pre_text: Capitalized software development costs consisted of the following (in thousands): The Company capitalized software development costs of $8.8 million, $8.8 million and $6.2 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Amortized expense for capitalized software development costs was $7.0 million, $5.9 million and $5.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Amortization of capitalized software development costs is classified within cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company retired $4.6 million of fully amortized capitalized software development costs.
table: As of December 31, 2019
table: Gross carrying amount Amortization period Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount
table: Capitalized software development costs $ 49,909 3 years $ (35,622) $ 14,287
table: Total capitalized software development costs $ 49,909 $ (35,622) $ 14,287
table: As of December 31, 2018
table: Gross carrying amount Amortization period Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount
table: Capitalized software development costs $ 45,677 3 years $ (32,784) $ 12,893
table: Total capitalized software development costs $ 45,677 $ (32,784) $ 12,893
question: Analyse this data from a financial earnings document. What is the increase/ (decrease) in Accumulated amortization: Capitalized software development costs from December 31, 2019 to December 31, 2018?