The planned system (several years ago) was to have four different methods of changing software. They are known as "cutovers" and had various degrees of transparency to users. In the interests of expediency (yes there was some during the protracted design of Swanwick) the three cutovers below the "shut it all down and reload" one were all delayed until after "O" date. At that time we (the end users) believed that such improvements would happen as the system developed. With new owners who are apparently skint it seems unlikely that there will be any changes which are not already paid for unless an overwhelming financial case can be made.. .. .So guys over to you. Tell NATS that this is unacceptable on a monthly basis and hopefully the wedge will arrive. It could be the case that other levels of cutover are already planned and paid for but, call me a cynic, I have me doubts. Perhaps one of those in the know could enlighten us all.. .. .Z