So it looks like 9.2 (Phase 2) is immenient.
Joe added a comment to my previous blog that 9.2 was being released on the 28th February.
It also seems that internal 9.2 training is underway in the US which is also a good sign, so that coupled with the fact that 9.2 demo’s are available means it is almost at the end of my product delivery continuum. What product delivery continuum? Thought you would never ask 
Software vendors seem to follow this continuum in regards to software delivery :
- Get an idea, issue a press release announcing the new product/release
- Build some powerpoint presentations outlining the new functionality
- Write a whitepaper outlining the business benefits of the new functionality
- Perhaps issue screenshots or static demo’s
- Wait 1 to 4 years (called development)
- Issue a beta version
- Wait another 1-2 years (called further development based on customer feedback)
- Show ‘live’ demo’s at user conference
- Delay release due to testing issues
- Announce the release as a surprise, with little notice
- Train the sales/presales teams
- Create SWAT teams for initial implementations
- Wait 3 to 6 month, train the rest of the implementation teams
- 3 to 6 months after releases, issue a whole raft of hot fixes.
Actually SAS is not so bad as some vendors when it comes to this continuum, they definitely try not to pre announce product (its just a pity SAS 9.2 was at the latter end of point 5)
I remember in my Oracle days (a long time ago I admit) I would have had to add an extra step, issue blank (or corrupt) install CD’s to meetthe release deadline required to recognise the revenue. (ah the heady days of 90′s software sales!)
9.2 was a very botched release. I have been waiting for functionality in Int Tech for years. SAS can, and has, done better in the past. I just hope that v10 will not mimic 9.2.