Software companies understandably try to portray the question of whether or not to upgrade to a new release as a question of new features. However, this is at best only part of the picture. After all, if a firm is using Amicus, Time Matters or whatever primarily as a rolodex and calendar, what is the point of getting a bunch of new features that will only be added to the list of features it already doesn’t use?
So the question of an upgrade should really be presented in the context of “how can the firm make better and more effective use of this software?” It may well be that implementing document assembly routines, precedents or triggers, making use of custom fields or customized forms, will be of much greater value to a firm that a particular new feature. In terms of “selling” a new upgrade to users, expanding the use of the software can frequently be pitched more effectively if presented as part of an upgrade.
That being said, if yearly upgrades are generally not worth it, at what point DOES it become worth upgrading?
First, if you are on any version prior to Amicus 2008, you should definitely upgrade. Amicus Premium v. 7 simply had too many problems: if you are still using it, you should upgrade. If you are already on 2008, they the question is what are the cumulative upgrades?
New in 2009:
Multiple dashboard pages let you customize the initial view when you open Amicus. It didn’t work adequately in 2009, but has been fixed in 2010.
New File Intake Form. When the new file creation form was “simplified” a number of years ago, it was a step backwards because it led to not filling out information you really needed. By being able to customize what information is required when opening new files, you get much more consistent and reliable file creation. 2010 increases the available functionality.
The ability to link a document with an appointment – this reminds you to review a given document before an appointment.
Email templates. This feature lets you do “email merges.” However, due to the limitations imposed by ISPs and Outlook (frequently you cannot send more than 20 emails at a time without it being labeled spam), this is perhaps less valuable than it might initially seem.
A number of improved settings that may give firms options they wished they had (such as the ability to hide the navigation pane when a file view is opened).
Amicus Mobile works with Blackberrys starting with the 2009 release.
New in 2010:
A number of calendar improvements, including color coding, the ability to track adjournments, and the ability to promote the priority of events automatically after x days.
In addition to associating a document with an appointment, you can now associate an email as well.
Generate standard letters or envelopes directly from the Contact screen.
Improvements to the File Open customization.
All in all, if you are currently on 2008, it is probably worth the upgrade.
So the question of an upgrade should really be presented in the context of “how can the firm make better and more effective use of this software?” It may well be that implementing document assembly routines, precedents or triggers, making use of custom fields or customized forms, will be of much greater value to a firm that a particular new feature. In terms of “selling” a new upgrade to users, expanding the use of the software can frequently be pitched more effectively if presented as part of an upgrade.
That being said, if yearly upgrades are generally not worth it, at what point DOES it become worth upgrading?
First, if you are on any version prior to Amicus 2008, you should definitely upgrade. Amicus Premium v. 7 simply had too many problems: if you are still using it, you should upgrade. If you are already on 2008, they the question is what are the cumulative upgrades?
New in 2009:
Multiple dashboard pages let you customize the initial view when you open Amicus. It didn’t work adequately in 2009, but has been fixed in 2010.
New File Intake Form. When the new file creation form was “simplified” a number of years ago, it was a step backwards because it led to not filling out information you really needed. By being able to customize what information is required when opening new files, you get much more consistent and reliable file creation. 2010 increases the available functionality.
The ability to link a document with an appointment – this reminds you to review a given document before an appointment.
Email templates. This feature lets you do “email merges.” However, due to the limitations imposed by ISPs and Outlook (frequently you cannot send more than 20 emails at a time without it being labeled spam), this is perhaps less valuable than it might initially seem.
A number of improved settings that may give firms options they wished they had (such as the ability to hide the navigation pane when a file view is opened).
Amicus Mobile works with Blackberrys starting with the 2009 release.
New in 2010:
A number of calendar improvements, including color coding, the ability to track adjournments, and the ability to promote the priority of events automatically after x days.
In addition to associating a document with an appointment, you can now associate an email as well.
Generate standard letters or envelopes directly from the Contact screen.
Improvements to the File Open customization.
All in all, if you are currently on 2008, it is probably worth the upgrade.
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