Sunday, January 06, 2008

Beware of the Giant in the Mouse Disguise

Beware of a Very Large Financial System (VLFS) software provider that has entered the Medium-Sized Financial System market (MSFS).  At least, that’s what their current advertising claims.  What do they mean by medium-sized business? Their web site and media advertising is very vague and not informative.  It is next to impossible to research their information without contacting a sales representative to breathe down your neck. Contacting their sales staff is like throwing raw meat into a tank of Piranhas.  Not for the weak of heart!

I don’t hold much hope that this MSFS will be very good.  Heaven already knows their VLFS is very expensive and difficult to install.  It’s not that it doesn’t work, but you’d better have a lot of spare cash lying around.  I don’t believe they have ever come in on budget on any install.  Also, plan on some live-in consultants for quite awhile.  It may be cheaper to buy them a house to live in rather than pay for hotel bills.  And, the hardware requirements are notorious for being undersized, so be ready to purchase forced upgrades.

So why am I ranting about this MSFS without even trying it?  Because, unless they totally re-engineered their offering, and only downsized (?) their product, you will only get a smaller version of a larger problem.  It is extremely rare (like never) that a software developer will take the time and the money to totally re-engineer their software to gain the advantage of new ideas and new technology!

Look for a software company that has a proven design that takes advantage of current technology and is designed for your business.

Once again, it’s “Buyer Beware!” Good Luck!