Need help understanding product code property

[wxperson99]

First... let me describe my situation.

I have an application that comes out with a new version once a year. In between those yearly versions I put out software updates (patches) for the latest year.

i.e. I would have a 2016 version of the software and then a 2017 version of the "same" software the next year. In between I may put out 5 point releases or patches.

When the 2017 version is installed the 2016 application will be uninstalled first.

So now my questions.

How should I utilize the product code property in the situation above?

Should I have different product code for the yearly versions?

Should I use different product codes should I use for the point releases (patches).

How is the Upgrades Product with Product Code property used?

The documentation says the following but I am not sure how that relates to my situation described above.

Product Code
Enter a unique identifier for your product here. Click the Generate button to create a new unique identifier if you are not sure that the displayed identifier is unique. The Product Code must be unique for each different product, but may be the same for different versions of the same product.

Any clarification would be appreciated.

Thanks,

George

[FrancescoT]

Dear George,

How should I utilize the product code property in the situation above?

Should I have different product code for the yearly versions?

Same PRODUCTCODE, these are different version of the same identical product family.

Should I use different product codes should I use for the point releases (patches).

How is the Upgrades Product with Product Code property used?

Again same PRODUCTCODE and also same UPGRADECODE, because these are different version of the same identical product family.
The UPGRADECODE is only used by patch, but it is good practice to use the same even when patches are not needed ... in the event that you decide to use a patch later.
-----------------------------
In other words and supposing you are going to release different versions of "MyProduct" and more specifically; "MyProduct 1.0", "MyProduct 2.0" and so on, each one of these will have;

Same PRODUCTCODE, same UPGRADECODE but a unique and different REVISIONCODE.

In addition, have a look at the following threads for similar questions.
http://www.installaware.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9763&hilit=The+Product+Code+must+be+unique+for+each+different
http://www.installaware.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9883&hilit=The+Product+Code+must+be+unique+for+each+different#p36949

Hope this helps you.

Regards