Sage News and Discussion

 View Only
  • 1.  Upgrading DM2 (PDI) Software

    Posted 08-10-2021 20:35
    I can't believe I am about to ask this question, but I told a Sage user (not a customer) that I would inquire on the oft chance the brilliant 90 Minds may have have some valuable insight.

    We were contacted recently by an organization that has been using Sage 100 and the DM2 software for petroleum distributors and retailers for many years.  [The industry thanks you Steve Murphy.]   PDI Software acquired DM2 Software a few years ago.  

    This organization is running on Sage 100 v2013 and wants to upgrade Sage and DM2.  They have been in upgrade discussions with PDI, and are unfortunately not viewing these discussions as progressing favorably.  Consequently they  are seeking alternatives to PDI.

    While I know many of us routinely sell/support/upgrade ISV solutions, I am not aware of any Sage Partners tackling a DM2 upgrade without DM2/PDI doing the heavy lifting.  To the best of my way back knowledge, the product is too deep, broad, and complex for a one-off adventure,  Thus the thought of attempting an upgrade without DM2 expertise would be bordering on insanity.  However, never one to underestimate the Sage channel, I am wondering if anyone has any experience in this realm, knows an ex DM2 employee, or can recommend any other thoughts aside from running for the hills as fast as possible?

    Thank you.

    ------------------------------
    Jeff Mack
    Founder & EVP
    InTWO, Inc.
    Redmond WA
    425-820-6120


    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Upgrading DM2 (PDI) Software

    Posted 08-10-2021 21:37
    Edited by Wayne Schulz 08-10-2021 21:38
    Sorry I don't have an answer for you but can share that I ran into a similar issue with ARM ( Automated Rental ) which I think is from BCS? I had an orphan contact me and they wanted to update. Ultimately the update of the ARM solution was one that could really only be done by ARM ( I found another kind 90 Minder who relayed some stories about their struggle trying to go live with an upgrade even with BCS assistance). 

    Long story short - I spent a decent amount of time doing what you're doing ( asking around, seeing if this was something that could be done without ISV assistance ). Then the customer ultimately was told by the ISV/BCS that the ISV would have to do the upgrade of the ARM and because it was so complex why don't they do the entire upgrade and take the ROR as well. Naturally this was only after I'd gotten a Sage reinstatement quote, inquired on 90 Minds, etc.

    The moral of the story is that I now walk away from these "heavy ISV" integrations. I'll never be able to support them after going live and there's zero chance I can create a reasonable fixed price upgrade quote for them because their solution is too "one-off" for me to ever have any real experience.

    Actually, I shouldn't say that I walk away. I quote them at the high end of what I pessimistically think the effort will be to get them upgraded -- which they never want to pay ( and I can't blame them )

    I know there are VARS who love to roll up their sleeves and do what I term "onesies and twosies" and for that, I wish them good luck. I've just never been able to make a reasonable fee on something that I'm not an expert at or am not reasonably going to do more than one or two installations of.


    ------------------------------
    Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Upgrading DM2 (PDI) Software

    Posted 08-11-2021 11:58

    Thanks for the feedback Wayne.  Confirms everything we already knew right. 

     

    As for the ARM/BCS story, we have lived that as well.  However our situation was with an existing Sage customer that we sold ARM to, and then only to see the same ROR scenario a few years later.    

     

    Jeff

    ICS Support is now InTwo

     

     

    Jeff Mack

    Founder and EVP Global Consultancy

    Office: +1 (425) 820-6120
    Direct: +1 (425) 284-5413
    Email: Jeff.Mack@intwo.cloud

    Click here to join our team

    www.intwo.cloud

          

     

    ICS Support is now InTwo

     

     

     

     






  • 4.  RE: Upgrading DM2 (PDI) Software

    Posted 08-11-2021 11:34
    @Marcos DeLuna knows more about DM2 than anyone else I have met and has helped us with a couple of client issues.​

    ------------------------------
    Bernie Lehman
    Lehman Wesley & Associates
    ------------------------------