Bob is right about all in his post, of course. But all who read this and sympathize with Jeff should think a bit bigger, at a higher level.
Whenever we encounter a prospect like this, one who's wanting to do something that's technically backward, the first thing that should go through our minds is, "Is this really somebody I want to do business with? Will they be somebody I'll feel rewarded in working with beyond just the $$?"
If we encounter a firm with attitudes like this in 2021, what other things will they want to do that is just really, really painful? Will they be willing to actually pay you for doing them? Probably not. After living with DacEasy all this time, why are they looking to change now?
They are probably just time bandits unless you can get them to explain how they want to
grow over the next several years. Even then, the emotional attachment to "the good old days" won't let them actually sign the check on your prepaid, fixed-fee project they verbally agree to.
Jeff's case is certainly extreme, but there are many, many others that are way too similar. Dealing with these sorts of cases is something we regularly discuss and coach about in our monthly "90 Minds Office Hours" session with
@Ed Kless and Ron Baker. The next one is Tues 8/17 at 9 AM PT. If you have questions about it, call
@Anne Sawyer.
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Jerry Norman
At-Large BOD Member, 90 Minds
Smartbridge Partners
512.419.1444 x112
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-06-2021 11:52
From: Bob Tobey
Subject: Can Sage 100 function off the Internet Grid?
I can understand someone's reluctance to avoid the internet. Nobody is impervious to ransomware attacks unless you stay off the internet completely. I think you need to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros of using the internet:
- Access to lots of timely information.
- eMail vs snail mail.
- Instantly send invoices and Excel reports versus faxing or snail mail.
- Work from anywhere on any device.
- Access to important documents and files is always available no matter where you are.
- Most clouds have dedicated intrusion engineers and software to prevent attacks, escalation teams in case something bad happens, there are redundant sites to reduce downtime, they run high-grade enterprise security suites to reduce the threats and they constantly update their firewall, malware and anti-virus software.
- Most all software updates are done over the internet.
- Most Sage 100 clouds are provisioned on private servers which limit the chances of a cascading attack.
- Most Sage clouds are mature in that we've been doing this for a long time.
- There's more flexibility in the cloud than an on-premise instance and if you're not using the internet tool, you can be sure your competitors are.
Cons to not using the internet:
- Pretty much guaranteed you won't be hit by a ransomware attack. But like @Phil McIntosh says, it's other people who can bring a virus to you. Moving data from an internet connected device to a non-internet connected device isn't the solution.
- Speaking of moving data...how much time is wasted doing duplicate work.
- Employees can't take advantage of instant video training, help videos, customer support from vendors, etc. How much time is wasted?
- It's tough to collaborate with others who are avid internet users.
- Think of the last time an internet signal wasn't available and how that affected your life!
Of course I could go on. The FBI would tell you that in the olden days (like 4 years ago), most hacks were done by Cartels. It was professional in that once they got paid, they'd give you the key to your data. Today, it's much less professional because other criminals have entered and just vanish once a payment has been made. The bottom line is if they don't believe their business is being hurt and they have a deep seeded belief that the internet is evil, the odds of you changing their minds is slim to none. Reminds me of the old Superman TV series where Perry White had multiple telephones which was big technology at the time!
------------------------------
Bob Tobey
I-Business Network, Cloud Channel Manager
I-Business Network, LLC
Marietta GA
678-627-0646 x231
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-05-2021 16:43
From: Kevin Moyes
Subject: Can Sage 100 function off the Internet Grid?
If they have skilled IT, firewalls can be tuned to block outgoing traffic that is not specifically allowed. The Windows defaults are quite permissive for outgoing connections, but that can be tweaked (to allow the license validations to work...).
------------------------------
Kevin Moyes
Technical Systems Analyst
Munjal White Consulting Co.
Toronto ON
Original Message:
Sent: 08-05-2021 16:34
From: Jeff Schwenk
Subject: Can Sage 100 function off the Internet Grid?
Prospect likes what they have been shown with Sage 100 but really really really wants to keep the server off the internet. They way they do it now is everyone has two workstations - one on and one off. Strange but true.
Any other words of wisdom out there?
Thanks in advance.
------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
FORMER 90M Board Member -140,000,000 is a TERRIBLE thing to waste!!!
Bottomline Software, Inc.
Waynesboro VA
540-221-4444
Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2021 11:57
From: Jeff Schwenk
Subject: Can Sage 100 function off the Internet Grid?
The phone home issue is the most relevant. I believe you can still buy perpetual but it requires a sign off by Nancy Harris. To do the on line demo with me, they have to get to some computer with internet. My plan is to demonstrate the power and functionality and stress that there are ways to be on the internet with appropriate safeguards.
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Jeff Schwenk
FORMER 90M Board Member -140,000,000 is a TERRIBLE thing to waste!!!
Bottomline Software, Inc.
Waynesboro VA
540-221-4444
Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2021 11:19
From: Kevin Moyes
Subject: Can Sage 100 function off the Internet Grid?
They would have to connect periodically to re-validate the license / subscription... and some things (PR, Paya...) are absolutely reliant on an internet connection.
------------------------------
Kevin Moyes
Technical Systems Analyst
Munjal White Consulting Co.
Toronto ON
Original Message:
Sent: 07-14-2021 11:14
From: Bob Pfahnl
Subject: Can Sage 100 function off the Internet Grid?
Can it function without "phoning home" to the entitlement server?
------------------------------
Bob Pfahnl
Manager - Silicon Valley
DSD Business Systems
CA
408-641-0922
Original Message:
Sent: 07-13-2021 10:20
From: Phil McIntosh
Subject: Can Sage 100 function off the Internet Grid?
The real danger is from the client connections to the server who are also connected to the internet...
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Phil McIntosh
President
Friendly Systems, Inc.
Asheville NC
678.273.4010 ext 5