Note that the minor version and build number are always given as a 2 digit and 3 digit number respecively.

This versioning scheme reflects dependencies of the COM modules towards the principal software using this module.

Change of ...	Meaning/Dependency
Build number	internal bug fixes, updates
	Software developers No need for software developers to change anything in their software. The new version is announced for download via web site and mailing list at the same time when the new version is integrated into the netUpdate space.
	End users Next time the netUpdate is run the new version of the COM component is downloaded, updated and activated
Minor_interface	minor change in the interface. New features are added but there are no changes in existing methods such that the compatibility is compromised.
	Software developers Software developers can change their programming to take advantage of the new features. But there is no ultimate need to do so, as the new COM component runs as well with unchanged software. The new version is announced for download via web site and mailing list some weeks before the new version is integrated into the netUpdate space.
	End users Next time the netUpdate is run the new version of the COM component is downloaded. Since the naming of the component includes the major and minor version the "old" version is not overwritten but is coexisting to the new one. If the principal software is upgraded as well (loading the new COM component), then the new features are activated.
Major_interface	major changes of the interface. Due to e.g. legal demands the behavior of the COM module must be changed. Backwards compatibility is not given by definition!
	Software developers Software developers must change their programming, the new component is not backwards compatible with the legacy system. Major interface changes are only undertaken if there is a legal external demand. The new version is announced for download via web site and mailing list some months before the new version is integrated into the netUpdate space.
	End users Next time the netUpdate is run the new version of the COM component is downloaded. Since the naming of the component includes the major and minor version the "old" version is not overwritten but is coexisting to the new one. As soon as the principal software is upgraded as well (loading the new COM component), then the module is activated.