Microsoft should look at implementing (borrowing) some of the great features of this integrated software package. The company Everest markets this product to the small/medium business market, but for $20-25k per license (non-transferable), and another $10+k to implement, it's not a viable "small business" solution (plus their on-support is totally based in India, very expensive and mediocre). Their newest version was just released today, and includes many features which MS could adopt to give RMS SO an edge. The following link offers all of the details:
In closing, MS could make a decent product awesome by integrating these and other competitive software features.
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Your client is absolutely correct, the POS module is not the best. The stongest asset of this package is that it is "fully integrated" with buttons for each module on each screen (Accounting, Inventory, Payroll, POS, CRM, E-Commerce, Shipping & Receiving, RMAs, Reporting, Email, etc.). The problem is that this company's price and support make it unattainable for the small business owner. The company also has a very hard time making up its mind in many areas, leaving its clients with a feeling of major instability!
A stable firm like Microsoft should be able to knock-off some of their best features, including this new "Dashboard Analytics" feature which leverages and combines Microsoft?s own SharePoint technology with SQL Server Analysis Services.
I just talked to a client using Everest (not sure about 3.0) . They said layaways are very clunky and some other more advanced Pos lacking. I guess the normal accounting turned pos issues.
BUT... I agree that MBS should absolutely have a small business pos that is tightly (i mean tightly/seamlessly) integrated with financials. We get beaten in this area. I had several 7-10 user deals that customers wants an integrated pos/accounting system and we just don't have it in the small market. SBF should be tightly integrated to RMS.
Any additional integrations would be great -right now it's basically a stand alone app. It is sad to see a product like Everest in the hands of a mediocre company - if MS had an integrated product in its hands like Everest, it could capture a significant market segment.
We understand through other posts that v1.3 has been pushed back until 1st QTR 2006? It is our hope that the MS engineers are implementing these and other reseller/user suggestions.
Regardless, we are totally on board, and look forward to good things in 2006.
I have seen that product and it is not for smaller firms. Never will be. A small firm does not have the staffing to run it. And once they get that size they can afford real accounting packages that have support staff that can come in your door and help. Not speak to you in broken English that you can not understand. At this point there are few if any accounting firms that do POS right, and few if any POS firms that have any business in accounting systems. The two fields are just to far apart in what staff they need and can afford. I just hope that MS keeps things POS and things accounting for ever and never mixes the two up. mt
Look forward to seeing what Microsoft unveils in RMS v1.3 just announced today:
Live Web Seminars
Event Title: Microsoft Retail Management System v1.3 Release News Event Date: 11/17/2005 Time: 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
"To better support small and midsize independent retailers, Microsoft Retail Management System has been updated. The new release includes enhancements that improve security for credit card information handling, increase system scalability and reliability, and improve system performance. Microsoft Retail Management System 1.3 builds on momentum from the latest release of enhanced integration with Microsoft® Great Plains. Join this web session to learn more about the enhancements and availability."
From the looks of things, the only improvements in v1.3 are with HQ. I'm hoping there's other improvements that they haevn't mentioned, otherwise I dont' think this upgrade will be worth it's cost (unless you're running HQ)
Event Title: Microsoft Retail Management System v1.3 Release News Event Date: 11/17/2005 Time: 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
"To better support small and midsize independent retailers, Microsoft Retail Management System has been updated. The new release includes enhancements that improve security for credit card information handling, increase system scalability and reliability, and improve system performance. Microsoft Retail Management System 1.3 builds on momentum from the latest release of enhanced integration with Microsoft® Great Plains. Join this web session to learn more about the enhancements and availability."
Dear RMS Partner, I?m pleased to tell you about the latest advancement in accounting integration ... one that will save your retail customers hours of time and eliminate tedious trial-and-error mapping and key entry. The new RMS Integrator 3.0 makes it easy to link store transactions directly into existing accounting systems. And that means your busy RMS-based retailers will benefit from quicker implementation, improved data accuracy, and enhanced financial reporting and closeout procedures.
RMS Integrator is brought to you by GNS Partners, a Microsoft certified partner headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. A 2005 Presidents Club member, GNS Partners offers more than 20 years retail experience and specializes in advanced Accounting Integration.
RMS Integrator is a .Net application and goes well beyond basic integration capabilities?the perfect solution for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Inventory and Vouchers. Now in its 3rd revision, this powerful tool has been developed with input from retail CPAs and independent retailers and boasts many happy reference accounts. RMS Integrator enables QuickBooks, Peachtree and MAS 200 integration for Headquarters. For more details on its incredible range of features?as well as a listing of product, consulting and training prices?be sure to take a look at the PDF attached.
Even if you have no prior experience with accounting integration, you?ll find RMS Integrator is simple to install and set up. To ensure seamless installation and implementation, we?d be happy to train you at your convenience. Also, if you'd like to see an online demo of our product, GNS Partners is hosting two RMS Integrator online demos this week, Thursday, 1/19 at 9am EST and Friday, 1/20 at 12 pm EST. Please contact me at snipped-for-privacy@gnspartners.com to RSVP for the online demo, specifying your preferred session, or with any questions you may have.
Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to helping you maximize the revenues of your RMS offerings.
With best regards, Stephanie Cates VP, Bus> Microsoft should look at implementing (borrowing) some of the great features
You should have received one direct from GNS if you are an authorized RMS reseller. GNS buys/borrows/obtains the list of RMS resellers from MS, I think or they have a bot grabbing addresses from the private groups! I've received a couple emails from them in the past year.
Its been a while, but if you want to communicate with all RMS resellers, MS will give/sell you for a small charge, the list.
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