Sage Accpac Hot Fixes
Posted by Bonnie Wittmeier on Fri, Apr 23, 2010 @ 01:29 PM
A hot fix is a program update which addresses a software problem where;
- the program is not behaving as it was designed to, or
- some adverse affect is resulting from a normal program procedure.
The fix is developed very quickly, in order to assist clients as quickly as possible to resolve these issues. Therefore, there is no wizard interface which leads the user through the installation phase. The hotfix is installed by a business partner who will manually replace old program files with the new program files provided by the Sage Accpac Research and Development team.
Prior to installation, an EULA (end user license agreement) must be signed by the client. This is the same license agreement, in condensed form, that the client agrees to, every time you "accept the terms of the license agreement' when Sage software is installed. However, since there is no wizard interface for installation of the hot fix, this eula must be signed manually on a form. Everything about a hotfix is done manually in order to get the solution to the client as quickly as possible.
Because the hotfix is released so quickly to resolve client issues, it is not subject to the same rigorous testing as a service pack or full product update. Therefore, it is advisable to have a backup of your software prior to installation of the hot fix. This is a normal safeguard procedure that your business partner will perform for you prior to the installation.
In Plus' experience, it has been extremely rare to have negative results from a hotfix. The hotfix is put into production for the next release of Sage Accpac, or the next service pack which is issued for the product. Therefore, if a client prefers not to install a hotfix, the alternative is to wait for the next product update where the solution will be incorporated.