1) All 8.x updates are free. We normally put up updates every 1-2 weeks.

2) When we release 9.x, you would have to purchase an upgrade to use 9.x. You could continue using 8.x without upgrading as long as you like.

3) At the time we release 9.x, we stop putting up 8.x updates.

4) Typically the upgrade price is ~30-50 % of latest version price.

5) We will stop supporting Version 8 when its end of life is reached. This is normally 18 months after next version 9 is released.  The exact EOL time is listed here.