What are these new "Service Packs"?

[Razva]

Hey,
I've noticed on the HostBill website an "Upgrade" button. What are these "Service Packs"? Our license is 2010-2013, but everywhere on the HostBill site is stated that "it's a one-time purchase with lifetime free updates". Are they changing this policy? It would kinda be theft & lie.

Cheers,
Razvan

[BRJP]

Hi Razva,

This conversation has been going round the community quite a lot - Danny and I have been talking about this off-line as well.

My latest conversation with KBKP was that Security/Bug updates will still be accessible to people with the correct license BUT new features would only be included in a Service Pack.  My take on this  (and I don't know for sure so please treat as my view only) is that KBKP have historically bundled fixes and new features together.  They are splitting this out so that security/bugs are still updated for free as part of the license but new features will only be included in paid Service Packs.

For reference, the latest security/bug fix was available yesterday and I was able to updated without having to purchase the Service Pack.

I hope this helps answer your question.

[Razva]

Here's the official HostBill response, directly from one of their reps:

Update packages provides new functionality. Lifetime updates included in onetime fee consist only bugfixes.

So there you have it, basically they lied to all their customers. When we bought HostBill we were told that all UPDATES and UPGRADES will be provided for free, for life. We're kinda searching for alternatives, again. It's clear that KBKP doesn't has a clear long-term business plan and/or strategy.

Also I can't notice their lack of competent support. I can fully understand that the owner is not a native English speaker (neither am I), but at least have the decency and hire some staff that can write a phrase in English. I'm not asking for Shakespeare poems & stuff but, come one!, is it so hard to write two sentences while respecting minimal grammar rules...?