Traditionally, as a software provider, we have always done 2-3 software updates per annum.
The reason for this relates to the time and work it takes to take a software release from our Development Team and get it installed on all our customers.
This process includes:-
Even then, when we distribute the software update, we don't send it to all our customers at once - software updates generate helpdesk calls so we distribute slowly. With the best will in the world, software updates have bugs in so distributing slowly means we can identify and fix bugs as we go along so most of our customers don't experience them.
It historically takes 90+ days to send out a software update to our whole customer base.
From our customer perspective, as PCs become more "locked down" the software update process can be painful. PCs need administrator privileges to install the new software and the use has to sit and watch the software update download and install without using Navigator. This can be a long 10 minutes when you want to get your job done.
This has meant that the length of time taken to develop software and issue to customers is a long one - we are currently issuing software to customers that our Development Team finished in March!
We have taken steps to update this process to shorten the development --> release time cycle and increase the no of software releases we make substantially.
The key has been the move from our old-style Microsoft Windows installer, to a new process with an amusing name - "Squirrel".
Squirrel is a background way of installing the software - whilst you are using it.
At the moment, when you log in and a new software release is required on your pc, you are informed of this and have to then wait for it to download and install.
With Squirrel, Navigator spots there is an update, and downloads it in background. It is then parallel installed alongside the existing release and then when you next run Navigator you switch to the new version. It is seamless. Better still, once the Squirrel installer is installed you will never need Administrator priveliges on your Pc - which will make the lives of IT administrators in the dealership much easier!
This change is a game-changer for Navigator. It means we can send software out to customers much quicker, with less testing (as the releases are smaller increments). If there are bugs (there are always bugs! We can turn round an update in 24 hours and distribute to all customers instantly.
Our aim is in 2023 to move towards 26 updates per annum. These will be smaller updates, which have less risk, less changes and will install largely unnoticed!
This will allow us :-
We are excited about the changes we are making here, and I hope that whilst the subject of software updating is somewhat "dry" can see the potentials!
The people behind DMS Navigator are motor trade veterans. We have decades of industry experience, both in running dealerships and delivering excellent software. Our Navigator system is designed to meet the challenges we all face. No wonder we’ve helped so many businesses grow.
