LabVIEW new version Every year - Why?

[LV_Pro]

I will say that I have had many customers that were reluctant to move to a newer version, particularly if there wasn't a "good" reason, such as new hardware that is incompatible with the version they have been using, if only because of bad experiences debugging issues that crop up. Better to dance with the devil you know, I guess. Because I am so frequently working on older versions, and a fear of possibly adding new "issues" by merely installing the newer version on my "development computer" (such as new DAQmx versions that install with the newer versions) I am frequently behind the power curve, not seeing the new version until a project comes along that needs it. Currently I'm violating that, working in 2010 for a customer that only has 8.6 (I know, 2010 isn't the newest either), and we have decided that we will give them an executable and 2010 source code rather than try and "save for" with its attendent issues, if only that some clusters on the diagram will "blow up" without the '10's "show as icon" feature.

[ErnieH]

Every year is way to much. There is not many core things that change. We spent a lot of time updating programs to 2009. We skipped 2010 (first time ever I did not upgrade since 3.1, and I did not miss it). We are now using 2011 SP1 also. Just checked my SSP renewal cost and it doubled from last year and doubles again if I am 60 days late renewing it.  For the first time in my memory, I am not renewing my SSP. We are looking at different options in software and hardware after 2011 becomes to old to support. I am guessing 5 years.