CompuServe Thread

First of all, let me say that I have absolutely no idea if Autodesk will ever release a Windows32 version of 3DS. As you have surmised, _if_ they do it may render your present IPAS routines unusable with a Win32 app in their DOS protected-mode/Pharlap form. I would just like to (very un-officially) say that, when I consider my experiences with Autodesk, third-party groups, and the Yost Group concerning 3DS and IPAS-related issues, I couldn't imagine any of them not offering timely, reasonably priced upgrades to their IPAS plug-ins should a Win32 version ever become a reality. To do it any other way would simply not be consistent with the manner of business I have become accustomed to, and I would be extremely suprised if they didn't react in a reasonable, fair manner. Just my .02$,

That's a very good question. Some companies (Autodesk included) have maintained both DOS and Windows versions of their product. Autodesk has already announced an arrangement with Silicon Graphics whereby the 3DS render-engine will be ported to the SGI hardware. Again, there's the question of IPAS routines being ported to SGI. Arguably, the DOS IPAS and the Windows IPAS from any particular company are separate products. You bought one for 3DS DOS and need to buy another for 3DS Windows, especially if you have two licenses to 3DS at that point. It's also arguable and/or possible that 3DS for Windows will be a direct upgrade from the DOS version, and that you'd just need an IPAS upgrade. Argue away. 🙂 Except I can't imagine how they'll prevent you from running the old version at the same time as the new version… Rainbow Technologies, the people who make the dongle for 3DS, claim that the model of dongle used by 3DS is not compatible with Windows or WinNT, so they'd need to change dongles, too. Maybe a dongle-swap is planned. One interesting possibility is that 3DS could switch to a Windows-like DLL interface for all IPAS, since PharLap has a "DLL under DOS" technology. This wouldn't be backwards-compatible, but it might lessen the strain on IPAS developers, who could ship the same plug-in for both DOS and Windows versions.

Scott! I have made repeated calls trying to contact you again since last we spoke when your invoice dated Sept. 21st in the amount of $265. was not paid. Your "accounting" people kept promising that someone would call me back. I was never contacted. Upon my getting in touch with you when this invoice was first over 30 days late You personally told me that payment was forthcoming. Since then I have been told by the same person that answers your phone "someone" would contact me. Numerous times when I ask to speak to accounting, and the last time she said that someone named "Allen" would get back to me. I do not apoligize for coming back to you on the open forum like this as at this point I do not beleive you have any intention of paying for the software you've purchased from my company. If this is a misunderstanding then I expect a check no later than three days from todays date or I will turn this matter over to a colletion agency. Frankly I'm surprised that you expected to "Stiff" a Forum Member and thought that you wouldn't be called on it. Don't bother calling me with any excuses, just send me the money you owe our company. James M. Murphy James Murphy Consulting.