Many of the questions our technical support, service and sales teams at Conquest Imaging receive revolve around various aspects of software. With today’s modern technology, software effects almost all aspects of an ultrasound system including scan conversion, networking, diagnostics and overall system operation. Software can be responsible for almost any type of malfunction. There are times I miss working on the old Acuson 128 which had no hard drive; only EPROMs were used and software issues consisted of self-inflicted bent pins during software upgrades or board replacements.
Operating System Software
One of the issues service engineers face is the availability of the operating system software. Some OEMs will supply it with the system such as GE but you may need to request it from others. It is best to ensure system purchases include OS software so you are prepared in the event of a software issue. If you do not have your software, I highly recommend you determine the revision of your system and request the software and installation instructions from the manufacturer. Our technical support team is also available 24×7 to assist you.
Software Updates Versus Upgrades
As an independent service and support organization, we consistently get asked about the availability of updates and upgrades when competing against the OEM. The perception is if you have a contract with an OEM, you automatically receive software upgrades. This used to be the case many years ago (back when I was bending pins on EPROMS) but rarely, if ever, seen today. A software upgrade contains new features, capabilities or enhances existing ones. A software update is implemented when there are performance or regulatory issues involved with an existing revision. Regardless of contract coverage, if there is a performance or regulatory issue, the OEM is obligated to install or provide it to you regardless of your parts or service provider. Upgrades on the other hand are products you must pay for regardless of coverage although there may be a discount involved if you are under warranty of service agreement. Both updates and upgrades are the intellectual property of the OEM and only the OEM can (should) change the software revision of your system for regulatory and legal reasons.
Backups
When discussing software, I would be remiss if I did not mention one of my favorite subjects and that is backups. Back with the EPROM based operating systems, backups were handwritten or printed out on a thermal printer and contained very little information. Today, they are electronic (CD, DVD, USB drive) and contain system options, presets, network data and other user defined information so backups are critical to maintain your systems and mitigate downtime.
Software is a complex issue and does raise many questions, some of which I hope I answered here. You are welcome to reach out to me with any additional questions or comments at mtomory@conquestimaging.com.
