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Hi, We are a property management company based in Nairobi. We have customers within the region and the diaspora. Our current programs and systems are desk top based just like Landlordmax. We are working on a software that will enable us communicate all our businesses with our customers located and working all over the world but basically investing in East Africa via internet. In this regard, I write to inquire if your billing system can be programmed to be a web based billing software. As property agents, we would like our customers (landlords) who are busy with in other areas, to access their updates regarding their property thru internet. Please revert to us as soon as possible. Many regards, Ken Mutai Managing Director Branded Space Limited |
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Kenneth K. Mutai
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May 9 2012, 01:07 PM |
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Hi Kenneth, We currently do not offer a web based service for this. That being said, you may be interested in reading my blog post which explains and outlines the pros and cons of going with a web based service when it comes to a core part of your company, especially one that is related to storing and managing core data: http://www.followsteph.com/2012/04/19/what-are-the-risks-of-cloud-services/ Regards, Stephan Grenier Founder LandlordMax Software Inc. http://www.LandlordMax.com http://www.FollowSteph.com http://www.RealEstatePigeon.com http://www.BlogBlazers.com |
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Stephane Grenier
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1 day since original post |
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Hi Steph, Thanks for your article, very insightful. I must admit that your points now make a lot more sense reading through the various pros and cons. I think the cons technically outweighs the pro. Now, I think I am doing to have to change my mind and stop searching for online hosting app. As a suggestion, is there anyway LandlordMax could have a remote terminal with user level security that could be managed from the desktop application which could allow clients to be able to log on to view and generate their reports at will. Obviously, the desktop version will need to be connected online and always on. If this could be integrated, it will really go a long way to help Commercial Property Managers. Thanks once again. Propassa Realties |
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Lanre Akinsiun
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3 months since original post |
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Hi Lanre, You're welcome. And it's great to hear that you understand the risks. SaaS can be good for some situations, they just aren't ideal for all situations. Unfortunately right now they're a big buzzword, so people just jump to it. Like everything else, with time things will adjust as they should. That being said, yes we're are working towards a networked version which will be available very soon. The big difference is that you will have the server, which means you can manage and host it. You have full control of the data, the security, etc. It's on your system, so if the worse should happen, you still own and can operate the software for as long as you wish. The networked version will be available in three options: 1. SOHO for up to 2 users at $495 2. Pro for 3-10 users at $995 3. Enterprise for 11 or more users at $2995 All versions will include our standard free technical support and can be used to manage an unlimited number of buildings, units, and tenants. As you will noticed, these offerings will continue just like the desktop version to be much more affordable than our competition. As well, any purchases of the desktop version can be applied in full to an upgrade to the networked version when it becomes available. That is to say, if you purchase the desktop version today, you will be able to upgrade to any of the networked versions with a $165 discount towards that purchase. As well please note that all reports can be exported, emailed, etc. directly from the software to any other number of parties. In many cases this is very helpful. What we do suggest however is that you avoid having your clients (the property owners) directly connect to the system. The initial version won't offer this ability, but we know it will be requested (and hence plan to offer it in the future). The reason being is not a technical one, it's a business issue. The question is do you allow your clients to have direct exposure to the raw data. Because if you do, it's for everything, you can't select exactly what they can and can't see. Most people think it's good to show everything, but this isn't always the case. For example you may want to include comments or notes for problematic tenants that perhaps you'd prefer your clients not see (at least without some filters). Or perhaps there are internal processes and procedures you don't want to expose to your clients that are unique to your business and hence give you a competitive advantage. Transparency is a good thing, as long as you can manage it. We're fairly transparent as a company, but there are some thing which we prefer to remain private. And once you start to manage data access control for your clients on that level of detail, then the cost of the software will quickly escalate very high. In our last email newsletter I started to explain this with some examples. You can find a copy of the email newsletter here: http://archive.aweber.com/llmaxnewletter/4uVzE/h/LandlordMax_Newsletter_.htm So to answer your question, yes this will be allowed, but not right away. At least for client access. Also, before you consider this a requirement, you may want to consider if there's any data you'd enter you'd prefer not to expose. If there is, then you probably don't really want this feature... Regards, Stephan Grenier Founder LandlordMax Software Inc. http://www.LandlordMax.com http://www.FollowSteph.com http://www.RealEstatePigeon.com http://www.BlogBlazers.com |
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Stephane Grenier
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3 months since original post |