Hello Masterpiece Users,

We are pleased to announce that we will be releasing a new generation of Masterpiece on November 1, 2003.

The new version will be called Masterpiece 8.0 since it is written in the latest version of FoxPro 8 and SQL 2000, and we couldn't think of a cool name like "Masterpiece 007" or something. Using FoxPro 8 and SQL 2000, offers more scalability than ever before. We have been beta-testing Masterpiece 8.0 for our own in-house use over the last three months and are happy with the results.

Some of the new features include:

Most Reports will generate Graphs and Pie-charts automatically.

The system is faster and more scaleable.

Improved Email funtionality - Email Receipts and most other reports directly from Masterpiece in either HTML or PDF format.

Email Broadcast Capability - Easily send broadcast email from Masterpiece. Avoiding spam filters by cycling through your contacts and sending one email at a time.

Updated Graphic Users Interface - Masterpiece 8.0 has been optimized for Windows XP and supports the XP color schemes, as well as allowing users to set background color or wallpaper images. 

More Search Capabilities - Including the ability to find contacts by Notes or Source, and Summary of Inventory by Category.

Action Item Reminder - Version 8 includes a pop-up reminder for those action items you have scheduled for a particular time of day.

Uplink to GoAntiques.com - We have formed an alliance with GoAntiques and Version 8 will allow antique dealers using Masterpiece to upload data from Masterpiece directly to the GoAntiques web portal.

Regarding New Versions, Upgrades and Updates:

Upgrade Pricing
An Upgrade means that you are moving from one generation of Masterpiece to a new Generation, i.e. from Masterpiece 2000 to Masterpiece 8.0.  You are not required to upgrade.  Of course, at some point, we may not continue to support older generations, but you can still use them if you choose to.

As of November, 2004, the current upgrade pricing is $1400 and this price will go up $100 per month until it reaches the normal price of $1800. (We did offer the upgrade for half price, or $900, for many months following it's release last year.)

Update Pricing
An Update means that you are staying with the same generation of Masterpiece, but getting the latest version of that generation.

With Masterpiece 8.0, Program Updates will be released on a monthly basis and will include any fixes and improvements we make to the system based on user suggestions. Releasing updates monthly will help users track and implement the changes and new features in the program.

Updates will be free for the first 12 months you own Masterpiece. After this time, updates will be $25.00 or free if you have an open support package.

Regarding Support Packages: 
As you all know, we have never had a mandatory annual support fee, as do some of our competitors. This is still the case.  However, we have found over the years that our best and happiest customers are the ones that have a support package in place and know that they can call us whenever they want help.  Often, this help isn't even with Masterpiece - it's with Windows, Printers, Networking, or some other aspect of their computers and network.

In an effort to encourage as many customers as possible to maintain a support package, Program Updates will remain free if there is an open Support Package with us.

There are three optional support packages available. 

  90 Minutes for $180
200 Minutes for $360
300 Minutes for $500

Other Changes at Masterpiece:

Masterpiece 2000 is now capped, meaning that we will not be adding any new features to the current system. A final update to Masterpiece 2000 will be released soon, and it will be a free update. Any new features and additions will only be included in Masterpiece 8.0 and as always, we welcome your requests and suggestions. Please send them via email.

In an effort to minimize paperwork, and thus expenses, we will no longer invoice monthly for support and help desk accounts. Users will need to either have a support package in place, or we will need a credit card on file for any applicable charges.

Also, any invoices and receipts we do send out will be via email, so please make sure we have a valid email on file for you that is checked often.

Thank you for your continued support.  We do look forward to serving you for years to come.

The Masterpiece Team.