Sage ACT! Business Care Package Updates – Know Your Options
Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. If you operate a small business, you are likely well acquainted with the challenges of change, and all that’s involved to be on the leading edge for your customers. Last month Sage introduced changes to their business care product line. As a reseller, I’ve been getting calls on this asking me to explain. Forgive me for not getting this post up sooner, hopefully this will provide some clarity for customers considering Sage Business Care.
Sage ACT! Business CarePackage Updates – Know Your Options
What Got Us Here – ACT! PlatinumCare
Prior to the new unveiling (which I’ll describe below) of Sage business care, they offered Platinum Care which was an annual subscription program giving customers the latest version of the software (software assurance) shortly after it was released. This was a good move, and in keeping with many other software companies serving small businesses.
ACT! Total Care was released shortly thereafter. In addition to the software assurance, Total Care included tier 2 support. So customers could call and get an engineer on the phone, as oppose to a front-line support technician. This was particularly valuable for experienced ACT! users, or IT departments who were charged with administering the ACT! database in their environment.
Introducing Sage Business Care
Now there is a new set of similar products, expanded. Out with the old, in with the new.
Sage Business Care Basic
Tech support only, 3 incidents of phone and email support per company. Online access to the ACT! knowledgebase. No new versions as they come out with the Basic plan.
Sage Business Care Bronze
With Bronze you get the latest software versions/updates (termed software assurance above), and access to the ACT! knowledgebase. 50% discount on Sage Anytime Learning courses.
Sage Business Care Silver
Silver adds back the tech support. 5 incidents of phone and email support per company, the latest software versions/updates (termed software assurance above), and access to the ACT! knowledgebase.
Sage Business Care Gold
This is the granddaddy package.
- Get the latest software versions/updates
- Unlimited tech support.
- Online access to the ACT! knowledgebase.
- 50% discount on Sage Anytime Learning courses.
Here’s a visual, less the Basic option (click to enlarge):
My Take On Sage Business Care Packages
These won’t be for everyone, especially if you don’t like to update software on a regular basis. However, given new Windows operating systems, the security patches that come with them, not to mention the same updates for Microsoft Office (which integrates with ACT!), it’s hard to walk away from the packages.
As an ACT! Certified Consultant, it’s worth noting, I have access to the same level of tech support that the Gold plan provides. So if you are working with an ACT! consultant (or plan to), and finances are tight, you might consider selecting a lower plan, and leverage your consultant accordingly.
More Questions? Use this Button to reach me.
Visit our ACT! Store (currently updating Care packages there) Or, chime in with your questions, comments, and feedback.
