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Christmas Wishes

As 2009 draws to an end we continue to get mixed signals about the state of the British economy from those who call us. While some remain extremely busy, mostly on government funded and large long-term projects, some minerals sectors and of course energy (especially renewables), those working in Land Surveying, Contruction and Civils are still finding it extremely difficult. However, over the past couple of months we've seen a little more activity in these markets than we had during the summer and we remain optimistic for 2010. It's clear that the days of 'spend, spend, spend' are probably gone forever and it's just taking a little longer for the economy to find its natural equilibrium once again.
With the festive season just around the corner we'd like to thank all of our customers for their continued support and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a busy and prosperous 2010. Our offices will close at midday on Thursday 24th December, reopening at 9:00am on Monday 4th January.

Special Offers
Winter is the traditional time for sales. You can guarantee that on Boxing Day there'll be hoards of bargain hunters working off the excesses of Christmas Day on the lookout for a bargain. We thought we'd have our own little sale, but you'll be able to take part from the comfort of your own desk.
We have launched four combined software and training bundles on our website, targetted at a wide range of likely LSS users. With savings of up to £200 on some bundles, there should be enough to entice even the most hardened bargain hunters. Please follow the link below for more information.
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Latest Software Development
As we approach the time when we stop developing the Beta version and convert it into a main release, we thought that we would summarise what we've been doing over the past couple of months. If you're enthused by any of the following enhancements then all you need to do is visit our website and install the Beta version. Unless you go out of your way to do so, the Beta program won't overwrite your main install of LSS, it will go into a completely different folder. We have lots of new developments to inform you of, so if you're interested please follow the link below for more details.
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LSS Licence Updates
Since v9.70 was released in October 2008 it has been possible to update your LSS licence remotely. By this we mean 'Configure / Licence' has had an option 'Update by Internet'. Previously it was necessary to call us for a licence update or for us to email you a licence update file. So, if you think that your licence has been paid and an update should be available, why not try this menu first. If your computer is connected to the Internet why not give this a try?

Request for Machine Control Testers
With the release of the command 'Output Surface Boundaries' and the various export commands which generate data suitable for GPS Machine Control equipment (see details above) we're looking for volunteers to test out the new options. If you are involved in projects which use machine control or you set-out formation levels onsite we'd like to hear from you. We'll keep you on a list so we can let you know as soon as this version of the program is released.

XCES

By the time we return in the New Year it will only be 2 months to the XCES exhibition at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher, Surrey. Run by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, this event promises to build on the success of last year's event at York and by moving the venue each year the organisers aim to make it available to a wider audience than those shows which stay rooted to the spot year after year. XCES 2010 takes place on 2nd & 3rd March. More details can be found at https://asp.artegis.com/index.jsp

Staff News

Most of you will know Lynn. She's been with the company for longer than we all care to remember. As many of you will also know, in recent years she has been a keen marathon runner. Well, it would appear that all those hours of pounding the roads of Gloucestershire, London, Europe and beyond has taken its toll. Just as she had recovered from an operation on one foot, she has been called back to have the other one poked, prodded and pinned, so will be spending Christmas with both feet up. We are sure that you will want to wish Steve well in looking after Lynn over the festive season. It's so difficult for an overworked spouse at this time of year.

And just to compound our staffing woes, at the beginning of November Adrian broke his leg while walking his dog. Well, technically neither of them was walking at the time, but he fell over nevertheless. Still in plaster, we don't expect to see him back in the office until the 4th January. Fortunately, we only lost him for one day because we have been able to set him up with remote access so he can work from home. Who says we don't get our pound of flesh? We wish him all the best in his ongoing recovery.

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