Consultant eNews

News and Resources for Consultants

Archive for November, 2010

Increased performance using Secure Clients

Nov 29

Posted by Joe Abler in Tips | No Comments

We recently made a change to Version 15.3 that improves the performance of Secure Clients in Tabs3 and PracticeMaster. Previously, non-managers may have noticed reduced performance the longer they had the program open, depending on the number of Secure Clients in the database. With the recent change, performance will be more consistent in all areas throughout the day.

If you know of a firm that utilizes the Secure Client feature, encourage them to download the latest update. You might become their hero. Version 16 also has the same Secure Client performance improvement.

Maintenance and Updates

Nov 29

Posted by Joe Abler in General | No Comments

Firms updating from older versions of Tabs3 and PracticeMaster Software to Version 15 currently receive six months of maintenance with their update.  Beginning with the release of Version 16, updates will come with four months of maintenance.  Now is a great time to encourage firms to update to Version 15.  If a firm updates now, they will receive a full six months of maintenance, and their update cost will be less.  (Update costs increase each version a firm falls behind.)  In anticipation of a first quarter release, they will also be eligible to receive Version 16 at no charge when updates are sent.

Platinum & SQL

Nov 10

Posted by Joe Abler in PR / Announcements | No Comments

Hopefully everyone has had a chance to download and test the beta of Version 16.  There are a few changes you may notice when working with the beta.

First, we are changing the name of our Client Server Version (CSV) to Platinum. 

Second, we are adding a new STI Server product.  It will be a 64-bit SQL option in addition to the 32-bit option that we currently sell.  Once Version 16 launches, the STI Server name will change to the Platinum Server, and the new 64 bit SQL server will be called the Platinum SQL Server.

This is why we are making these changes: 

  • Many firms have a preference for SQL.  In many cases it’s just the SQL brand that they know, and in other cases they are also familiar with the SQL technology.  An SQL version of CSV should be attractive to these firms.
  • When Client Server is the name of the product, the firm begins the sales conversation with questions about technology.  FairCom is not a household name, so we start by selling people on FairCom.  We often don’t even get to the great CSV benefits, e.g. faster reports, HotBackup, etc.
  • The main contact at many of our firms isn’t especially technical, and they assume they already have Client Server because their software is installed on a server.  Because they already have it, they then ignore the lead generating CSV newsletter articles, emails, promotions, etc.
  • 64-bit servers are becoming more prevalent, and we need to have an option for firms that are considering this technology.

    • New marketing information will be distributed for the new Platinum SQL Server within the next several weeks.  If you have clients that might be interested in beta testing the Platinum SQL Server, please e-mail the firm’s contact information to [email protected] and specify SQL.

    Understanding Client Server Version (CSV) Webinars

    Nov 9

    Posted by Joe Abler in PR / Announcements | No Comments

    Philip Allendorfer, Director of Development for Tabs3 and PracticeMaster, will discuss the benefits of CSV and explain the technology behind CSV features like HotBackup and Report Accelerators.  Phil does a great job of explaining how the technology works.  If you have CSV prospects or clients with questions about CSV, they should attend, especially if they have technical questions.  This is a great opportunity for you and your clients to get your questions answered by the expert!  There will be a session on November 11, and another on December 14.  Learn more and register for this webinar at this site: 

    http://csv.eventbrite.com

    Accepting Credit Cards Webinars

    Nov 9

    Posted by Joe Abler in General, PR / Announcements | No Comments

    Bruce Policky, Product Manager for Tabs3 and PracticeMaster, will show your clients how to process credit card payments and trust deposits in Tabs3 in an upcoming webinar on November 10, and again on December 15.  He will also talk about ways to accommodate state bar guidelines for accepting trust deposits via credit card.  Credit cards are a great way for your clients to improve cash flow and reduce the time they spend on collections.  Be sure to let them know about this!  For more information and to register, click here: 

    http://creditcards.eventbrite.com