"ACT Received Horrid Reviews, is the 2008 Edition Any Better?" Part 2
Part 1 of this message can be found here
So you can imagine the disenchantment as a peppy business owner, sales rep, or entrepreneur pproaches their computer with the latest version of ACT in hand, going to upgrade their ACT software, only to realize later that there was more in to it than they anticipated, or thinking it migrated all their data only to find out two weeks later that appointments or other key elements were lost in the migration… Posts start flying everywhere on the internet (amazon and others), users were upset, and rightfully so. My friend at Sage would be the first to admit, that if they were to do it over again they would have done a much better job setting expectations with customers, and stressing the importance of working with a certified consultant to do (at least) the migration portion.
To be fair, many upgraded and were very happy with the results, however, as eluded to earlier, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
As for other users (new to ACT), most were ok, because they didn’t have an experiential precedent with the software of upgrade users. Those that did complain were primarily having issues with installation. Installation that puts Microsoft .NET and SQL on the system prior to ACT itself, apparently not a simple task for software developers. Some of these folks (as well as legacy ACT users) encountered issues with the installation process, and felt if it couldn’t be installed with ease, it probably wasn’t worth the time. Part of the reason why I’m offering a “From the Trenches” installation video for those who purchase the upgrade by July 31 (along with a few other goodies).
As to how Sage is addressing criticisms? Well, as an ACT Certified Consultant (there are 700+ globally here), I can tell you they have done a much better job getting me the tools, training, and resources necessary to better prepare and educate my customers. I think partners (feet on the street) are key to the success of any product, most won’t argue with that, yet the same often fall short partnering effectively. I have had lunches with executives, as well as personal phonecalls asking my opinion, about what I hear customers saying they want in the product. Not to get too ‘excited’ about Sage as a partner, because they have flaws indeed, and there are other companies who do a good job partnering, but I have never seen partners go further than Sage has to help integrators (and customers) succeed with their products.
Specifically, ACT 2008 new features, by all accounts…work. In my testing I have not
experienced anything odd or buggy. Sage has taken it on the chin in recent years with ACT product releases, and are applying lessons in each new release.
Overall, I don’t know for sure how successful ACT 2008 will be. While this has been the cleanest beta test of an ACT software product I’ve been a part of, based on experience with software, there will be bugs and issues. I do think quite a few skeptical customers will come around, and criticisms will subside. We should know in a few short months.
Larry, I hope that helps.
Thoughts? Please post your comments in the boxes below, and click the box that says “Submit Comment” I’ll respond as soon as possible.
Travis
PS: Want more details on ACT Database Software?
Checkout my no frills review
at http://www.WhatsNewWithACT.com
