There are many new features and enhancements implemented in release 4. Some of these are:

• Appearance and arrangement completely redesigned
• Update check added
• Plan, analysis, and simulation files are saved as binary (not ASCII) files
• Color and font selection possible
• Different optimizing criteria for calculation of optimum test design
• Specification of odds ratio provided in plan for rates
• New planning options:
  • Noninferiority for survival designs
  • Equivalence testing (all designs)
  • Optimum allocation ratio in survival designs
• Stopping for futility bounds can be entered stagewise
• Optional choice between binding and non-binding stopping for futility
• New output chart: Simulation results (power and ASN)
• Progress bar included
• Simulation design parameters can be saved in a file
• A seed number can optionally be specified and stored in the .sad file to reproduce simulation results.
• Unequal allocation ratio can be specified in simulation runs for
  • Comparison of two means
  • Comparison of two rates
  • Survival design
• New simulation options:
  • Noninferiority for survival
  • Equivalence testing (all designs)
• Alpha spending function approach accounts for random overrunning in group sequential case (calculation of critical values and performing group sequential analysis)
• Optional choice between classical method and inverse normal technique
• Overall and stagewise data can be entered in all analysis forms
• Computation methods are permanently saved in ada file
• New output chart: Test result in decision boundaries chart
• Likelihood function of unknown parameter can optionally be added to the overall conditional power plot
• Analysis results and calculation of confidence intervals and p-values does account for binding or non-binding stopping for futility.
• Rewritten and enhanced documentation and online help