A common concern for evaluators: "Will my work be lost if I update or if the trial expires?" Here's our clear, transparent policy to help you evaluate with confidence.
Quick Summary
- Your trial data is safe: Your trial data will never be automatically deleted by Bistone HMS, whether during the trial period or after it ends.
- Free trial access: The demo is always free to download and try.
- Critical warning: If you install a new trial version (e.g., next month's update) without a license, it will overwrite your existing trial data.
- License for long-term security: To preserve your data through updates and secure it long-term, a purchased license is required.
Detailed Breakdown
1. During Your Evaluation Period
You can download and use the latest trial version at any time from our download page. Use it with your live hotel data. The trial has full functionality with no restrictions on features.
2. When a New Version is Released (Monthly Updates)
We release updates monthly. Here's how this affects trial users:
Installing a new trial version will overwrite your existing trial data. Trial versions do not include data upgrade or migration services. If you want to test the latest features in a new version while keeping your current data, you must first purchase a license.
- Do NOT download a new trial version. This will not extend your access and risks data loss.
- Purchase a license for your current version. This instantly reactivates full access to all your existing data.
- After licensing, use the built-in update check within the now-licensed software to safely upgrade to the latest version, with all data preserved.
Licensing your current installation is the only way to both keep your data and gain ongoing updates.
- No data upgrade in trials: Trial versions are designed for evaluation only and do not support data migration between versions.
- Data overwriting: When you install a new trial version, it replaces the previous installation and its data.
- The secure path: To update to a new version while keeping all your data, purchase a license first. Licensed versions have an Upgrade Installation mode that can preserve trial data.
3. When Your Trial Period Expires
After the trial period, access to software functions is restricted. However:
- Your data remains stored in the last trial version you installed.
- To regain full access to the software and your existing data, simply purchase a license. The system will recognize your license and immediately restore access.
4. Securing Your Data Permanently (The Path to Licensed Version)
The only way to ensure your data remains accessible, upgradable, and secure through all future updates is to purchase a license. Licensed versions include:
- Seamless data preservation through version updates.
- Ongoing version upgrade services that protect your data investment.
- Continuous access to your operational history and configuration.
This applies to both Perpetual Licenses and Cloud Subscriptions.
For Evaluators: Recommended Path
- Download the trial and evaluate with real data.
- When ready to commit, purchase the appropriate license for your needs.
- Before installing any updates, ensure you have licensed your current version to protect your data.
- Use the licensed version's update mechanism to safely upgrade while preserving all data.
What Happens If You Don't License?
- You cannot update to newer versions without losing your existing trial data.
- You lose access to software functions after trial expiration.
- You miss out on new features, security updates, and technical support.
- Your data remains trapped in an outdated, unsupported version.