The Case for Automatic Updates
Automatic updates are a hot button issue - those that like them appreciate the time they can save, and those that don't like them worry that they can cause more problems than they solve.
Our construction contract administration software (called FIVE) is bundled with an automatic update service that runs silently in the background. By default it is enabled, but it can be disabled to accommodate IT departments that prefer to handle updates manually on an as-needed basis.
Although the service can be disabled, it is our strong recommendation that it should be left enabled, and here is the rationale:
Automatic updates reduce the demands on your IT department. The vast majority of our customers have been successfully using the automatic updates feature. Our interaction with their IT departments is highly limited, and in some cases non-existent (that is to say, it "just works").
Automatic updates are no riskier than manual updates, and problems can be fixed more quickly with automatic updates enabled. There will always be an inherent risk that an update could accidentally break previously working functionality, but this risk exists whether or not an update has been applied automatically or manually. If you apply updates manually, then the next update we release to fix the regression (typically within 24 hours) won't get applied until you have a chance to manually re-update the software. In our experience it can take weeks or months for a heavily burdened IT department to update using the manual process. Using the automatic process, our users can have a solution within hours or days, without placing any additional burden on limited IT resources.
Changing requirements in the real world mean that new features are constantly required, in some cases "yesterday" Waiting weeks or months for a new feature or bug fix is not a viable option. Sometimes your client requests new data that we don't have automatic calculations for - but we can add those calculations within a day. If you have to wait for a manual update, it can be a long time before you get the new feature, and in the meantime your client is left unsatisfied. We also release updates to improve the speed of the program, and improve workflow efficiency that will save you time and money. If you're waiting for updates, then you are missing out on these benefits, and a significant advantage of your FIVE subscription.
Remember that one major benefit of your FIVE subscription is that you get unlimited product updates at no additional cost. Updates keep your firm ahead of trends and changes in the industry, increase security and functionality, and improve the overall software experience based on the feedback that we get from our customers across the country.
If your firm has decided against enabling the automatic update feature, we think it is a good time to reconsider that decision, and if you have any further questions or concerns about the automatic updates service, please don't hesitate to contact us.