Given how many different versions of Peachtree Accounting are available, it would be easy for Best Software to just throw in the towel on DacEasy. After all, it’s sold by the same division, and competes somewhat directly with Peachtree.
There’s a considerable difference, though, between Peachtree’s user base and that of DacEasy. One big difference is that Peachtree’s applications are sold pretty much at retail, while you’ll have to go to an authorized DacEasy reseller or purchase the DacEasy product directly from the vendor.
The most probable customer for DacEasy Version 13 is a client who is already using a prior version of the software. That doesn’t mean that you should not consider DacEasy for those of your clients who are looking to implement their initial entry-level system, or to move from a product that is not meeting their needs.
The basic accounting system consists of general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, inventory, purchasing, sales, billing, fixed assets and a custom report writer. Missing from this collection are payroll, order entry and point of sale. Another extra-cost option is Crystal Reports for DacEasy. None of these add-ons comes cheap. Order entry and POS each cost $399 in single-user format, or $699 in network form. Crystal Reports will add another $149 to the tab. The price for payroll was not available at press time, but that adds to the overall system price, as well.
On the other hand, DacEasy does offer some capabilities that are exceptionally good for this type of application. Inventory is especially robust, with multiple warehouse capabilities and the ability to cost inventory using standard, average or LIFO.
The “other” Best Software entry-level products (i.e., Peachtree) have a My Business screen that provides an essential summary of the client’s business at a glance. DacEasy added this feature in the last release as well, calling it the Business Center. It’s easy to see why this type of feature is showing up in most of the accounting products currently being rolled out. Being able to see the important data points of a business at a glance is valuable.
As with the last version, many of the features that Best is touting as new in v. 13 are really just minor upgrades, such as the ability to customize the Toolbar and schedule back-ups. The most important thing about these is that they are usually requested by customers, and demonstrate that Best Software continues to listen and respond to their users.
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