The most difficult time for a software developer like myself is the timespan between the completion of all the developments for a new version of the software and the actual distribution of the new release. Right now, we are again in one of these situations: the developments for Release 7 are completed and its distribution is scheduled for this spring. Many times talking to users on the phone, I am tempted to tell them to use feature X of the new release to solve their problem -- just to realize that they do not yet have the new release, and won't before another few months. Of course, I know well that serious testing, updating the documentation, as well as a careful production and shipping, all is of utmost importance and takes a lot of effort and time.
So even if this issue of EMME/2 NEWS does not contain detailed technical descriptions of all the exciting new features of Release 7, I am sure you'll find many other interesting items. For a tiny ``sneak preview'' of new features to come, see the ``In the Works'' column -- for more, you (and I!) will have to be patient...
Heinz Spiess, Editor
EMME/2 Support Center
Haldenstrasse 16
CH-2558 Aegerten
Switzerland
Tel: (41) 32 53 20 57
Fax: (41) 32 53 57 86
This past year we have marked the 10 year anniversary of the first commercial installation of EMME/2. While this represents an important event for us, it also underlines the challenges that are remaining in further enhancing the analysis capabilities offered and in providing strong support for the numerous organizations that have adopted EMME/2 in their transportation planning practice.
We are meeting these challenges with a sustained continuous development effort and with the importance that we are giving to the technical support and training activities. Over the past year we have conducted training sessions in Montreal and at users' sites and complemented these with participation at international and local users' group meetings in North America, several European countries, Australia and New Zealand.
We are looking forward to the distribution of Release 7 later on this year and to the continuation of activities which will provide us with a sustained contact with the EMME/2 user community.
Michael Florian
President, INRO Consultants Inc.
INRO Consultants, Inc.
5160 D'ecarie Boulevard, Suite 610
Montréal, Qué H3X 2H9
CANADA
Tel: (514) 369-2023
Fax: (514) 369-2026