This winter, we released TOPS v3.2.1™, one of the most ambitious releases from TOPS Software to date.

We began shipping version 3.2.1 to all customers with a current Maintenance Support Agreement (MSA) at the end of December. During January, we began shipping the new version to customers with custom programs that needed to be updated for this new TOPS version. If you have a current MSA, you should have received the 3.2.1 CD with installation instructions, by now. If you have not received the update, please contact Nancy Garner at 301-869-8144.

There are many benefits to this new version, as you will read about in this issue of the newsletter. Many of the new features that have been implemented throughout version 3.2.1 will increase your efficiency and productivity on a day-to-day basis, allowing you to do more in less time than ever before. Although we will continue to provide support for prior versions of TOPS, no new program updates will be released for versions prior to 3.2.1, with the exception of critical fixes. Therefore, if you have not upgraded yet, I highly encourage you to do so - you are losing valuable time every day that you are not taking advantage of all the great things in TOPS v3.2.1™.

As with most new software releases, there were some hiccups early on. A lot of the problems were caused by the new print manager, which allows customers to print, display, file or generate PDF reports - a great enhancement over our previous print manager, but a sweeping change within TOPS that was not quite ready for prime time distribution. We responded quickly to address issues reported by customers by forming a task force made up of senior management, programming staff and support staff who worked around the clock to resolve these problems. We are now confident that when you get the latest version of the program files from our TOPS Internet Updater, you will be pleased with the performance and stability of the new TOPS.

Version 3.2.1 is a major release with hundreds of program changes that gives TOPS v3.2.1™ a fresh new look, simplifies many processes, adds new functionality and generally upgrades our software to take advantage of recent changes in technology. Version 3.2.1 is built on our proven software design, but incorporates many new programs written using Microsoft's .NET programming language, one of the most current and powerful programming tools in use today.

Use of .NET program components in version 3.2.1 sets the stage to move TOPS entirely into this new programming environment in the next version release, code-named Viper. Viper will give you tremendous flexibility in how you decide to use TOPS Software in the future, either as a Windows application, a Web-based application, or a combination of the two. Not all .NET applications are designed to work this way; it has to be built in to the application from the ground up, and a lot of extra effort goes into the development process. But we are taking the time and making the extra effort to create such an application to give you complete control over how you will use TOPS in the future.

We will continue adding improvements to version 3.2.1 while we work on the next version of TOPS Software. It is important to keep your MSA active so that you can get the great enhancements that are under development now, and continue to receive the updates and corrections as they become available. We add new programs and enhancements to our Internet updater every week, so doing regular updates of your TOPS programs is the best way to make sure you have the latest and greatest programs from TOPS Software.

You made a good decision when you chose TOPS Software, and we are making every effort to honor your decision and surpass your expectations, by continually improving our products and services.

Best Wishes,
Jeff Hardy, President