8. Maintenance Contracts

We offer maintenance contracts to our customers at the time they enter into a product license agreement and renew those contracts, at the customers’ option, generally on an annual basis thereafter. The specific terms and conditions of these initial maintenance contracts and subsequent renewals vary depending upon the product licensed and the country in which we conduct business. Generally, maintenance contracts provide the customer with unspecified product maintenance updates and customer support services. Revenue from maintenance contracts is initially deferred and then recognized ratably over the term of the agreements.

Changes in our deferred maintenance revenue were as follows (in thousands):


		Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
		October 31,				October 31,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
Beginning balance	$	7,579	$	7,153	$	8,861	$	8,302
Revenue recognized during period		(3,494)		(4,346)		(7,039)		(8,028)
New maintenance contracts		2,518		3,795		4,781		6,328
Ending balance	$	6,603	$	6,602	$	6,603	$	6,602

Of the deferred maintenance revenue at October 31, 2013 and April 30, 2013, $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, is long-term and is included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.