This is the second software release by the recently re-organized Hog development team, following just two months after the release of v1.3.5. Since the departure of several developers in January, High End Systems has been quick to build a new development team. While several of the original developers still occupy the London office, most of the new team is based in the company's Austin, TX headquarters.
Robbie Bruce, director of software development, says: "We have assembled a fantastic group of enthusiastic programmers in conjunction with the Flying Pig Systems developers. These guys are dedicated to the future of the Wholehog III line of products and have demonstrated a remarkable ability to assess the existing code and implement changes as needed."
In keeping with its commitment to provide Wholehog III users with the latest in lighting control technology, HES has implemented a new software development process. According to Brad Schiller, director of control systems development, a disciplined approach is applied to the development of new software. "We are targeting a new release about every two to three months to ensure important fixes and enhancements reach our customers sooner," says Schiller. "The software team follows a development plan based upon user suggestions and the product roadmap."
Once new features and enhancements have been completed, a new in-house testing department confirms the software's validity and stability. Finally, the tested software is released to the general user base. Schiller further explains: "When one version of software enters the testing phase, then our developers begin working on the next version. This cycle not only ensures thorough development and testing, but also provides users with a consistent set of improvements."
In the coming months, High End Systems will announce details of a new user-based, pre-release software evaluation program. "This program will collaborate with the internal testing department to appraise software changes and improvements prior to release," Schiller says. "The Wholehog III system has continued to grow and evolve since its release and High End Systems is fully committed to the future of the product line. We have a number of significant developments planned in the coming months and details will be released soon."
Pictured are the Hog team in London (top): Steve Denim, Tristan Bonsall, Sam Hopkins, Martin Walton, Ewan Higgs and Richard Bunn, and their colleagues in Texas (bottom): Brad Schiller, Brian Walker, Jason Potterf, Eli Ofenstein, Robbie Bruce, Scott Blair and Donald Kayser.
(Lee Baldock)
