Overview

This article provides information about feature deprecation at Tivian, explaining why features are deprecated, the deprecation process, and an overview of deprecated or soon-to-be deprecated features in the EFS platform.

Information

Tivian continuously improves its EFS platform, which sometimes involves removing or replacing existing features. This article explains the feature deprecation process and its impact on customers.

Feature Deprecation Overview
Key Product Lifecycle Events
Deprecated Products Overview
Why Does Tivian Deprecate Features?

Feature Deprecation Overview

Tivian aims to support customers by continually improving the EFS platform. This sometimes requires changes, replacements, or removal of existing features or modules. Feature deprecation allows Tivian to free up resources for building new and improved features and offering better support to customers.

Key Product Lifecycle Events

The feature deprecation process involves three key events:

End of Sale: The last date on which a feature or module is available for quoting/selling to customers.
End of Service: The date after which customer or technical support (bug fixes) will no longer be provided.
End of Life: The point at which the feature is no longer available within the platform.

Deprecated Products Overview

The following table provides an overview of features that have been or will be deprecated:

Feature	Date Announced	End of Sale	End of Service	End of Life	Comment
Adobe Flash detection in surveys	December, 7th, 2023	-	-	24.1	The flash plugin detection and variable will be removed from EFS, it is no longer relevant.
Support for Readsoft interface in paper questionnaires	December, 7th, 2023	-	-	Jan 1st, 2024	The deprecated and no longer supported Readsoft interface will be removed. The generated files are no longer supported by Readsoft. The layout of the paper questionnaires will be modified.
Legacy EFS 2FA (SMS)	March 22nd, 2022	22.2	TBA	TBA	Replaced with app based 2FA in EFS 22.1. Please contact support to enable feature.
Legacy Mobile Admin GUI	March 22nd, 2022	22.2	23.1	23.1
Reporting+ PowerPoint 97-2003 PPT export format	March 22nd, 2022	22.1	22.1	22.2	Please use the existing PPTX exports.
Survey Classic Layout (existing projects)	July 17th, 2023	10.x	10.x	24.2	The Classic Layout in Surveys has long been removed as an option for new projects and is no longer supported. With EFS 24.2, support for existing projects with layouts based on the classic layout will be removed.
Survey Responsive Layout 1 and 2	March 22nd, 2022	22.2	23.1	23.1	And customizations based on these versions. Please use Responsive Layout 3 or newer. Ability to create projects using the deprecated layouts will be removed. Existing projects are unaffected and will continue to operate, even after reaching end of life.
Panel Website Standard Layout	March 22nd, 2022	22.1	22.2	22.2	Standard layout is the blue-header “EFSpanel” website which has not been used for customer projects recently. Replaced with Responsive Layout v2 in EFS 22.2 and existing Websites are unaffected by the removal.
Portal discussions	June 15th, 2021	21.2	22.1	22.1	Completed
Orbit	June 15th, 2021	21.2	21.2	21.2	Completed
Internet Explorer 11	June 15th, 2021	21.1	21.1	21.1	Completed

Why Does Tivian Deprecate Features?

Feature deprecation is necessary for several reasons:

Product & Engineering: Streamlining the platform enables faster development and improvement.
Customer Support, Training & Implementation: Focusing on current features improve efficiency and service quality.
Customer Impact: While change can be challenging, new features aim to deliver significant improvements to user experiences.

FAQ

What is feature deprecation?

Feature deprecation is the process of phasing out or removing outdated features from the EFS platform to make way for new and improved functionality.

How will feature deprecation affect my use of the EFS platform?

Feature deprecation may require you to transition to new features or alternative solutions. Tivian aims to provide ample notice and support to ensure a smooth transition for customers.

What should I do if a feature I use is being deprecated?

If a feature you use is being deprecated, review the provided alternative solutions and contact Tivian support for assistance in transitioning to new features or workflows.