🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1.x9*yi2da5@gate.net>,
eashman@wing.net wrote:

>  I am currently planning on launching a computer consulting business in the
>spring/summer of '96.  As a CPA with 7 years experience, my focus would be
>the installation of a specific windows based accounting package (yet to be
>determined) for mid size businesses and the training of the client's
>personnel. 
  I also intend to limit myself to the windows platform
>at this time.  Several packages I am considering are Great Plains
>Dynamics, Solomon IV and Platinum.  Obviously I am focusing on the more
>expensive and proven packages at this time, although I am not sure this is
>where I will end up. 
>  As I am a CPA with extensive tax experience, I would be happy to exchange
>my knowledge in this area for any advice you could offer. 
>
>Thanks in advance
>Eric Ashman
>eashman@wing.net

If you intend to work with medium size businesses (multi user systems), and
you intend to be a valuable consultatant to your clients, you really should
take a good hard look at CompuServe accounting software.  

Simply stated - it is the best packaged accy software in the world.  I do
not work for them or have any interest in them other than to see other
people succeed and to help what I consider to be an exceptional product and
company.

They can be reached at 1-806-794-1400

Good Luck

eashman@wing.net wrote:

: .......I would appreciate any comments from other consultants regarding 
: their
: experience with specific products and/or vendors.  Have you found a
: specific product to not be all it was supposed to be?  Has vendor support
: be beyond you wildest dreams?  How helpful were vendors in providing leads
: to help build up your practice?  I would also appreciate comments from
: users of any accounting package regarding your likes, dislikes and horror
: stories about any particular package.  All of this would be helpful in
: trying to pick a vendor to work with. 
:  As I am a CPA with extensive tax experience, I would be happy to exchange
: my knowledge in this area for any advice you could offer. 


: Thanks in advance
: Eric Ashman
: eashman@wing.net

Eric:

The problem with windows accounting software is that it is too new even 
after 2 years, the products have disappointed users who wanted to have 
several people do data entry on a module at the same time ( e.g. A/P). I 
am also a CPA but have chosen to "outsource" the installation and 
training after the clients specific needs are analyzed.  Of the products 
you named, Solomon seems to be the best so far.


-- 
----
Alan R. Morris                     
San Francisco, CA                  
armorris@well.com        

armorris@well.sf.ca.us (Alan R Morris) Banged on the keyboard and
wrote:

#|>eashman@wing.net wrote:
#|>
#|>: .......I would appreciate any comments from other consultants regarding 
#|>: their
#|>: experience with specific products and/or vendors.  Have you found a
#|>: specific product to not be all it was supposed to be?  Has vendor support
#|>: be beyond you wildest dreams?  How helpful were vendors in providing leads
#|>: to help build up your practice?  I would also appreciate comments from
#|>: users of any accounting package regarding your likes, dislikes and horror
#|>: stories about any particular package.  All of this would be helpful in
#|>: trying to pick a vendor to work with. 
#|>:  As I am a CPA with extensive tax experience, I would be happy to exchange
#|>: my knowledge in this area for any advice you could offer. 

snip

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.

Just a few thoughts.

Nick
W.E. "Nick" Nichols                 Non Illegitimi Carburundum est
Coastal Corrosion Consultants       ******************************
Marine & Industrial Coatings Consultants
wen@infi.net       

In article <1.vfpzi2ftk@gate.net>, wen@infi.net (W.E. Nichols) writes...
>armorris@well.sf.ca.us (Alan R Morris) Banged on the keyboard and
>wrote:
> 
>#|>eashman@wing.net wrote:
>#|>
>#|>: .......I would appreciate any comments from other consultants regarding 
>#|>: their
>#|>: experience with specific products and/or vendors.  Have you found a
>#|>: specific product to not be all it was supposed to be?  Has vendor support
>#|>: be beyond you wildest dreams?  How helpful were vendors in providing leads
>#|>: to help build up your practice?  I would also appreciate comments from
>#|>: users of any accounting package regarding your likes, dislikes and horror
>#|>: stories about any particular package.  All of this would be helpful in
>#|>: trying to pick a vendor to work with. 
>#|>:  As I am a CPA with extensive tax experience, I would be happy to exchange
>#|>: my knowledge in this area for any advice you could offer. 
> 
>snip
> 
>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. 

Good Luck!

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.