How to select a box office accounting program (and feel good about it in the morning)
We are glad you are conducting some market research. As you are probably discovering, several companies offer similar products. Prices range from free (like our shareware) to $150,000 and more.
Here are a few hints to separate the wheat from the chaff:
Take a look at the sample reports these companies send out.
This is CRUCIAL. If the reports do not make sense, nothing else will. If the company does not send out sample reports, there probably is a reason. Cross them off your list.
Try the demo.
Look at the flow of the program. Does it appear logical?
Now, ask yourself the same questions that your customers will be asking. For example:
Now ask yourself:
Again, if the software vendor does not does not include a live demo, there probably is a reason. Cross them off your list.
Check the references. What do they say? Talk to (or email) several of them. Are their evaluations consistent?
The purpose of this procedure is to help you evaluate a piece of software. You will want to look at the product’s functionality rather than brand promises.
Remember, your goal is to make everyone’s lives better (including your own). The computer is a tool to do it.