Why are you withdrawing support for LocoScript?

In a nutshell because it is no longer viable to continue. If we consider that Locoscript won't run under Windows Vista or 7 or work with modern USB printers then we are simply catering for a dwindling band of users running it on old hardware. There is just no market left to aim at.

OK but why can't you just let LocoScript fade away gracefully and help those who are still using the program?

Well, we've done that for the past decade. How much longer are we expected to go on for - until the last Loco user falls off his perch? Seriously, one cannot conduct technical support this way. Locoscript doesn't justify having its own separate phone lines now and it isn't fair to expect someone selling unrelated products to suddenly deal with an obscure query regarding a computer program last updated in 1995. Yes, there is still someone in the organisation who might find a solution but for the handful of calls or emails which might arrive in the course of week it is just not worthwhile.

Will you still be supplying products such as the LocoStick and printer consumables?

For a while yes we will and these will remain on sale via mail order or our web site. Generally the items listed in our product portfolio will be available, when something is no longer in stock it will be withdrawn.

What about your range of Locoscript hardware?

The Desktop PCs are sold out, we have a a limited number of Loco Laptops left and perhaps a few inkjet printers. Once they're gone, they're gone as the saying goes. We would probably be unable to restock with suitable machines even if we wanted to given the age and design of the equipment.

So what do you recommend that Locoscript users do in future?

If you have compatible hardware then carry on Locoscriptin' but make arrangements to back up, transfer or convert your documents and data in case of mechanical breakdown. If/when this occurs you can then at least move on to a new computer running the infamous Word or something similar and thus continue to access your files. Buying the LocoStick is very good insurance as, even if you can't run LocoScript itself on a new PC, you should be able to use LocoLink For Windows (LLFW) to convert your work.

And if I can't stand using Word?

You have our sympathy. There are other alternative Windows WPs such as Ability Office (which we still sell) or the freeware Jarte which you can download for nothing and is well worth a look. You can convert your Loco documents into RTF using LLFW and these programs are file compatible with Word if the need arises.

So my 20 year association with LocoScript will be finished?

All good things come to an end as they say. For the reasons why Locoscript wasn't developed further see 'Why no LocoScript for Windows' in the list of Help and FAQ pages.

We thank you for your loyalty and you can thank LocoScript for being such a brilliant and reliable program down the years. Not to mention value for money. Work it out, if you paid £50 for the software say 10 years ago then its cost you about 1p a day - practically nothing!

So is SD Microsystems Ltd closing down as a business?

No, but our business is changing and LocoScript is no longer at the centre of the operation because the revenue it generates is diminishing. Therefore we have to give priority to other ventures.