UPDATE Helios Software Audit

[aimeekat]

Just got this email so I wanted to pass it along to those that didn't have an active agreement.

When they introduce the newer version is avaliable later this year does this mean that Ver 11 users are screwed? If Centrix is the "new version" will 11 still be supported?

Helios Software License Audit

Helios will be conducting a software license audit this year in March. Those customers who are using Version 11 will begin seeing a notice pop up in Helios notifying them of this audit beginning in mid March. Customers will have to obtain an update by March 28, 2008 in order to avoid any service interruption. We had initially intended on doing a Version 11 hardware key (dongle) upgrade, but have decided that we will postpone this optional upgrade since we will be introducing our newest version later this year.

Authorized Helios user on an active SMA
To download the necessary version 11 update of Helios go to www.gohelios.com/update and fill out and submit the following information:
Salon Name
Owner’s Name
Salon Address
Salon Phone Number
Once we receive this information we will issue a link for the download. The downloadable update is free, however if you would prefer a physical CD there would be a $5.00 shipping and handling fee.

Unauthorized Helios user
Customers who are currently running a copy of Helios Version 11 that was obtained by someone other than Helios does not have legal authorization to that software license. They will need to contact the Helios sales department at 888.936.5160
We appreciate all of our customers both past and present as they have provided us the continued opportunity to offer the most trusted and used software in the Tanning Industry. If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact us at update@gohelios.com.

Thanks again for your patronage,
Scott Bogdan

[coldgyn]

I also got this. I couldn't figure out exactly what the deal was. I think it is their way to check on unauthorized users.

If they are having a new version roll out how come I have not been notified of the new features or patches.

Why would I want to upgrade to the newer version?

[aimeekat]

Thing is, if you aren't an "authorized" user, would you even get the email and why would you respond. Wouldn't it be business as usual?

If you're not on support are you still connected to their servers? Is not how would/could they disable the program?

I'm in an agreement so I guess I won't worry too much. I guess I just wanted to know if this update would screw me down the road.

[Jessie]

"Customers will have to obtain an update by March 28, 2008 in order to avoid any service interruption"

[coldgyn]

I wouldn't think it would affect anyone who was unauthorized. They are not recieving service.

[Scott Bogdan]

Aimeekat,

Here are some answers to your questions:

1. Customers do not have to be on an active maintenance agreement to be an "Authorized User" of Helios.
2. Version 11 will still be supported after the release of our new version.
3. Version 11 customers are not connected to our servers.

Have a great w/e - PEACE!

[aimeekat]

Ah,
Good to know. Thanks!

[jlb1484]

My understanding is that Helios will stop working if this update isn't applied. Looks like they are going to screw everyone that has canceled their service agreement.

[Din]

Looks like it.

But if you aren't connected to their server....they can't interrupt your service unless they come to your salon and unplug your computer.

[Scott Bogdan]

If you have an authorized copy of Helios (received it from Helios) you are entitled to the update regardless of if you are on a Maintenance Agreement. If you did not get your Helios software from Helios you are not entitled to the update and your software will stop working on March 28, 2008.

Again, if you have cancelled your Maintenance Agreement with Helios you ARE entitled to this update and you will not experience any interruption of service as long as you originally received your software from us.

Hope this helps.

[jlb1484]

But they did write the program with the integrated security dongle. It is possible that the dongle is coded with a kill date. Lets say March 28th time frame? More than likely this update will flash the dongle with an updated kill date.

[jlb1484]

Thanks for the clarification.

Originally Posted by Scott Bogdan

If you have an authorized copy of Helios (received it from Helios) you are entitled to the update regardless of if you are on a Maintenance Agreement. If you did not get your Helios software from Helios you are not entitled to the update and your software will stop working on March 28, 2008.

Again, if you have cancelled your Maintenance Agreement with Helios you ARE entitled to this update and you will not experience any interruption of service as long as you originally received your software from us.

Hope this helps.

[Ken]

& Tony T's birthday is March 28th.

[sparky]

Happy Birthday in Advance Tony!!!


Wanna Check ???

NOTE: This Test will NOT effect Helios Data or cause any other ooopsies.....

Close Helios, change computer date to 03/21/08. Start Helios.

Close Helios
Now change it to 03/28/08, open Helios and see what happens

Remember to CHANGE Computer date back to Today's DATE

With that said, 11.6.0 update applied today on the salon.

Serious Error avoided, for now........

[sparky]

Just an FYI

11.6.0 is only functional through 09/30/2009

Oct 1st, same issue will be coming back to haunt you.

Ain't like the good ol' days of 9.4, I guess

[Jim Fisher]

Scott
What updates are in store?

[Will]

Din, and others who use Helios but don't pay for Helios support. On Tony's birthday, if the "fix" has not been installed, your software will stop working and die. It is a code embedded in the program. Got that from the horses mouth.

[SRT]

Scott
What updates are in store?

I asked the same question and got this email back from Scott...

“Green” will be released later this year. There will be a variety of different ways you can run it at your salon, but we are not posting any additional information until it is ready for market. You will have unlimited accumulators and membership fields, we will also be adding DL scanning at some point early on too and maybe on first release.

Scott

[CIT]

So pop ups will tell me? hmm. seems like helios allows ppl to connect to my computer? So many years ago when helios was created they put march 28 2008 as kill date in it? This shiat sounds like extortion to me. It says software is free, never says anything about kill date...bad practise. I do have active service agreement and stuff but still dont like this.

[coldgyn]

I pay for support but I'm pretty sure they did not disclose a "time bomb" if you don't pay - it was always explained to me that you can cancel your support and your software will continue to operate its just that you wont have support.

I'm thinking the threat is bs. It would open them up to an incredible lawsuit. think about the lost revenue between the bomb and the time you get their competitors program up and running.
Not to mention the black eye they would get in the industry.