PTBiz

[Richard Snelson]

To add a bit more. The first time I called Ed about purchasing his software,
he told me that I would have to call him if I ever changed computers. I
quized him on this and boy did he get mad! Hung up on me very quickly. I
still called back a few days later an made the purchase.

He was helpful on two later calls that I made about a quirk that came up in
the software.

My latest problem occured as I tried to end the year on my old computer. I
kept going down after an hour or so of data input. I purchase a new HP and
called Ed to move the software. Told him I was finishing the year and would
not be using the software in the future since I'm cutting back my work. Well
that too darn bad, Rich. I have a new upgrade and the only way I'll help you
is for you to fork over the $$$. Lied and said he couldn't help because he
didn't have the code to unlock on the old version. That probably pissed me
off more than trying to push the upgrade on someone that just needed to end
the year. I developed software for a number of years and understand the time
it takes to invent a new program. I also knew the hidden file Ed had in
Windows that would allow moving the software without him. I never used it or
told anyone how to move to a new computer.

Software is structured in a very stiff manner. It must be used only as it
is. Database is set for PTbiz and requires software expert to move it to
another platform. I used it for three year, mainly to compute year end
totals. I printed mailing labels from it twice. It does allow printing
labels for specific regions, towns, areas.

So it's up to you. This is only my experiece with someone who is extremely
touchy about talking to his customers. Ed did open up a bit on my second
call when he found I also did software development. I won't go into the rant
he had about piano technicians in general. I don't like to be so negative on
the guy, but he can be a real ass. (I guess I can too) Rich
Richard Snelson
rsnelson0984@mchsi.com
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John M. Formsma" <john@formsmapiano.com>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2004 7:38 AM
Subject: RE: PTBiz


> Rich and others,
>
> Yeah, I thought Ed was a little uptight about the security of his
> program.
>
> The last update I purchased included a thing called a HASP, which plugs
> into a USB port and basically is the "security code." The HASP
> eliminates having to call for another code. Therefore, you may move the
> program freely onto another computer as often as you like, but you must
> have the HASP in order to use the program. It was a good update, I
> thought.
>
> My experience with PTBiz since 2000 has been basically good, although it
> has some odd quirks. In my opinion, it offers good service for the
> money. (E.g., I could have developed something similar with Access, but
> I tried that and saw quickly it would take me weeks to develop something
> suitable. Not how I want to spend my time.) I'm open to other software,
> though.
>
> Anyone care to share their experiences?
>
> John Formsma
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]On
> > Behalf Of Richard Snelson
> > Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2004 10:29 PM
> > To: Pianotech
> > Subject: Re: PTBiz
> >
> >
> > All I can tell you from experience with the individual that sells this
> > software is beware! He will screw you into buying updates
> > that you don't
> > want,  if you ever have to move it to a new computer. He did
> > just that to
> > me, a couple months back. I had purchased the software a
> > couple years ago,
> > called to move it to new machine. Too bad, must buy update. I
> > see no major
> > changes in the update that would justify having to purchase
> > it. Software
> > requires calling him to get an unlock code to move it to a
> > new computer.
> > Calling him is not a plesant experience. He refused to give
> > me the code to
> > move it. Said sorry "Charlie" but he no longer had the codes.
> > "Bullsh--" The
> > software has been out there free to down load for sometime.
> > It runs a few
> > days and then requires purchase. I would never do business with this
> > individual again. Rich
> > Richard Snelson
> > rsnelson0984@mchsi.com
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: <HazenBannister@cs.com>
> > To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> > Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2004 10:11 PM
> > Subject: PTBiz
> >
> >
> > > Hi,
> > >   PTBiz software for piano technicians is now shareware.
> > >  www.ptbiz.com
> > > Best,
> > > Hazen Bannister
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
> > >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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>