) was suddenly unemployed (the start-up ran out of money). Jeff is the guy that designed the purchasing system in CMS Professional, but didn't stick around to fine-tune it. We like Jeff, and we missed him - so the day we found out he was available we called him up and invited him back - and he returned to work just a few days later! IS THAT COOL OR WHAT!?!

So now Jeff's Back, and guess what? It's like he never left. He's been working on bugs, interface improvements and new ideas in the Purchasing section! Jeff came back to work and barely skipped a beat. Within days of his return, it was like old times (well, like a year ago) and he was rippin' into code and making things work better. Jeff's return has also really helped to round out the best development team we've ever had here at NewHaven - we're seeing some of the best ideas and fastest execution ever. Truly four of the best and brightest minds in the industry. THIS IS EXCITING!

The upshot of all this is that we are about to release a new update to CMS (3.3) that contains a lot of really good work from our crack team of developers! PLUS, we can now offer the complete purchasing functionality that is available in CMS Professional as an optional module to CMS Standard. Pretty neat, eh? Version 3.3 is in testing now and will be available soon to all of our supported users (we'll let you know when you can download it). Our new Purchasing Module is available today at a special "pre-release" price. Read on for details.

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Companies using CMS Standard can add the new Purchasing Module to their current installation for only $995.00. (We will formally announce the new Purchasing Module in June at $1495.) Or, you can upgrade to CMS Professional during this special offer and get all the benefits of purchasing plus Professional's extra capacity and features PLUS a free workstation license! The actual cost to upgrade is dependent on what you paid for CMS Standard - but no matter what you pay, you'll save a grand on the extra workstation license. CMS Professional is our flagship product, and many of the new features and innovations developed in the future will be available only in this version. If you want the best, this is the way to go.

If you use CMS Solo, we also have a special offer for you! Upgrade to CMS Standard during this special, and get your choice of either the Purchasing Module or an extra Workstation license at no additional charge. If you have considered upgrading before, now is the best time to move - as we will be making a number of changes to our product offerings throughout the summer. You will pay less to upgrade now than you will later - and benefit from the free module or license in the bargain.

Remember that these offers are valid for just a few days! The introductory pricing on the Purchasing Module and the upgrade offers go away at the close of business on Friday, June 2nd. As mentioned above, we'll be announcing new products, changes to existing products and a new pricing structure throughout the summer, so you'll see quite a few changes in the coming months. If you have considered upgrading your current installation and want to save some money in the process, now is the time to do it. Please note that because these special offers represent extraordinary savings, supported user discounts do not apply.

Please give Tom or Sharon a call at (425) 861-7120 or send an email if you have any questions or are ready to upgrade. (We'll be closed on Monday for Memorial Day.)