Software roadtests?

I recently got a 30 day trial license of Keysight's "PathWave RF Synthesis". The tool is pretty amazing and I'll probably miss it once the trial ends. This got me thinking that it would be nice if software could also be roadtested. I suspect some of these tools would get as many applications as test equipment (i.e, Who wouldn't like to own a license of Altium Designer?).

I recently got a 30 day trial license of Keysight's "PathWave RF Synthesis". The tool is pretty amazing and I'll probably miss it once the trial ends. This got me thinking that it would be nice if software could also be roadtested. I suspect some of these tools would get as many applications as test equipment (i.e, Who wouldn't like to own a license of Altium Designer?).

Just realized Pathwave RF is the new name for Genesys.. fantastic software, but very few people would be able to review it in a way to do any justice. The users of the software won't necessarily be people who can or are prepared to write it up, otherwise there would be plenty of material on it. I don't want to sound negative, because I too would love the opportunity to review and own such software, but it's setting up the manufacturer, and the reviewers, for disappointment if expectations are very different from reality once they see the review or the software respectively, where there's a mismatch between what is required and what occurs during the process.

Hi Miguel,

From my perspective I think it's a good idea, if it's executed well. I wouldn't want to apply to RoadTest software that would expire! There's a huge learning curve to get the most out of software, and it's a waste if that learning cannot be continued beyond (say) a year.

Personally I would not be interested in roadtesting Altium Designer, the orgs where I have worked have used alternative products, but the Keysight suites are fantastic, but at unobtainable prices for individuals. In reality, some classroom training would also be needed, so it probably needs more commitment from suppliers to organize this, otherwise not all reviews will be as useful as they could. For example, when I reviewed (can't recall if it was a RoadTest or not) XMOS devices and tools, I got a free invite to their HQ in Bristol UK, and attended a training class. It helped loads to make good use of the processor and software tools.

But, also some engineering software is about as niche/specific as it gets, there may be few alternatives, so regardless of how easy/hard it is to drive the software, regardless of bugs, it may be essential to use such software and any review on UI experience for instance, will be very useless, it is what it is, and if you need that software to perform the task, then so be it. Any review of those products, that focussed on (say) install experience, or UI, would be very superficial.