Best practices for major upgrades

By Matthew Adams 🕙 Published on May 21, 2024 at 10:00 am

Upgrading to major versions of Automation Workshop is typically very straightforward. We rarely disrupt existing functionality, and any changes that might affect current setups are clearly documented in the release notes of Automation Workshop · Quick upgrading instructions

Subscription vs. Perpetual

Both subscription and perpetual licenses allow you to use the software on one machine—one installation. For more details, refer to the license.txt file (see the installation location) or the license agreement displayed on the installation screen.

Subscription license

A subscription license requires you to keep your subscription active, with renewals at set intervals—monthly, quarterly, annually, biennially, or triennially. This type of license includes access to both minor and major software upgrades as part of the subscription fee · Compare subscription plans

Perpetual license

A perpetual license involves a one-time upfront payment which allows you to use the software indefinitely without any recurring fees. Minor upgrades are provided free of charge, while major upgrades are available at a 50% discount of regular price · Volume discounts

Perpetual license holders may also opt for Upgrade Assurance, which grants free major upgrades for a specified period. Available options include 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or 5 years—allowing you to choose the duration that best suits your needs.

A notable difference between the two types of licenses is that upgrading with a subscription is seamless—simply initiate the upgrade and the system handles everything automatically. In contrast, with Upgrade Assurance (under a perpetual license), you must manually request major upgrade Product Keys via email.

The Business Premium subscription and the Business Premium perpetual license do not require an internet connection. However, all other licenses do require internet access for activation and use of Automation Workshop.

All subscriptions require the use of a Credit Card, PayPal, Amazon Pay, or a similar automated payment method, depending on your region. Wire transfers, purchase orders, and other payment options are available for perpetual licenses. You can select your preferred payment method at the final step of the ordering process.

Additionally, subscription billing is fully automated as long as you have a valid payment method on file, while Upgrade Assurance may require to initiate and process payments manually.

Deployment

Upgrade instructions · Although upgrades are successful 99.99% of the time, there are occasional edge cases where an update might disrupt operations. To mitigate such risks in your production environment, it is advisable to thoroughly test all updates and upgrades in a designated testing environment.

For your convience, the Business Standard license includes 1 additional testing/development license at no extra cost, and the Business Premium license provides 2 additional testing/development licenses.

It is also advisable to utilize the built-in automated backup solution to safeguard your workflows, variables, and settings during updates.

Summary

Choosing the right licensing model for Automation Workshop can significantly affect both the usability and management of the software within your organization. While both perpetual and subscription licenses offer the fundamental capability to use the software effectively, there are distinct advantages to considering a subscription model.

Subscription-based licensing for Automation Workshop simplifies the process of upgrading to new versions. Unlike perpetual licensing, where each major upgrade may require manual intervention and potential additional costs, the subscription model includes all upgrades as part of the service. This ensures that your software is always up-to-date with the latest features and security updates, providing a seamless upgrade experience without the need for additional financial outlay or complex upgrade procedures.

Additionally, starting at just $63.99 USD per month for business users, with a yearly commitment, the subscription option is not only cost-effective but also scalable according to your needs. This flexibility is ideal for businesses looking for an efficient and hassle-free way to maintain their software infrastructure.

In conclusion, while perpetual licensing offers the benefit of indefinite use with a one-time payment, the advantages of subscription licensing—such as inclusive seamless upgrades and predictable costs—make it a superior choice for users who value ease of use and ongoing support.

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Automation can save time, money, and labor costs. Why keep doing things manually when Automation Workshop can automate most of them?

Automation Workshop is an awesome piece of software. It will save us thousands of man hours this year alone!—Chuck W.

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