CompuServe Messages

We have a very controled duplication procedure and have almost no bad disks (less than 1%) shipped. The duplicators and controlers we use take a digital "picture" of the master disk and then copy and verify the integrity of the data on each disk. Bad disks are automatically rejected by the duplicator and are thrown out or used for internal use (putting our own personal junk on them – since the disks are still useable and are most likely rejected because of a minor flaw). On top of that, we have a system that randomly checks disks by actually loading them which makes sure that all the files load properly. Moreover, our loading procedure allows you to continue with the installation procedure even if a bad disk is detected (thus not aborting a 45 minute install at disk #40). I don't know if shipping two sets of identical disks is the best way around this as it could cause licensing problems (the release of Light Rave has shed light on this issue recently), not to mention the added costs. All of this could be avoided through proper product release planning and control over the duplication process. My feeling is that Newtek is so anxious to get a new product immediately on the market in enough quantity that they are putting great demands on their duplication house (we need 10,000 disks tomorrow scenarios), which is forcing them to compromise quality and meet the required quantity. But the product is so good that I think people will put up with bad disks. It's kind of like the Italian car syndrome. They look great, perform great , but once in a while they can be a real pain in the neck.