What exactly is Mathcad?
Mathcad is a software package that combines the power of an advanced mathematical calculator with the documenting ability of a word processor. In the most simplistic sense, it's what you might get if you were to combine Microsoft Excel with Microsoft Word. For more information please click here [http://www.leapaust.com.au/products/design-and-manufacturing/mathcad.html]
Then what is Prime?
In short, Mathcad Prime is the next generation of Mathcad that has placed a large emphasis on making Mathcad much more user friendly and intuitive to use. With a completely re-designed interface, Mathcad has also tried to alleviate the need for traditional word processors, by combining that ability with Mathcad's powerful mathematics engine.
Why does Mathcad Prime not carry the same level of functionality as Mathcad 15? At this point in time, Prime should not be thought of as a replacement for 15 for existing users (especially power users); rather, it's a version of Mathcad that works hand-in-hand with 15 and will eventually replace it. It was designed to allow users to get a feel as to how Prime will look once it is finally completed, and for many new and existing users, the features already in Prime 1.0 would be sufficient to remove the need for 15 altogether.
Do I need to purchase two licenses to enable both versions?
No, any Mathcad license on active maintenance grants users access to both versions of Mathcad.
What do I get from active maintenance?
Active maintenance allows users access to the following:
- LEAP support services, including technical support and help
- PTC support services
- Mathcad updates, including new build codes and software releases
When will Prime fully replace 15?
PTC has stated its goal is to achieve feature parity between the two products before it discontinues development for 15. At the this point in time, Prime 4.0 is the planned release which will see 15 no longer being developed for. However, it's also important to note that many of the features found in 15 will already have been introduced with Prime 2.0, so there's no need to wait to make the switch.
What happens to 15 once Prime replaces it?
Once parity is achieved, PTC will cease software development for 15, but it will remain on sustained support for two years. What this means is that PTC will still support Mathcad 15 in terms of technical support for two years, once development stops. However, we at LEAP understand that engineers will still opt to use 15, so we will continue to support Mathcad 15 indefinitely.
When is the next scheduled release of Mathcad? There are two planned upcoming releases: one for Mathcad 15 and one for Mathcad Prime. the Mathcad Prime release is scheduled for Q1 of 2012 and will see Prime 2.0 come into active use. The second release is an update for Mathcad 15, where the build code will be updated from M010 to M020; this is scheduled for Q2, 2012.