TomWaltz wrote:
We've been told that it is since Archicad 11 came out in May 2007.
^^^^ ......what he said.
We
WERE
supposed to be getting a free version of this so-called MEP thingie since almost 2 years ago; we're still waiting. In other words we'll believe it when we actually see it.
Graphisoft have unfortunately eked out for themselves this reputation for not really ever being forthright or forthcoming with new products' releases, new features or information pertaining to them (apart from the yearly /version updates which are also shrouded in ludicrous levels of secrecy), all of which stems from their recent inability to deliver on their own promises or pledged products (see MEP module, Maxonform upgrades, Google Earth/Sketchup plugin, for Mac users till AC11, or any users in AC12); the end result of which they 'spring' these surprises on us whenever it suits them.
I guess they believe it works in their favour if they can control and protect from public knowledge both the release dates, development cycles or even existence of such products and features by giving them the flexibility to shift back and forth when things don't quite work out as they expect.
Personally I think it's just bad baaad business practice. At least from a customer relations and PR standpoint. Keeping your clients and customers (who pay for your R&D funds through the licenses they purchase) in the complete dark about new products, development features and roadmaps only serves to seriously hurt you downstream as they end up choosing not to invest for the long-term in a product with an unclear development and features future and since you're really accountable to no one but yourselves; not even the people who indirectly pay your bills.