Join beta testing for Accounting/ERP/CRM solution developed with .NET

Hi,

I’m Gary Harrison one of the project managers of Interprise Suite. Next week we will have a new beta of Interprise Suite available – beta 4.1. You are encouraged to apply for this beta on our website www.interprisesuite.com. Unlike most beta programs which encourage you to help find bugs, the Interprise Suite beta program was setup to bring the potential users of the application directly into the development process. This has been very successful for us as we have received a large number of comments and suggestions that have been integrated into our betas.

If you not familiar with Interprise Suite it is a fully integrated solution that brings Accounting and CRM functions together. It is a traditional desktop application like iCode Everest but can also connect to data over the internet like Netsuite making it ideal for connecting remote offices and employees. This is done via the new “Smart Client” technology that allows you to combine the best of desktop and web applications into one solution. In 2006 we will be introducing an option to allow offline data progressing allowing remote offices and employees to continue working when the internet is down. The ability to work offline is only available in a “Smart Client” application and is not technically possible in a browser based application like Netsuite. With Interprise Suite you can install it locally, install it remotely – it’s your company and your choice.

One of the most surprising things about Interprise Suite is its price. It is 100% free for companies with less than 3 concurrent users and even the full blow SQL version is less than $7,500 for unlimited users. We are often asked why are we priced so much less than everyone else and the answer is easy – we want to develop a large user base for Interprise Suite. So far this strategy is working with over 1000 companies signing up for the free version. Given the fact that servers now cost less than $1,000 and the Interprise Suite server can be easily self installed nothing comes close to its TCO.

The core team developing Interprise Suite is very experienced having either managed or previously developed on accounting systems that have been installed by over 5,000 small to mid sized companies worldwide.

Interprise Suite was designed with customization in mind. Unlike most applications that come with a very limited SDK or API, the source code to Interprise Suite is available. To ensure that customizations are not lost from build to build and version to version, a flexible “plug-in” architecture was developed allowing customizations to be made via custom plugs.

I look forward to seeing you in the beta program.

Sincerely,

Gary Harrison
Interprise Solutions
www.interprisesuite.com

Hi Gary,

I applied for beta program maybe 2 months back and never heard from you guys infact I even referred couple of my other friends/reseller to apply and neither they have heard from you guys, not a good response from a company which wants to grow....

We will look fwd to hear from you guys from our previous submission to beta program.....

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Originally Posted by InfoSourcing

Hi Gary,

I applied for beta program maybe 2 months back and never heard from you guys infact I even referred couple of my other friends/reseller to apply and neither they have heard from you guys, not a good response from a company which wants to grow....

We will look fwd to hear from you guys from our previous submission to beta program.....

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Hi Infosource,

I did some checking on your beta application.

The beta program is designed for us to receive comments and suggestions from the prospective users of the application to help us improve the application. Since Interprise Suite was developed for product related businesses the beta program is limited to companies that fit that criteria. Best we can see, your company specializes in Accounting / CRM software development in India.

Thank you,

Gary

Hi Gary,

Thanks for your reply, I was looking to see if you guys are open to VAR/Reseller program and I was considering from that point, which definitely meets your criteria as we represent many small and medium business across North America along with our R&D being back in Bangalore, India (just like other fortune 500 companies)

If your interested pls do email me [email protected] we cantalk off line also my other friends who are interested in your VAR program have already emailed you and we all reside in USA representing SMB market.

Thanks

I noticed that Microsoft SBA looks a lot like Interprise Suite. Any connection? (SIMILAR SCREENSHOTS: Microsoft | Interprise)

Also, how do you sign up for the beta? Just add beta to cart and checkout? Will a link be provided in email?

Interesting, it looks like everybody is copying QuickBooks who introduced the concept of "flow of documents", so business owners know how to run and when to create such documents....

Atleast everybody is using the same terminology, which makes it easier for accountants and other users to feel at easy and switch between softwares, finally we can see everyone following the same accounting practices.

NobleNull, if you are a small business owner then you would get a copy of the trial version, if you are company which has a sub-divison in India/China etc then you might not :), it is not for free/public download, anyways I got my copy of the 2006 SBA and it is looking promising...

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Originally Posted by noblenull

I noticed that Microsoft SBA looks a lot like Interprise Suite. Any connection? (SIMILAR SCREENSHOTS: Microsoft | Interprise)

Also, how do you sign up for the beta? Just add beta to cart and checkout? Will a link be provided in email?

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Hi Noblenull,

Thank you for your observation.

Back in 2004 we were in "negotiations" with Microsoft and provided them with some screenshots of Interprise Suite. They did let us know at that time that they were working on something with a similar interface but we were surprised how similar it was when we saw SBA. I think the main reason why we both came up with a similar user interface was due to the fact that both software was designed with the Office "look and feel".

As infosource pointed out on the previous post, the graphical "workflow" menus are becoming quite popular. We added it into Interprise Suite after beta 1.0 based on the comments and suggestions of our beta partners. In Interprise Suite our graphical workflow is actually a HTML page located in the program folder and can be easily customized using any HTML editor. I also want to point out that in addition to the graphical workflows we have added a number of dashboard screens to Interprise Suite

http://www.interprisesuite.com/globa...suite/dash.htm

Yes, the best way to sign up is through our shopping cart. You wont be charged for joining the beta and you will be kept apprised of all company related events.

Thank you,

Gary

I signed up for your Beta program on Nov 8th, but I have never received an email with a download link? I have looked at over 40 different accounting programs now. How I wish I could grab the 20 or so best features from each one and combine them!

MS SBA is where QB was years ago, very limited, no fixed assets handling, very poor handling of back orders, you can only print a pick list and packing list for the enitire invoice, etc.

NetSuite is very comprehensive, does almost everything I want, but it is too expensive.

We need a solution that can be accessed from remote locations, but will also function in our office.

I was really hoping to try your app, give positive and helpful feedback.

When can I expect to hear from you? On the web, it looks very promising, but it is difficult to tell until you actually start trying to use it for what we specifically need.

Hoping to hear from you soon...

Please email me [email protected] and i will find out what happened for you.

Thanks!

I'm a CPA and I've been working with manufacturing and distribution companies for about 15 years. A lot of my clients started out in Quickbooks but they all maxed out the customers and invoices.

I looked at Interprise but every time I called I got voice mail. When I dialed a few different extensions on their automated system, they all sounded like the same guy so I'm skeptical about the company. It sounds a little shady and it doesn't seem like you'd ever be able to get a live person on the line for support.

Some of the Great Plains stuff was OK, but I would be nervous to recommend it to anyone now because Microsoft is changing so much of it and who knows how much they'll make them pay for maintenance and whether they'll keep up support for some of the legacy products.

A few years ago I had a client that started using Image Accounting so I looked into it. I thought it seemed easy to use and my client liked it because a guy in their office knew Access so they were able to write some reports and queries on their own without hiring a consultant. So far it's the best thing I've seen that doesn't cost a fortune and the company is always EXTREMELY fast with support. You can see their stuff at www.comtechsolutions.com.

They have a .NET program out also that my client is thinking about upgrading to. If it's as good as Image, I'll recommend that they upgrade.

I would like it if you reviewed our software. I would love to hear what you think.

I can give you a brief walk through if you would like. Let me know.

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Originally Posted by GreatCPA

I'm a CPA and I've been working with manufacturing and distribution companies for about 15 years. A lot of my clients started out in Quickbooks but they all maxed out the customers and invoices.

I looked at Interprise but every time I called I got voice mail. When I dialed a few different extensions on their automated system, they all sounded like the same guy so I'm skeptical about the company. It sounds a little shady and it doesn't seem like you'd ever be able to get a live person on the line for support.

Some of the Great Plains stuff was OK, but I would be nervous to recommend it to anyone now because Microsoft is changing so much of it and who knows how much they'll make them pay for maintenance and whether they'll keep up support for some of the legacy products.

A few years ago I had a client that started using Image Accounting so I looked into it. I thought it seemed easy to use and my client liked it because a guy in their office knew Access so they were able to write some reports and queries on their own without hiring a consultant. So far it's the best thing I've seen that doesn't cost a fortune and the company is always EXTREMELY fast with support. You can see their stuff at www.comtechsolutions.com.

They have a .NET program out also that my client is thinking about upgrading to. If it's as good as Image, I'll recommend that they upgrade.

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Hi CPA,

Sorry you had a hard time getting through to our sales staff. Although Interprise Suite is not currently for sale, we have 5 people working in sales ( 3 of which are in training) to answer questions about the program so I'm surprised you were having trouble getting through.

If you are in the beta program i suggest that you use the Interprise Suite forum for your questions. This is monitored by our programming staff who quite frankly can provide you better answers than our sales people since the program is still in development. If you look in the forum you will see that Interprise Solutions is routinely praised for its quick answers there.

On Monday December 5th we will be releasing our next beta, Beta 5 and will offer free telephone support all the way through our release candidate so prospective users are welcome to tryout our support service during this time before making any decisions.

I'm glad to hear your positive experience with Image Accounting. As someone who was heavily involved in the development of both the Image Accounting and Adept Financials .NET product lines I can attest they are both very good products. I think I can safely say that the Image Accounting product line is the finest Access based accounting system on the market today. In fact, I continue to recommend it to people looking for a solution today and can not wait for Interprise Suite.

With that said, I don't think any application on the market today begins to compare with Interprise Suite in terms of features, connectivity and value. Interprise Suite is 100% free for companies with 3 users or less and if you can purchase an unlimited telephone support plan we raise that number to 5 users. For bigger companies we offer a unlimited user license introductory priced from $1,875. To ensure that our customers are taken care in the first year of release, all of our products include one year of free upgrades and maintenance.

As an accountant you may be interested in our accountant partner program. This program will allow you to distribute 3 user versions of Interprise Suite with your contact information included in the program.

It is important to add that Interprise Suite features "Smart Client" technology that combines the connectivity of a browser based application with the superior usability of a desktop application. This allows you to install Interprise Suite over your LAN like a normal application or at your favorite ISP like a web application. Either way you see the same user friendly interface. This is really great for companies with a moble workforce or remote offices.

For those that need a eCommerce website, Interprise Solutions has partnered with AspDotNetStorefront to create a new eCommerce module for Interprise Suite. You can learn more about this at http://www.aspdotnetstorefront.com/t-accounting.aspx

Thank you,

Gary Harrison
Interprise Solutions

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Originally Posted by Gary Harrison

With that said, I don't think any application on the market today begins to compare with Interprise Suite in terms of features, connectivity and value.

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That is quite a bold statement you are making Gary. I have personally seen otherwise and because of this I must disagree with your statement. I am not out to start a war with anyone or anything but I have noticed other products mentioned even in this forum that truly does compete with your software in the areas of features, connectivity and value. Thanks :)

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Originally Posted by Beonca

That is quite a bold statement you are making Gary. I have personally seen otherwise and because of this I must disagree with your statement. I am not out to start a war with anyone or anything but I have noticed other products mentioned even in this forum that truly does compete with your software in the areas of features, connectivity and value. Thanks :)

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Hi Beonca,

I stand by my statement. Our current beta version and upcoming free version will allow people to use Interprise Suite at their own convenience and make that decision for themselves.

Gary Harrison
Interprise Suite

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Originally Posted by Gary Harrison

I stand by my statement. Our current beta version and upcoming free version will allow people to use Interprise Suite at their own convenience and make that decision for themselves.

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Hi Gary,

I think it's great that you're allowing people the freedom and power to see your product working for them before they commit to purchase it. Not many people can successfully harness this "free trial" model of software distribution, and I wish you the best of luck!

CPA,
Any manufacturing or distribution concern looking for decent accounting software should give Quasar Accounting a try. While it's not a full ERP package, the community is working on integrating it with SugarCRM (which is a free yet fully capable CRM package); when this is done, the resulting package will be a force to be reckoned with. Quasar offers advanced inventory handling for manufacturers and distributors, and that combined with its other features make it comparable to QuickBooks Enterprise edition. It's an extremely mature product; thousands of companies worldwide have used it in one form or another since its inception in 1995. Best of all, it's free, whether you have 1 store or 50, 1 user or 100; you only have to pay if you want support or a point of sale system.

At least, be sure and check out the feature list of Quasar; it's over 50 pages long!

http://www.linuxcanada.com
http://www.sugarcrm.com

Later,
-Josh

(Disclaimer: I work for neither of the above companies, just a satisfied user of their products.)

Hi,

I agree with GreatCPA that there is a delay from Gary regd signing onto beta agreement :) but once you are signed up you can see how great this product is with its price point and feature set.

I have personally looked into Interprise Suite and Evolution as a solution provider and have spoken to them in-depth regd their product. My only advice to business owners is never ignore e-commerce piece from an enterprise software, if an enterprise software doesn't have capability to host e-commerce sites and be able to spread its wings towards search engine then you might lose a big chunk of your online revenue....

I have personally signed up few customers and resellers to this 2 new products, I haven't heard of other new/old ones that are mentioned in this topic ... But Interprise and Evolution has great technology for small business owners and it is upto customer to identify which one suits their business or take a short cut and ask us ...

We are happy to announce the immediate availability of Interprise Suite Beta 5.0. Beta 5.0 represents the last beta cycle before we enter the release candidate stage.

Beta 5.0 includes a new module (fixed assets), new features and hundreds of improvements. Those who participate in our beta forum will recognize many of these improvements as they were based on the comments and suggestions found in our beta forum.

To reward those who are helping us improve Interprise Suite, we will be giving away three (3) unlimited users “SQL Edition” of Interprise Suite (a $5,000 value) to the beta test partners who we judge as providing the best comments and suggestions to us.

Read all the details at...

http://www.interprisesolutions.com/m...newsletter.htm

Sincerely,

Gary Harrison
Interprise Suite

To Gary and his staff.

I want to publicly say, Interprise Suite is by far the best solution I have seen on the market. It is feature rich and the price is very good. And to give a way a free 3 user of a product like this is unheard of. I have spoken to the staff via telephone many times and they are always ready to lend a hand. As said by Gary before and I will back him on this. I know Image Accounting well and has also recommended to many of my clients. It is very feature pack and works well. (UNTIL YOU EXPERIENCE INTERPRISE SUITE). Interprise Suite blows the competition away.

I have personally seen and tested Interprise Suite and so I advise anyone looking for a solution to wait until this software is released. I assure you that you wont be sorry.

Dear Coopertool,

Thank you for the glowing review. I've shared your comments with the development staff and it really made their day!!

Thank you!

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For those that need a eCommerce website, Interprise Solutions has partnered with AspDotNetStorefront to create a new eCommerce module for Interprise Suite. You can learn more about this at http://www.aspdotnetstorefront.com/t-accounting.aspx

Thank you,

Gary Harrison
Interprise Solutions

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Gary,
I was very impressed with what I saw from both Interprise & ADNSF last year when reviewing CRM & Ecomm apps, but we were always looking for a one-stop-shop -- so to hear that they will become integrated is a beautiful thing. However, we are in need of a solution now, and just cant afford to wait another 2 months.

If we begin using ADNSF as-is, will it be easily integrated into the Interprise-compatible version, and will our data be able to be migrated to IS? I've read that IS will be released from beta by the end of the 1st quarter, so can we also expect the ecomm solution will also be available about the same time?

Thanks.
Chad - College Sports, Inc.

I took a look at AspDotNetStorefront and am impressed with the features. It's the only program I've seen so far that does everything I'm looking for.

However ....

I signed up for their free trial, got the e-mail, did the download, and read the manual. The e-mail lists the steps to follow and the things to do when you first use the demo, but they don't tell you where to log in to the demo in the first place.

I sent an e-mail requesting assistance/clarification and the response I got pointed me right back to the download, the manual and the instructions I already had ... still nothing about where or how to log in.

At this point I have high hopes because of the features they offer, but if the program is anything like my initial experience, it's "adios." Here it is day two of my free 14 day demo and I can't even access it.

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Originally Posted by chad_6

Gary,
I was very impressed with what I saw from both Interprise & ADNSF last year when reviewing CRM & Ecomm apps, but we were always looking for a one-stop-shop -- so to hear that they will become integrated is a beautiful thing. However, we are in need of a solution now, and just cant afford to wait another 2 months.

If we begin using ADNSF as-is, will it be easily integrated into the Interprise-compatible version, and will our data be able to be migrated to IS? I've read that IS will be released from beta by the end of the 1st quarter, so can we also expect the ecomm solution will also be available about the same time?

Thanks.
Chad - College Sports, Inc.

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Chad,

Yes we are targeting end of March for the release of Interprise Suite and ASPDNSF for Interprise Suite. We will also be working on an upgrade utility from ASPDNSF as-is to ASPDNSF for IS to easily migrate you ASPDNSF data to IS. While some settings are pretty easy, moving others like inventory are a bit tricky since ASPDNSF has different approach in handling item setup but we do work hard to stick to schedule.

Thanks,

Sherwin
Interprise Solutions

I thought I would post a quick message to let everyone know that beta 5.1 of Interprise Suite is now available. Beta 5.1 is essentially “feature complete” and we are in the process of streamlining the features to make them easier to use (and of course fixing bugs). We are aiming for a release candidate before the end of April.

Since my last post we were invited to introduce Interprise Suite at the prestigious 2006 Demo conference in Phoenix, AZ. Previous products selected to be introduced at the Demo conference include salesforce.com, Java, eTrade, Tivo, Skype and many more. In all over 1500 companies applied for the Demo conference and only 68 were selected. During the Demo conference Interprise Suite was selected as one of the “Sweet 16” – the 16 products to watch in 2006.

You can view our presentation at the demo conference at the following link http://www.demo.com/demonstrators/demo2006/62992.html

If you are not already a Interprise Suite beta member we would love to have you join and give us feedback. You can apply for the beta program from our website http://www.interprisesuite.com

Thank you.

I can't wait for your release candidate.

Gary;
Will there be a POS module in Interprise?

Louie

Louie,

Yes Interprise has a POS module they refer to it as Cash Registar I guess, it is currently not yet released I guess but they certainly have it in their radar and they are working on it, maybe Gary can update us here ...

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Originally Posted by louie

Gary;
Will there be a POS module in Interprise?

Louie

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Hi Louie,

We have in our development plans a separate POS application that connects to Interprise Suite. We are designing it to be installed on a cash register type pc.

Our advanced edition will include a “Trade Counter” feature that is like a POS system, but its not designed for a cash register type PC.

Hope that helps.

Gary Harrison

Gary;

Part of our business is walk in "counter sales". We are looking for a POS "type" screen i.e. larger screen and the ability to accept payment for the sale in a quick and easy way.
With some systems you must 1) Invoice customer 2) Record the Sale 3)Go to a separate screen to "Receive Payment" 4)Go back to invoice which now shows $0 balance and print invoice for customer.
Too many steps when customers are lined up to pay.

Will the "trade counter" be in the original release? or added at a different time.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Alison

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Originally Posted by louie

Gary;

Part of our business is walk in "counter sales". We are looking for a POS "type" screen i.e. larger screen and the ability to accept payment for the sale in a quick and easy way.
With some systems you must 1) Invoice customer 2) Record the Sale 3)Go to a separate screen to "Receive Payment" 4)Go back to invoice which now shows $0 balance and print invoice for customer.
Too many steps when customers are lined up to pay.

Will the "trade counter" be in the original release? or added at a different time.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Alison

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Hi Alison,

The "trade counter" will definitely work for your needs. The POS version will probably be too “retail” for you. It will be in the “Advanced Distribution Edition” version which will be out towards the end of the year.

In our normal version you can accept payments and charge credit cards right from the Invoice screen. This is probably all you need. It even allows for split payments i.e. 1/2 cash 1/2 credit card. I made a sample movie to show you. It’s an exe file but it’s just a “self contained” flash movie. Never mind the data as we are still testing the application.

You can view it at…

http://www.interprisesolutions.com/invoice2.exe

Its about 1.8mb

Just wanted to share my experince with Interprise Solutions as my effortts to obtain a COMPLETE working version has put serious doubts about the support and functionlaity of this software as a COMPLETE package.
I contacted ASPDOTNET on 05/12; as I was looking for a single e-commerce, CRM solution, THEY REFERED ME to JOHN GRANDE @ Interprise Suite. John in turn put me in touch with Susan [thier sales manager for east of US] who referred me to Zak Ali who is one of thier progammer solution provider. While communicating with Zak Ali, a sales person named Jameson sent me a copy of the software minus the front end shopping cart. I played around with this and was very impressed so I asked Zak to send me a copy that included the e-commerce module or give me trial period if I purchased the complete package. In the mean time FOLKS FROM ASPDOTNET continued to call me. Zak talked to Susan and Susan refused to offer a trial or send a demo copy that would include the e-commerce module. So Zak wrote to me on 5/19 that this Is not do-able and that was left at that. I thought this is not good, why would they not offer a COMPLETE package if they are comfortable with thier product to at leat offer a 30 days trial period. I decided to look eleswhere.
The following day [5/20] I got a call from someone in Philippines following up; I simply explained to them I was ready to buy and the reason I did not was because I could not get a complete copy of the software. Next thing I know I get this RUDE e-mail from Susan saying that I have been trying to go round folks to get a better deal and I should not contact IS again.

I was so pissed off, I contacted Jameson back looking for the CEOs e-mail to write to him and complain about Susan’s e-mail. I told them I had no interest in the software anymore and in fact am considering adding to the negative feed backs that are already online:

http://www.ecommerce-reviewed.com/fi...f529b96-0.html

Michael Anderson the vice president of Interprise Suite contacted me, not to assist but to be more insulting. Just though I add this to let you folks know how disgusting Interprise Solutions' customer support is. If they treat potential customers like this, God help folks who have paid for the software and are looking for tech support. I was ready to buy; all I asked for was a COMPLETE working version of the demo and what I got back is abuse.
All the e-mails between myself and Interprise Solutions are available if any one is interested in reviewing them.

Hi,

I thought of adding my 2 cents.

Yes, it’s very frustrating if you are asked to contact several people while trying to purchase the software. During the evaluation process of software, you should always communicate effectively and it seems you have done that, however I find there is mis-communication in the process.

Interprise Suite is full solution that covers ERP, CRM, GL included 1 price add-ons of POS module and ASPDNSF, ALL work together wonderfully. It might be that at the time you contacted Interprise Suite or ASPDNSF (ASP DotNet Storefront) they were couple of releases happened SP3 and SP4 and it took 2 to 3 weeks to get the fully integrated version out which includes the ecommerce integration module and right you got delayed in the process and I thk you got little upset with the message from the person.

Interprise Suite has several resellers and solution providers, and they starting to expand their channel management program.
If you were to contact specific reseller then you should work with them at all times, switching in between will make the vendor to flag the lead since you might putting resellers into "conflict zone" and nobody wants that, because we spend lot of time with clients trying to demo, answer their questions, email and phone calls.

If you are serious about buying the software then re-establish the links and focus what is needed for your company and again "Customer is Right", if you don't want to purchase that's fine with everyone, but we don't want conflict amongst resellers/solution providers coz of usage of our time and effort and again no software is perfect and that's where Resellers and Solution providers come into picture so they can guide you through the process.

If you had said that the product didn't match your needs then I agree because “One solution doesn't fit all” however reading your message tells me you entered into Company's process of doing business and Interprise definitely wants to protect its process and interest of resellers and its customers, it may let go prospect and not harm its interest, but again they will be happy to work with you if you contact Zak and see if that works out for you.

Regards

Pizzaoven,

I apologize for the “run around”. Interprise Solutions was acquired by the Taylor Corporation during your sales cycle so a few of our internal processes changed along the way. I apologize for the inconvenience that this caused you. The good news is that as part of a multi-billion dollar corporation we have significantly more resources to improve our product and services moving forward. :)

Interprise Suite is written on top of a flexible platform we call the Connected Business platform. The platform is revolutionary in its openness allowing other software companies to connect their “best of breed” applications to Interprise Suite. AspDotNetStorefront, one of the leading eCommerce providers around, created an eCommerce module that is fully integrated in Interprise Suite allowing for real time, fully integrated eCommerce.

Although we were happy to give you a trial version of Interprise Suite we unable to give you a trial version of AspDotNetStorefront as that is not our product. With that said I understand the need to have a trial of their solution as well and will discuss with them ways we can make a trial version available.

Regarding the eCommerce reviewed site - the company was pretty clear on that site that they were satisfied with Interprise Suite until thier ISP accidently dropping the database and restored an old backup. It was later determined that the backup was corrupt and the database was missing many tables and views. Although the customer was using the “free version” of Interprise Suite and did not pay for support we spent a significant number of hours trying to help them repair their database at no charge. Once this was pointed out to the company they voluntarily took that website down as they agreed the problem was not caused by our software.

Sincerely,

Thanks to share

Nice shareing