MAS90 vs MAS200

[carolamrt]

Thanks in advance if anyone can answer some or all of these questions.

Can anyone describe in simple terms the fundamental differences?

Why would one upgrade to MAS90 v4.2 instead of MAS200 v4.2? It seems like the code base is the same?

Manuals are the same for both. Both are in Providex.

Are the number of users the same? etc. Is there a giant order of magnatude cost difference? Other than cost, any reason to stay with MAS90 instead of moving to MAS200?

Is there an end of life date for MAS90 that we should be aware of?

 

[dgillz]

Mas200 is a client/server app, Mas90 is not. Maybe BigLouie or one of the other experts will be along shortly to add more input.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.gainfocus.biz

"If you have a big enough dictionary, just about everything is a word"
--Dave Barry

 

[BigLouie]

MAS90 is a file server application while MAS200 is a client server application.

With MAS90 the files are moved to the work station and all processing is done at the work station.

With MAS200 all processing is done on the server. MAS200 will result in faster processing and few data corruption problems.

MAS90 is generally used by firms where not many people 10 or less use MAS.

 

[carolamrt]

Thanks. I know we can ask our reseller but we don't want a sales oriented answer (what will bring more money into their checking account).

 

[BigLouie]

Normally I recommend MAS200 to any company of size. It will result in far fewer technical support calls (billable), few problems overall. On any MAS technical board the vast majority of tech questions are from MAS90 users.

 

[carolamrt]

Thanks again Big Louie!!

This is the only MAS board I could find. Ther are others? Could you provide a link?

We are in the planning stages of an upgrade. I think our reseller will make more money by upgrading us to MAS90 newest where we will on the first day be underpowered. Then they would get more money from us upgrading to MAS200 in a year. I think that is their plan for us. And I want us to go to MAS200 right now. We already have more users than MAS90 appears to support near as I can tell from the documentation. We already have the hardware.

I used to work for a reseller now out of business and I know how it goes. We had meetings every week discussing the best approach to get the most billable hours out of the customer, never what was best for the customer.

They don't make any money selling software or hardware. It's the billable hours.

 

[dgillz]

I think our reseller will make more money by upgrading us to MAS90 newest where we will on the first day be underpowered. Then they would get more money from us upgrading to MAS200 in a year. I think that is their plan for us.

Unfotunately, there are too many people in the consulting world who think short term like this, however there are plenty who do not think this way. I would find a new Mas reseller ASAP if you really believe that your reseller does not have your best interests in mind.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.gainfocus.biz

"If you have a big enough dictionary, just about everything is a word"
--Dave Barry

 

[BigLouie]

The other board is Sage Talk with is the best resource going. If you are current on your maintenance then you can go to the Sage web page, log in and access the Sage Talk forums from there.

I would hold out for MAS200 from the very start. In the long run it will cost you less money although the initial cost will be higher.