RE: Aurora

"If there was so little to it, why the big fuss over Aurora?"

As no-one from Geac has answered, I'll take the liberty of giving my
opinion on Aurora.

It's significant because
(1) it's the first new release of S21 planned and conceived since Geac
acquired JBA
(2) the switch to ILE RPG allows easier use of Java, providing for
better integration of 'add-on' and 3rd party software
(3) there is a new browser-based user interface (enCompass) and a new
"look and feel"

It's just "marketing hype" because
(1) there isn't much new functionality in Aurira apart from the new
order capture application 
(2) the ILE conversion is no big deal, and offers few advantages to
customers
(3) enCompass had been previously announced, and who really cares about
"look and feel"?

The truth is probably somewhere in between.  Aurora as it stands today
should be easier for Geac to sell to new customers and will help to
ensure that S21 has a future, but existing customers might want to wait
for Aurora v1.1 or v1.2 before upgrading.  However, if the new order
capture application is appropriate for your business then you should
certainly look at upgrading now (or sooner rather than later).

Regards
Chris