iQ Version Format Change

We heard from customers, business development, and some of you that it was hard to tell if an iQ release fixed bugs or if it was full of features. So we went back to the drawing board and developed a new version format; specifically, one that expresses more detail about what's in each release.

The new iQ version format includes three values that distinguish between a major, feature, and a minor release, along with the Navigator version in parentheses. The example below compares the old version format with the new one, and the table explains what each number in the two version formats represent:

Old format includes the Navigator version in its name: iQ 5.1.0.1
New format includes the Navigator version in parentheses: iQ 2.8.0 (for Nav 5.1.0)

NOTE: This change starts with the first release of iQ to include Navigator 5.1.0, which is iQ 2.8.0, and will not be backdated--older versions of iQ won't change.

Here's what each number in the new version format means:

• Major release. Major releases include substantial new capabilities, such as a new window or the introduction of a feature set that improves speed, performance, and usability. Major releases undergo a full regression test, and a ≥2 week internal beta followed by a ≥2 external beta.
  • Examples of a major release include the new Cue List Editor in the Show Repository window, the Show Repository window itself, and so on.
  • For a major release, the first number increments and the other numbers reset to zero. For example, if the current version is "iQ 2.8.0 (for Nav 5.1.0)", then the subsequent major release will be iQ 3.0.0 (for Nav 5.1.0).
• Feature release. This kind of release includes new features that improve a workflow or add functionality to support clients. Feature releases undergo a full regression test, and a ≥2 week internal beta followed by a ≥2 external beta.
  • Examples of a feature release include adding new cue lines, the ability to cut, copy, and paste elements in a Show Repository, and so on.
  • For a feature release, the second number increments and the last number resets to zero. For example, if the current version is "iQ 2.8.1 (for Nav 5.1.0)", then the subsequent feature release will be iQ 2.9.0 (for Nav 5.1.0).
• Minor release. A minor release indicates improvements that affect speed, performance, or usability. Minor releases undergo individual issue release testing.
  • Examples of a minor release include small improvements like reducing the size of a support bundle, as well as bug fixes.
  • For a minor release, only the last number increments. For example, if the current version is "iQ 2.8.0 (for Nav 5.1.0)", then the subsequent minor release will be iQ 2.8.1 (for Nav 5.1.0).

Included Navigator Version

A parenthetical at the end of the iQ release name will identify the version of Navigator included in the installer. The Navigator version won't be part of the release notes title, but it will appear in the following places:

• Desktop shortcut for the application
• Filename of the installer
• Version number inside iQ (Help> About)
• The System Requirements section of iQ release notes (helpful on the rare occasion when a newer version of Navigator is bundled into the current version of iQ)
• iQ version history table on Zendesk