1. What is the difference between qBasePlus and qBase?
qBase is no longer available for download. This software was developed by the Ghent University to implement the mathematical framework behind real-time PCR data-analysis as described in Hellemans et al. (Genome Biology, 2007). qBase was programmed in the Visual Basic for Applications language, required a licensed version of Microsoft Excel to run (version 2000, XP or 2003), was free to use in an academic setting, and came with no support. qBase development was stopped in March 2007.
Biogazelle's qBasePlus is the professional successor of qBase, programmed in the Java language, running on all major computer operating systems. Apart from a redesigned calculation engine and interface, qBasePlus features many powerful enhancements.
1: speed relative to the Microsoft Excel qBase version, measured on the same computer
2: qBase requires Microsoft Excel 2000, XP or 2003; qBase does not work under Excel 2007
3: the free qBasePlus version lacks various features of the fully licensed software; the demo version unleashes the full functionality for 2 weeks, after which the software returns to free mode
2. What is the price for the fully licensed version of qBasePlus?
The commercial license costs 3499 EUR - 5320 USD for a single user, with volume discount for multiple users and significant discount for non-profit institutions using the software for their not-for-profit research (1249 EUR - 1899 USD). Both full licenses include a software support and upgrade subscription for 6 months, starting from the date of purchase. We highly recommend to buy an additional one-year (18 months in total) support and upgrade subscription (25% of full license cost). Biogazelle is committed to release frequent upgrades. You can purchase a full license here.
In addition to its feature rich full version with support, Biogazelle also offers a limited free version for data analysis of small experiments (up to 5 plates). This version can be downloaded after registration in the mybiogazelle section.
3. How to order qBasePlus?
Orders and purchases are done online using the secured webshop. You need to log in to your private mybiogazelle acccount, and navigate using the left menu to 'my purchases' and 'buy new license'. Based on your registration details, a non-profit or commercial license type is automatically selected, as well as the need to pay Value Added Tax (VAT) or not. Indicate the number of licenses you want to buy (volume discounts apply) and whether you opt for an additional one year support and upgrade protection (25% of the full license cost; default support and upgrade period is 6 months). Finalize your purchase by selecting your preferred payment method (wired bank transfer, credit card or PayPal). Online payments are directly processed and will automatically create a license key for you (which subsequently needs to be activated and downloaded from your private mybiogazelle space). In contrast, a license key will only be created for you after we received your wired payment; you will be notified by email when your license key is ready to be activated and downloaded.
If you need a quotation, please mail to info@biogazelle.com. Indicate type of license (non-profit or commercial), number of licenses, preferred currency (EUR or USD) and whether you need an additional one year support and upgrade subscription (recommended). Customers from European Union member states should also provide their VAT number.
4. I don't use Windows
No problem. Biogazelle has a qBasePlus version for all major computer operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Mac and Linux.
5. What happens with my data after my demo license expires?
A demo license key unlocks qBasePlus for 2 weeks. After this period, qBasePlus will downgrade itself to run under the free license. You will we able to browse your data using the project explorer, add more runs if you did not reach the maximum of 5 runs yet, or delete runs. You will not be able to export and import your experiments (as this is not possible in free mode). Subsequent installation of a payable full license allows you to fully recover all your data and continue to enjoy all benefits from qBasePlus.
6. On how many computers can I use qBasePlus?
You need an individual license for each computer. The installation ID generated by the software is unique and specific for a given computer. Once you bought the full license, you are entitled to use that version of the software indefinitely. A full license also comes with 6 months of installation and usage support, and upgrade protection, meaning that you are entitled to download and use all new versions within 6 months from download. We recommend to buy an additional one-year upgrade and support subscription (18 months in total).
7. How to get support?
If you need specific information, or run into a problem, first check the tutoral videos that illustrate most functionality in qBasePlus. If this does not help, please go over the Frequently Asked Support Questions. If all fails, use the dedicated Support form that is available from your personal 'my support' page after logging in to your mybiogazelle account.