What benefits does ASSC (support) give me? Questions and Answers

We have an Xpress-MP model that works fine. We don't want to change it and we are not interested in solving it more quickly. Why should we take out ASSC?

It is rare that an optimization model does remain stable over a number of years. Even if it cannot be foreseen now, the business context may require the model to be developed, or may require larger data instances to be solved that require improved optimization performance.

However, even if your model and data sizes do remain stable, computer systems do not. New types of hardware and new operating systems become available, and existing ones become obsolete. New drivers are required to connect to new versions of databases and spreadsheets. Obviously, the version of Xpress-MP that you use will eventually need replacing in order to use it with new hardware, operating systems, drivers and software. With ASSC cover, you can be confident that future versions of Xpress-MP will be available to enable you to continue to use your application in the way you use it now.

Q		We are reviewing costs in my company. How can I justify ASSC?
A		There are two ways to look at this.
		1: ASSC can be regarded as a sort of insurance cover. If and when things go wrong - with Xpress-MP, your model, the computer platform - Dash will be on hand to assist. While we only support Xpress-MP - and not the model, hardware or operating system - failure of other parts of the system can result in Xpress-MP failing and/or having to be reinstalled which may be beyond the capabilities of the user. Simply put, there is a cost in not having ASSC.
		2: ASSC is also a regular performance upgrade. Each year our software gets easier to use and more powerful. This results in greater productivity and/or the ability to address larger problems. Having an old version of Xpress-MP can limit the benefits that optimization can bring, and these additional benefits can easily justify the cost of ASSC.

We do not have an ASSC contract but now we have a problem?

Dash will investigate and rectify the problem on a time and materials basis. We need a purchase order before we start any work. It could be that the problem is fixed in a later version, in which case see next question. Fixing problems in old versions that have subsequently been fixed is not normally cost-effective.

We have not been paying ASSC but now we want the new version. How can we get it?

It is better to pay ASSC continuously, but we recognize that sometimes contracts are cancelled. There are arrangements whereby customers can buy an upgrade. Please contact Dash for a quote.

How do I find out how much better the new version is?

Contact Dash and we will send you a 30 day evaluation copy.

What else do I get as part of ASSC besides support and upgrades?

There are many other benefits:

1: Access to the client area of the website for documentation, updates, white papers and early adopters program.

2. Ability to move licences between computers.

3: Input to the development plan.

4: Training courses at special rates.

Click here for full details of ASSC