🚀 go-pugleaf

hi all

NOTE: an immediately prior post was erroneously sent by my
provider - something computereeeze happened to their equip
and my follow-up message disappeared... to the best of my
recollect i said:

the advice from davec@vax2.concordia.ca is some of the best
advise ive seen in this thread - and from academia no less...

ive about 40 years in very wide and very deep accounting - a 
good portion of which is dealing with computerized accounting
systems.

ive been touting a system from cougar mountain - which is about
as good as generic systems git - its not yet on windows, but
its been around since cpm days and still going strong.  it does
most things for most people and i recommend it strongly.

btw - ive just put up my pages (although not net smoooothed
out, there available - im open for suggestions, please, all,
take a quick look.

-=-=-
re:

>From: davec@vax2.concordia.ca (vax2.concordia.ca)
>Newsgroups: misc.business.consulting,biz.general,biz.comp.accounting

>>I do not have very much experience with accounting software, but allow
>>me a generalization about promoting software packages.  The first rule
>>is use the KISS principal, Keep It Simple Stupid.  Ease of use.  Price
>>is also extremely important.  File format is critical.  Can the files
>>be converted to other software packages?   Most small to medium
>>businesses will spend $300 for a package that does 60-80% of a $600
>>package.  I'm surprised you did not mention PeachTree.  What ever
>>package you install, you can bet that you will (and better be)
>>providing technical support.  Don't charge for the tech support unless
>>it gets out of hand.
>> 
>>The bottom line is that I have seen companies get a software package
>>shoved down a clients throat because, "It's what I use."  A year or
>>two later it is a big thorn in the side.  All the blame is put on the
>>consultant and then you have a customer relations problem.  Be
>>cautious.

>        If you are going to do consulting for accounting packages, the
>first thing you should realise is that there is no distinction between
>helping a client with the software and helping a client with his/her
>accounting.  IMO, you would need to charge the client for support if you
>don't want to become their FT bookkeeper. 

>        The trend for accounting software has also shifted from the G/L to
>the business end of the record keeping.  In stead of comitting to one
>software developper, you would probably do better to specialise in an
>industry (or several related industries).  Support the clients' complete
>record keeping needs.  Pickup some 4GL development abilities to customise
>and add to off the shelf packages.  ie., learn a lot of macros, database
>development and how to export data from a given package to these tools. 
>This will make you a lot more valuable to the client. 

>        It probably sounds like a lot of work but it would pay off
>tremendously. The client will not only look to keep buying from you, but a
>CPA with overall computing knowledge will have a lot of credibility and
>will be able to implement the system in the most efficient (and
>profitable) manner.