We have seen the notices about the upcoming end of support for Microstation V8i Select Series 10. While we would be open to using the Connect edition, this is not possible for reasons that are outside of our control. All of our clients publish mandatory workspaces designed for V8i, and they have no plans to upgrade their workspace to Connect anytime in the near future. Please advise if we will still be able to download, install and activate Microstation V8i after the end of support date.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Tim Doyle,Yes, you will still be able to run/activate your MicroStation v8i Select Series 10 product even in a discontinued support state. More can be read here:https://communities.bentley.com/communities/everything_else_community/bentley-support-policy/w/bentley-support-policy/56576/v8i-selectseries-10-support-policy-deprecation-and-connect-edition-upgrade-initiative
I would recommend planning your migration to MicroStation CONNECT as soon as possible. From prior experience, I have observed multiple organizations using both versions in tandem - for example, when project/client requirements call for v8i utilization, but the end goal is to eventually migrate to CONNECT. This way, you can adjust to CONNECT while also fulfilling project requirements in v8i.
Cheers,JP
There are many reasons NOT to migrate to CONNECT - the biggest is to meet client standards. While this may not be as critical for plain MicroStation, it is essential for the other design products. I know that civil, in particular, has project schedules that can last for years (if not decades). Many large DOTs have not made the leap to CONNECT, and may not for some time. As long as the standards and deliverables are SS10, we will not be switching over. The client gets what the client wants. Even when those large clients begin to switch over to CONNECT products, the projects begun in "legacy" software will remain in legacy format - project contracts negotiated two years ago do not have the extra budget for the complete redesign halfway through.
CONNECT (and the other related design softwares) are a disappointment. Every release has regressions (some critical!), new bugs, and none of the features people have requested for years. I hear that stability and speed are still an issue, and there are other technical difficulties all across this board. Ending support on the last solid release of products is shortsighted and tone-deaf.
MaryB
Power GeoPak 08.11.09.918Power InRoads 08.11.09.918OpenRoads Designer 2021 R2
I'm afraid I have to agree with all of this. Trying to get users to switch is really hard. They hate Connect compared to V8i. It's slower, buggy and the 3d is a mess. I wish the new parametric stuff could just be switched off. It's a complete pain.