CONNECT Technology

[dozer]

I just installed the latest version of STAAD.Pro and it is now "CONNECT Enabled". We're getting less enchanted with Bentley and are pulling back from it so STAAD is the only Bentley product we use with any regularity. I don't want to log on to CONNECT until I understand just what is going to be happening "behind the scenes". Since we don't deal with a lot of Bentley products and don't really need to share info via Bentley apps I'm not sure I see the value. Has anyone tried it? What are your thoughts?

 

[SethGuthrie]

This post explains most of the things people want to know about the CONNECT Editions of our software.

https://communities.bentley.com/com...ervices/w/wiki/24305.bentley-connect-overview

Much of the value will evolve over time, things like project analytics, time reporting, and data storage are just beginning.

 

[dozer]

Seth, until our legal counsel looks at the license agreement I don't want to hit "I Accept", but that is the only choice other than hitting the "X" in the upper right corner. I was trying to find out from actual users if this service is worthwhile but this forum doesn't see much action. On a separate but related note, my RSS feed doesn't work now. Is this because I haven't logged on to CONNECT?

When I mentioned we're getting less enchanted with Bentley this is but one example of why. You've included a feature I never asked for that fusses at my every time I start STAAD. Granted, it may be the greatest thing since sliced bread but I would like to decide rather than have the software keep hinting strongly that I use it.

In the meantime, any users out there? Hello? I know you're there because I can hear you breathing.

 

[SethGuthrie]

Our forum does see a lot more traffic that this site (which I only check periodically):

https://communities.bentley.com/products/structural/structural_analysis___design/f/5932

I see a few posts about the RSS feed there, like this one:

https://communities.bentley.com/pro...alysis___design/f/5932/p/112496/343472#343472

I highly doubt that signing out from the CONNECTION client would have anything to do with that.
Interesting that you mention the RSS feed in this post, since that was certainly one of those innovations that was ill received when we first implemented it (RAM SS put it in as far back as 10 years ago), but over time people have come to rely on it for update notifications and more. Our CONNECTION client will probably incorporate RSS feeds, service request update, project analytics and more as it develops. Also keep in mind, incorporating the CONNECTION client into STAAD.pro was not really at the expense of other features.

 

[dozer]

Seth, people have come to rely on RSS for updates in STAAD because you don't send email notices when there is a new version and there is no "Check for update" button in STAAD. Without RSS the only way to know there is an update is to periodically check you website. You've manufactured a need then said "Look how useful it is."

With this latest thing, CONNECTION, you've added another agreement beyond the one that comes with STAAD itself then made it so you can't disable it even if you don't like the agreement. Who knows, maybe someday I'll wonder how I ever got along without it but right now I'm just upset that you would use such a heavy handed approach.