Piano Service Software

[Greg Newell]

John,
         I may have to give Ed a call here. That does sound better than all 
that typing. Any info about new bells and whistles? Wondering what's 
different, if anything. I'm existing with version 2000.10.0207 which is, I 
aware, quite old. What is the new version? Will he allow more access to 
your own info? I've wanted to make some global changes ever since I bought 
the program but have been locked out of the flat file aspect of it. When I 
came over from Piano Service Manager the info didn't come through so well 
and I never did all the re-typing that I should have. Thanks for taking the 
time to search this out!


Greg Newell



At 09:27 PM 12/14/2005, you wrote:
>FYI, Just got off the phone w/ Ed Winslow, author of the PTBiz software. 
>(I actually had a good conversation with him.)
>
>There is a newer version of the program that has no hasp or security 
>codes. For previous users, the price is $150 + $15 S&H, and for new users, 
>the price is $300.
>
>After a first glance at the trial versions of Peakeware, Execukey, and 
>PowerTech, PTBiz is so much smoother and faster. Though it doesn't have as 
>many functions as the others, I wouldn't use those anyway. I can tell 
>already that PTBiz is far easier to learn and use than the others (don't 
>know about DC al Coda). For instance, I was trying to use Execukey and got 
>lost - and I'm a computer nut!
>
>I don't know that I'd expect much technical support, but Ed said he was 
>supporting the latest version, though he hasn't gotten many requests for 
>the program. However, I've never needed any support except for those darn 
>codes and hasps which are now no more. If the program keeps on working, I 
>think I'll stick with PTBiz since I like using it. It's really worth $165 
>to never have to re-enter the data or re-learn another program! But I have 
>to say I really hate the thought of sending Ed another dime! Sure beats 
>$600+, though.
>
>John Formsma
>
>Greg Newell wrote:
>>John,
>>         I've been printing invoices on the spot for years with PTBiz but 
>> I too am looking for a way out. You're correct that not all info will 
>> transfer to virtually any other program. I've bought a copy of FileMaker 
>> pro hoping to build my own database program but haven't quit every other 
>> bleeding thing in my miserable life in order to convert all my waking 
>> hours into becoming proficient with FileMaker pro. Whatever way I 
>> finally go it will be where I am beholding to no one. No dongles, no 
>> hasps, no software keys and no one individual responsible for the whole 
>> program. I'm sure the other previously mentioned programs are all quite 
>> good in their own way but I won't tie myself up like that again. As 
>> others have mentioned I am faced with transferring quite a lot of 
>> information and I really don't want to do it more than once. 3,000 
>> clients and 21 years of invoices threatens to take quite a while.
>>
>>best,
>>Greg
>>
>>
>>
>>At 08:01 AM 12/14/2005, you wrote:
>>>Tom,
>>>
>>>OK, just looked at T&C. It looks like a wonderful scheduler and address 
>>>book program. But, it doesn't look like there's a way to do invoicing, 
>>>accounting, etc.
>>>
>>>What I'm wanting to do is use a laptop to print out an invoice at the 
>>>piano location. This looks more professional, plus it will elminate a 
>>>bunch of bookwork when I get home and don't feel like doing it. :-) Can 
>>>you do this with T&C?
>>>
>>>John Formsma
>>>
>>>Tom Servinsky wrote:
>>>>John,
>>>>Do yourself a favor and go directly to Time & Chaos. You won't pay a 
>>>>fortune for some out-dated software. You'll get a tech service that is 
>>>>out of this world. You'll get one of the most flexible and most 
>>>>use-friendly programs out there. And for less than $100. It also syncs 
>>>>with the Palm devices.  <http://www.chaossoftware.com>www.chaossoftware.com
>>>>I've tweaked my program for the last 3 yrs and finally have running 
>>>>smoothly and effectively.
>>>>Oh...and I'm a recovering PTBIZ user.
>>>>Tom Servinsky
>>>>----- Original Message -----
>>>>From: <mailto:john@formsmapiano.com>John Formsma
>>>>To: <mailto:pianotech@ptg.org>Pianotech
>>>>Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 1:04 AM
>>>>Subject: Piano Service Software
>>>>
>>>>Greetings everyone!
>>>>
>>>>Resubscribed recently...if this is a recently discussed topic, please 
>>>>forgive.
>>>>
>>>>Is anyone using the technician software listed on ptg.org?
>>>>ExecuKey
>>>>PianoDB by D C Al Coda
>>>>PowerTech
>>>>PeakeWare
>>>>
>>>>If you are a user of any of the above, is your experience favorable? 
>>>>Would you recommend it?
>>>>
>>>>I'm looking to replace PTBiz since apparently it is no longer being 
>>>>sold or supported. (I'd hate to think about the mess I'd be in if 
>>>>something happened to the program or Hasp hardware key and I couldn't 
>>>>retrieve my data - yikes!)
>>>>
>>>>Any other software out there that is user-friendly, does invoicing, 
>>>>reminders, and accounting, and is priced under $400.00? Am I living in 
>>>>"dream world"? PTBiz has done everything that I have needed. While it 
>>>>certainly has its quirks, I like that it's compact and doesn't have all 
>>>>the "bells and whistles" that I don't really need.
>>>>
>>>>It seems to make sense to look toward a program that will allow data to 
>>>>be easily transferred into other programs, such as MS Access (or 
>>>>another popular database). That way, if a program becomes obsolete for 
>>>>whatever reason, one doesn't have to re-type all the data into the new 
>>>>program.
>>>>
>>>>Any ideas?
>>>>
>>>>Thanks,
>>>>John Formsma
>>>
>>>Greg Newell
>>>Greg's piano Forté
>>><mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net>mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net
>>
>>_______________________________________________
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>>
>
>Greg Newell
>Greg's piano Forté
>mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net