Most you have been using Timeslips for many years without paying any annual fees, other than a very nominal and optional support fee. All of that is rapidly changing in the software world, and Timeslips is no exception. If you take a look at the Timeslips website, it becomes obvious that the only future Timeslips upgrade choice will be to purchase a subscription (Timeslips Premium) or change software (a costly choice, which would most likely still involve a subscription). Sage is tightening the reins even more by no longer providing pay-as-go technical support or any technical support beyond the initial 30 days unless you have a Business Care Plan (exorbitantly expensive) or Timeslips Premium (subscription).
In the meantime, Sage is allowing 3rd party Timeslips resellers and Timeslips consultants (like myself) to offer the non-subscription Timeslips 2018 to our clients. We do not know how long they will continue to allow the sale of non-subscription Timeslips, but it certainly appears that time is running out. We are strongly encouraging all of our Timeslips clients with versions older than Timeslips 2017 to consider upgrading as soon as possible if you want to avoid being forced into an annual subscription.
The benefits to upgrading now to Timeslips 2018 are:
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Compatibility with Windows 10.
Timeslips versions earlier than 2016 are not considered compatible with Windows 10. Some clients have been able to make it work, but there is no guarantee that future Microsoft updates will not cause issues. -
Firebird SQL database.
Versions older than 2017 use an old, outdated and obsolete Paradox database, prone to slowness and data corruption. SQL databases are the current standard, providing superior speed and reliability, and will be considered up-to-date for many years, whereas the Paradox database has outlived its usefulness. -
Avoid purchasing a Timeslips subscription or switching software.
Two years ago Sage has announced to the consulting community that they would be moving toward a subscription only software. They are moving closer. If you look on the Timeslips website, only the subscription (Timeslips Premium) is offered. Sage is still selling the non-subscription product through 3rd party resellers and consultants like myself, however this could change at any time. By purchasing a Timeslips non-subscription upgrade now, you will own a software license that is compatible with the latest Windows operating system and using a state-of-the art database. What this means is that you can keep using this software for many, many years without the need to purchase a subscription from Sage or change software, both costly options. -
Cost of ownership.
If you consider that you will keep the current version for at least 3 years (in all likelihood, you will keep it for much longer), the total monthly cost for 3 users is a little over $31/month. That’s slightly more than $10/month/user. You will not get this value with any subscription software. -
Purchase Additional Licenses.
Currently, Timeslips will only sell new licenses for the last two Timeslips versions: Timeslips 2017 and Timeslips 2018. If you need to add more licenses, you must upgrade. If you upgrade to Timeslips 2018 now, you will have until Timeslips 2020 is release to add new licenses to your Timeslips 2018
The bottom line is that if you are using Timeslips 2016 or older, you may have a limited amount of time to upgrade to a non-subscription Timeslips version. We certainly know that the Timeslips subscription software model is here to stay and will become inevitable at some point. By purchasing the Timeslips non-subscription product now, you can buy yourself many years of Timeslips software use without the additional expense of an annual fee.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like a quote or would like to discuss in more detail. When requesting a quote, I need the following information:
- Your current version number
- Current number of licenses that you now own
- In addition to your current number of licenses, do you want to add any additional licenses
- Are you currently using Electronic Billing (LEDES, etc.)
Email me at joan@radiantsoftware.net or call (561) 289-4302
