Wow, it's been a long time coming this update. It's been ready for a while, but a network upgrade and switch to Windows 7/Server 2008 infrastructure delayed the release further.

But, finally, here we are, with release 21 available to download. It's not a major update on the surface, the work is going on behind the scenes. Why? Well we're looking to have file@home available in stores sooner rather than later, the stumbling block for this is how we license the software - or in this case, activate the license. Release 21 is our answer.

Obviously that's not all the changes and updates but again everything else is "under the hood". We've been receiving a lot of feedback about the software, and to incorporate the feedback into actual product changes can take some time; there is a common theme running through the feedback and that is more flexibility with the cabinets/folders. To cater for this and still retain the existing functionality for those users who are completely happy with the product as it stands isn't a trial job. So the incremental updates are allowing us to introduce underlying technology changes gradually, before unleashing new features and capabilities onto everyone.

One subject we've avoided tackling head on for a while, is that of security; the reason why we haven't provided some lock and key system for file@home has been preference. Some people want a multi-level approach for different users on one computer, others prefer a complete segregated approach where one user cannot see documents added by another user and some people are quite happy with what they have (or they prefer not to worry too much - the jury is still undecided).

Well, to us, it's obvious that we need to do something sooner rather than later - mainly because the risk of something going wrong on an upgrade will increase as more documents are added (trust us, we know).

So consider this post your heads up. A poll will be going online in the next couple of weeks to gather feedback (on your security preferences), you can leave your opinions here as a comment, or heaven forbid, you could start a discussion on the forums.

Until the next time...