General IT Advice, Timeslips, Uncategorized

The True cost of “If it Ain’t Broke, don’t Fix it”

Recently I got a call from a colleague. He was running into an issue with a Timeslips conversion from version 10.1 to Timeslips 2019.  To give you an idea of the difference in versions, Timeslips 2019 is technically version 27, so this was a pretty big leap in time and data.

Unfortunately, there were data issues with the conversion which led to very ambiguous error messages.  Our first challenge was to scramble to find a copy of a 17 year old Timeslips version so a better diagnoses and repair could be made. To give a car analogy – finding an intact Timeslips 10.5 is like finding an intact model T-Ford. Parts are hard to come by, and repairs will be more expensive.

Did anyone have a copy, what about install codes? Do we actually remember HOW to fix this type of error, and were the specific corrupt records critical? Documentation for data repair on older databases is not always easy to find.

Ultimately there was a happy ending to this story – the database was repaired, though the repair/conversion process took over 12 hours to complete.

The reality, however, was that it could easily have gone a different way. If we hadn’t had the resources (and a bit of luck), this would have resulted in an even more time consuming and costly project for the client. As it was, the cost included an extra 12 hours of consulting, plus extra down time for the firm without access to their billing.

Our policy is to support our clients, whether they are using “supported” versions of software or not, and we continue to do so. At the same time, it’s also important that firms understand the risk they are taking if they let years go by without periodically investing in keeping up with technology. Given that this is mission critical software, something to consider!

Leave your commentPosted by on November 19, 2018No Comments
General IT Advice, Timeslips, Uncategorized

Is My Timeslips Outdated?

Is it time to Upgrade (or change) our Software… ?

We’ve had several clients recently contact us after receiving a call from Sage Timeslips salespeople telling them about upgrade promotions or that they now have an increased risk of corruption or data failure.  While having unsupported software does have risks (see below), it doesn’t mean that you suddenly have an increased risk.

What does it mean to be on an unsupported Version? 

Timeslips currently supports Timeslips 2018 and Timeslips 2019.  If you are currently using any other version, this is an unsupported version of Timeslips.  You cannot add additional licenses, use Timeslips E-Center, or purchase electronic billing module (i.e. LEDES). It also means that there is no official technical support available to you. If something changes in your environment (like upgrading to Windows 10, or some other program that links with Timeslips) there could be compatibility issues. Remember it’s always critical to make sure you have a good backup!  Borek Consulting is always happy to assist you with technical support, even with unsupported versions.

What are the new features?

Each version brings new features and fixes along with it. Some recent features include a faster database, enhanced security, Lawpay integration, and A/R improvements. We can send you a list of new features introduced since your version, and discuss which ones would be applicable to your firm.

What is the cost?

The software cost depends on the number of licenses you need. Find out your current number of licenses by going to Help, then “About Timeslips” from the menu bar. Let us know the number of licenses you have, and the number you need (it can be more or less). We’ll be happy to send you a quote with the software cost along with a budget for installation, conversion and training so you can take advantage of the new features.

What about the promotions? Is this a good time?

Sage periodically offers promotional discounts. Borek Consulting can always honor these discounts. Since we are approaching the end of the year, this is a good time to consider. However, it is also important to make sure that your hardware meets the minimum system requirements, and that you are ready for an upgrade. Give us a call to discuss. 

Leave your commentPosted by on November 4, 2018No Comments
Uncategorized

Three Questions

This month, we’d like to review 3 common questions we often receive:

Is it time to Upgrade (or change) our Software… ?

Maybe you have received a sales promotion, a direct call from the vendor, or a new version was announced. Perhaps you have something new in your environment (staff, workstations, or servers), or are upgrading a different program and want to make sure everything works together. Possibly you are considering whether to keep or change your software entirely. There’s a lot to consider, including compatibility, timing, and transition.

Do you work with other software? We’re considering a change…

The short answer is … Yes!

We’ve added both Clio and Actionstep to our areas of expertise, and continue to support Timeslips, and Amicus.

If you are considering another product, we can often provide information, refer you to a colleague or assist with exporting data.

Can you tell me where our data is located? I’m not sure it is backed up…!

Unfortunately, hardware fails, data corrupts, and viruses (including ransomware) have become more and more dangerous, encrypting your files and preventing access. Often a backup is your only option for recovery, however we’ve found that sometimes you (or your IT folks) did not know where your data was located, so it was not backed up.

For a limited time, we are offering a complimentary 15 minute review of the data locations of your time and billing and practice management software.

If any of these questions apply (or you would like to schedule the complimentary call), contact us so we can review the situation together!

Leave your commentPosted by on April 26, 2018No Comments
Timeslips, Uncategorized

Timeslips Upcoming Changes

Sage Timeslips has announced some changes recently to their support and licensing policies. Following are some frequently asked questions and answers:

Timeslips has supported older versions in the past, what is the change? What will happen moving forward?

Timeslips has traditionally supported the most recent 3 versions of the program. As of August 1, 2017, Sage will now only support 2 versions (the current version and one prior). For example, once Timeslips 2018 is released, Timeslips 2017 and Timeslips 2018 will be the only supported versions. (Timeslips 2018 will be released in the summer.)

What does it mean to be using a supported version of Timeslips?

When you are using a supported version of Timeslips, you (or we) can get technical support, patches are available and updated, you can use E-Center, and you can purchase items such as additional licenses or electronic billing modules.

Can we still get support through Borek Consulting?

Yes, we will be happy to continue to support your firm, even if you are not on a supported version. Keep in mind if things change in your environment (changes to operating systems, 3rd party programs, links, etc), there may not be patches or fixes available.

Does Subscription mean that Timeslips is in the Cloud?

No – Timeslips is still installed on your server/local workstations. Subscription means that technical support, patches, and upgrades are included in the annual fee.

Do I need to move to subscription? How much does it cost?

The cost is dependent on the number of users and from what version you are coming from. We will be happy to provide you a quote.

Is there anything else to know about subscription?

All of the benefits listed above are included with a subscription. It is important to know that if you choose not to renew your subscription, your data will become “read-only” and will not be able to be modified.

What if I don’t wish to go on subscription? Can I still own the software? 

Timeslips 2017 and Timeslips 2018 will be available in both subscription and perpetual format (if purchased through a certified consultant such as Borek Consulting Group). Perpetual licenses are the “traditional” way that licenses have been issued in the past – licenses are owned by the firm and do not expire. Upgrades are encouraged but optional. 

Do I have to change everything? Or just Timeslips?

If you are linking Timeslips to another program (such as Amicus, Time Matters, Quickbooks, etc), we will want to coordinate to make sure all programs are compatible with each other.

What if I currently have Timeslips 2017? Do I need to upgrade?

It depends – once the features of Timeslips 2018 are released, you should review and evaluate whether they will enhance your firm’s billing. 

Are there billing programs other than Timeslips to consider?

We represent several case, time and billing management products that we would be happy to discuss with you, if you are seeking to make a change, or wondering if there might be a different solution available to you.

When is the best time to upgrade?

It depends on the firm – we’ll help you create a timeline.

What if I have more questions?

Please contact us and we will be happy to address your questions!

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Leave your commentPosted by on May 31, 2017No Comments

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Amicus Attorney, General IT Advice, Time Management, Timeslips, Uncategorized

My Toyota Saga.. and how it relates to Software & Consulting – Part 2

As many of you know from my previous post, I recently had some car troubles that put me in a strikingly similar situation to one my clients occasionally encounter: executing the best plan of action in an emergency situation. (Click here for Part 1)

Like our clients sometimes do, I had to decide: Do I go with a short term “patch” (or “workaround”), or do I make a costly decision under pressure?

Some background: Since I bought my car, I had all maintenance done at the same dealership. Even though other facilities offered marginally lower pricing, I felt that, in the long-term, it would benefit me to continue with the dealership. In fact, this was my second Toyota with the same dealership. So when I called Toyota Corporate and they reviewed my records, thanks to my long term relationship and history, they offered me a significant discount on the repair. Another positive – a new hybrid battery improved the resale value and gave me some time to breathe.

So, how does this relate to software support and consulting?
– My long history with the dealership helped me to negotiate a better deal, just as our relationship with software vendors helps us in negotiating on our clients’ behalf.
– Long term planning versus “wait until it breaks” – an expensive lesson to learn. I hadn’t even started looking for a new car when I had this crisis, but you can bet I’ll be looking now! Our clients also need to be aware of the options available to them, whether it’s an upgrade to existing software, or researching to see what else is available to satisfy their needs.
– A backup plan – I didn’t have one at the time, so had to scramble and take a lot of unplanned time to deal with this issue, between the negotiation and repair time. While I could borrow a car to get around, I can’t get back the down time and stress. Our clients need to make sure that they have rock solid backups (you knew I was going to go there) and backup plans for when the unexpected happens.

Moving forward, I plan to purchase a new car by the end of the first quarter of 2017. Feel free to check in with me and make car recommendations!

Leave your commentPosted by on January 11, 2017No Comments
Amicus Attorney, General IT Advice, Time Management, Timeslips

My Toyota Saga…and how it relates to Software Support (Part 1)

I have a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid, which I love. Ok, to be honest the love (like the original paint) may have faded over time. But the car has been good to me, and before I knew it I had driven it about 2 years longer than I originally planned. As I watched the odometer inch towards 100,000 (and the end of my warranty) I thought to myself that it was probably time to start looking for a new car. With my busy schedule and dread of the car buying process, I decided to wait until the spring. The milestone came and went, and before I knew it my car odometer was at 100,882 miles.

Of course you know what happened next – without warning, all kinds of bells and whistles went off about a week ago. Danger, Hybrid Engine System Check? A quick look at the owner’s manual told me it was not good news, confirmed by the look on the car dealership service manager’s face when I brought it in. To make a long story a little shorter, there was over $4000 in repairs to replace the hybrid battery system. Now what ??? Do I repair the vehicle or buy a new one while I’m in a bind?

As I found myself contemplating the philosophical choices that I’ve made (buy vs. lease, keep just a few months longer vs. risk being out of warranty), I realized that there was a stunning parallel to the world of consulting and the software that we support.

Many of our clients are in the same boat. They often question how long they can stretch their use of existing software – the mission critical systems that keep your firm running (calendar and docketing, time tracking and billing, and even e-mail.)

Firms make do with what they have for many reasons – they fear the increased costs, learning curve, or even down time. We often field questions about upgrading, benefits of support plans, and defining exactly what “unsupported” means. Why should they upgrade? The software is paid for! It’s working fine, why should they change? Or, maybe it’s not working great, but we’d rather deal with what we have than deal with transition.

We have always continued to support our clients, whether the software vendor supports the version or not – for as long as we are able. We continue this commitment to our clients.

However, based on recent events with my car (and new trends in the software industry), we also realize that it is imperative that we are clear about the risks of using an unsupported version of your software.

Risks may include:

– Extra Costs for time spent researching issues and getting resources (since official technical support will not be available)
– Unplanned downtime if your program is not working
– Living with software bugs or workarounds
– Limited (or no availability) to add licenses
– Compatibility issues with new operating systems or 3rd party links (accounting, billing, etc)

– In the worst case scenario there may be a domino effect of needing to upgrade multiple systems – hardware, operating systems, practice management software, billing software, etc. at a most inconvenient time.

If you’d like us to review your options, please call our office to schedule a complimentary telephone conference. We’ll be happy to discuss your current systems and help you create a timeline that suits your budget – and your tolerance for risk.

And as for me, and my car – what did I do? You can wait until Part 2, or e-mail me to find out, and I’ll tell you the rest of the story…

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Leave your commentPosted by on December 6, 2016No Comments

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Amicus Attorney, Uncategorized

Amicus Premium Updates

Frequently Asked Questions – Amicus Premium Edition Changes

As many of you know, there have been some major changes to Amicus product and pricing in the last few months. We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions and answers. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

I’ve heard that they discontinued Amicus Small Firm.  Is Amicus Premium still being sold and supported?

Yes, Amicus Premium is fully supported.

Has anything changed with Amicus Premium?

Yes, Amicus Premium pricing and licensing has changed. Amicus is now being sold as a subscription product instead of perpetual license. Upgrades, technical support, and mobility functions are included in the subscription plan. License charges are paid monthly via credit card. 

I have an Amicus Attorney Advantage Plan (also known as Maintenance) – will that change?

Your existing contracts will be honored until their expiration date. Once the plan expires, you will be given an opportunity to move to a subscription. If you are unsure of your expiration date, please call or email us.  If your firm is close to the expiration date, there may be some benefits to transitioning early.

We don’t want to move to the Cloud – doesn’t subscription mean the data is in the Cloud?

Not necessarily. You can continue to install and maintain Amicus Premium in your own network environment if you choose. The subscription governs the pricing and use of the program, not where the data is kept.

We have been considering moving to the cloud – what are the options?

If you want to stay in the Amicus family, you can move to Amicus Online (formerly known as Amicus Cloud). There are also other Cloud practice management programs available. You can also consider a Desktop Hosted solution such as Abacus Private Cloud, which hosts your entire desktop in a cloud environment. There are a variety of options available, each with different advantages and pricing.

We just want to order an additional Premium license. Can we do that?

If you currently have Amicus 2016 with maintenance or technical support, you may order an additional license (which will be a subscription priced on a monthly basis). If you have versions prior to Amicus 2016, you must transition to a subscription plan for your entire firm.

I’ve been contacted by an Amicus or Abacus salesperson – what should I do?

Let them know you are working with Borek Consulting Group. Together, we’ll navigate through the pricing and options available. Be assured that as always, we are here to support you and your individual needs.

How do I get a quote for upgrades or additional licenses, or get additional questions answered?

Call our office at (954) 963-7621 or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to assist!

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Leave your commentPosted by on November 1, 2016No Comments

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Amicus Attorney, Uncategorized

Amicus Small Firm Updates

Frequently Asked Questions – Amicus Small Firm

As many of you know, there have been some major changes to Amicus product and pricing in the last few months. We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions and answers. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

What changed with Amicus Small Firm?

As of August 5, 2016, Amicus Small Firm was given End of Life (EOL) Status. That means that no new patches will be issued, nor support given by Amicus for this product. It also means that you cannot order additional licenses for your existing Amicus Small Firm version.

Are there any exceptions to the technical support rule?

Yes, if you currently have an Amicus Technical Support plan, it will be honored until the expiration date of the plan.

Will our existing Amicus Small Firm program continue to work?

Yes, it will continue to work as it has always worked. Keep in mind that if you introduce anything new into your environment such as new operating system (like Windows 10, or a new server), new version of Microsoft Office, or new versions of 3rd party accounting programs like Timeslips, PcLaw, or Quickbooks this may change the compatibility.

We just want to order an additional Small Firm license. Can we do that?

No, additional licenses for Amicus Small Firm and Amicus Accounting are no longer being sold.

What are my options if I want to transition out of Amicus Small Firm?

You can upgrade to Amicus Premium, Amicus Online, or convert to a completely different product. Please contact our office to review your firm’s needs and to get a quote.

We don’t want to move to the Cloud – doesn’t subscription mean the data is in the Cloud?

Not necessarily. You can continue to install and maintain Amicus Premium in your own network environment if you choose. The subscription governs the pricing and use of the program, not where the data is kept.

We have been considering moving to the cloud – what are the options?

If you want to stay in the Amicus family, you can move to Amicus Online (formerly known as Amicus Cloud). There are also other Cloud practice management programs available. You can also consider a Desktop Hosted solution such as Abacus Private Cloud (see below). There are a variety of options available, each with different advantages and pricing.

What is AbacusLaw and Abacus Private Cloud?

AbacusLaw is another practice management program offered by Abacus Next, the company that now owns Amicus. Conversions are available from Amicus Small Firm to Abacus if desired. Abacus Private Cloud is a private cloud hosted desktop solution – your entire desktops are hosted in the Cloud, including all programs. We can arrange for demonstrations of either option.

I’ve been contacted by an Amicus or Abacus salesperson – what should I do?

Let them know you are working with Borek Consulting Group. Together, we’ll navigate through the pricing and options available. Be assured that as always, we are here to support you and your individual needs.

How do I get a quote, arrange for a demonstration, or get answers to additional questions?

Give us a call at (954) 963-7621 – we’ll be happy to assist!

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Leave your commentPosted by on November 1, 2016No Comments

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Amicus Attorney

Amicus Upcoming Changes

As some of you may be aware, the company that makes Amicus Attorney and Credenza (Gavel & Gown Software) was recently purchased by Abacus Data Systems. As your Certified Consultants and trusted advisors, we are writing to let you know that there are upcoming changes coming for all Amicus Attorney and Credenza users.

The most important things to know are:

Amicus Small Firm and Credenza Have Reached End of Life (Sunset).

  • Amicus Small Firm – This means that the company will no longer be offering support or selling additional licenses, although Borek Consulting Group will continue to support the software and your firm. Current Amicus support plans will be honored through their expiration date.
  • Credenza – 60 days after August 2016 renewal date, Credenza will no longer be offered or supported (data will become read only).

New Subscription Based Model
There will be a new subscription based pricing model that will be implemented for all other versions of Amicus Attorney (Amicus Premium and Amicus Cloud).

You should be receiving a letter in the mail this week discussing all of this.

We know you have questions and we are actively working together with the Amicus Sales Team and Management to get as much information as possible to you within the next few weeks. Please be assured that we are here to support you and to answer any questions you may have.

Abacus Private Cloud

There will be opportunities to migrate to a private cloud solution – please review with us first so we can help you evaluate!

We’ll be hosting two webinars to review your options:

  • Small Firm or Credenza users: Tuesday, August 23rd – 2:00 – 2:30 pm (EST)
  • Amicus Premium users: Thursday, August 25th – 2:00 – 2:30 pm (EST)

Please let us know if you are interested in attending, and we will send you detailed information and link.

We truly appreciate the trust you have placed in Borek Consulting Group in allowing us to partner with your firm. I highly recommend that you contact us if you have any upcoming license purchases, renewals, or changes in general so that we can advise you of your options. We’ll work together to find the best fit for you moving forward.

We look forward to our continued relationship with you as we navigate through these changes together.

Leave your commentPosted by on August 10, 2016No Comments
Amicus Attorney, Time Management, Timeslips

Received a promotional E-mail or call from your software company? Give us a call to discuss!

Borek Consulting Group is proud to work in partnership with the sales channel at each of the software programs we work with.
Should you receive an email or a call from one of the software companies regarding a sales promotion, give us a call!
Not only can we honor their pricing, but being familiar with your firm’s set up and use of your programs, we can guide you through a transition – and make sure that taking advantage of a promotion is the right fit.
Leave your commentPosted by on July 21, 2016No Comments