finPOWER Connect - Version 4.1, 6.0 & 6.1 - Intersoft Systems Strategic Plan

This blog post provides an  overview of Intersoft Systems Strategic Plan to introduce versions .4.1, 6.0, and 6.1 of finPOWER Connect.

In order to assist Users to plan for the future, Intersoft Systems have crafted an outline of what the next major finPOWER Connect versions will look like.

Periodically Intersoft Systems experience significant transformations in the technological landscape that they depend on.  These transitions encompass various shifts, such as the evolution from DOS to Windows, the migration from Access to SQL Server, the transition from VB6 to .NET, and the shift from Desktop to Cloud.

Considering this perspective and observing the trajectory of technology, Intersoft Systems has presented an enhanced Strategic Plan for the future of finPOWER Connect over the coming years.

NB: This article pertains to the introduction and use of technologies.  It does not specify which version will have new features. etc.

Where is technology headed?

• The Cloud/Web

• Automated functionality

Where is finPOWER Connect headed? 

• Technology is changing and finPOWER Connect needs to keep up with changes.

• The Cloud/ Web
• By moving to the Cloud, some functionality in finPOWER Connect simply cannot be transferred.
• For example, Page Sets cannot be used in finPOWER Connect Cloud, so Page Sets should be avoided; use HTML Widgets instead.

• For now, there are no plans to make finPOWER Connect solely cloud based
• however, the goal is to reach a point where everything can be run in the Cloud

• Fine tune interfaces to provide more functionality and flexibility out of the box.

• Remove old code/ functionality (where possible) to lessen code maintenance and to provide a better service to Users.

Version 4. 0

• Focus on finPOWER Connect Cloud
• Remove some obsoleted functionality
• Released in December 2022.

Version 4.1

• Some database and functionality changes.
• This will break compatibility with version 3.4 and 4.0 database versions.
• Whilst some database changes provide a pathway to additional functionality, these may be delayed until 6.0 and 6.1.

Version 6.0

• Technology changes – move to .NET 8 (from .NET Framework 4.8).
• This will keep compatibility with version 4.1 databases.

Version 6.1

• More database and functionality changes.
• This will break compatibility with version 6.0 databases.

.NET Framework v .NET

• finPOWER Connect is currently built using Microsoft's .NET framework.

Microsoft .NET Framework

• In 2019 Microsoft announced that version 4.8 was the last release of the .NET Framework.
• There will still be updates, primarily to support Windows and Security updates.
• The .NET Framework 4.8 will continue to be distributed with future releases of Windows and will be supported for as long as the version of Windows it was released with is supported.
• Windows 10 – released July 2015, end-of-life is October 2025.
• Windows 11 – released October 2021, likely 10 years from release per Windows 10.

• It is the final version of the .NET Framework, all future work going into the .NET platform.

Microsoft .NET

• .NET is the future as the .NET Framework will not be developed further.

• .NET is cross platform, i.e., not just Windows, but includes macOS, Linux etc
• This does not mean finPOWER Connect will support these Operating Systems.

• .NET 6 was released in November 2021
• This is the first version of .NET to fully support Applications using Windows Forms (which includes finPOWER Connect)

• .NET 8 scheduled release November 2023
• This is the release Intersoft Systems will target with finPOWER Connect 6.0

What this means for users of finPOWER Connect?

• Versions 4.1, 6.0 and 6.1 should be treated as major upgrades

• Users need to examine their systems and make preparations
• There are new utilities to assist in identifying areas for review
• Discontinue the use of outdated functionality and obsolete technologies at the earliest opportunity
• Refrain from developing new scripts or other elements using obsolete or outdated technologies
• Evaluate and revise existing scripts and other functionalities

• The technological landscape will largely retain its current configuration
• Allowing Users to host their own Database, Application and Web Server
• With the option to utilize a hosting platform like Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS)