RE: Source code questions

The ability to modify JBA ourselves or using the 3rd party of our choice has
been one of the key factors in our satisfaction with the product.  We are,
however, just now embarking on our first version upgrade at this time so I
may have a different opinion after uplifting a few hundred modifications!  I
also think that if JBA properly managed the process by building a library of
common mods, better educating customers and their staff that they could
garner the bulk of services revenue in the marketplace.  It would be worth a
fair amount of money to have qualified people do the mods, have copies of
your modified system available to support personnel and have version
upgrades delivered to you with your mods.

Anyway, here are my survey responses:

1) We have source code.  If we didn't have this in our contract I would try
to work with JBA to get it.  If they refused, I would consider legal action.
If that didn't look promising, I would start changing to a new ERP system.
2) I would be discouraged from buying any additional modules without source
code, but it would still be considered
3) No matter what ERP system someone buys, I would have them be very careful
with the wording of their contract.  We've been relatively happy with JBA
and I follow other mail lists so I know we're not the only ones with
problems.  My biggest concern about Geac/JBA at this time is their
relatively weak USA presence and I somewhat question their commitment to the
product.  I think if marketed and supported properly, it would have a place
in the ERP market.  I expect we'll still be using JBA five years.


Dan Thomas
Sr. VP Information Systems
MDI
4500 Progress Blvd.
Louisville, KY  40218-5058
Phone (502) 454-9013 ext. 120
www.mdiweb.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Doug333@aol.com [mailto:Doug333@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, July 10, 2000 11:42 AM
To: JBAUSERS-L@midrange.com
Subject: Source code questions


I tried to keep a tally of the users who responded to Jeff's questions about

source code.  I counted nine users responding, all in favor of having source

code.  As I thought about this, I wonder if it is an incomplete question.
If 
you have source code now, of course you will want it in the future.  I have 
posed three question that, in my humble opinion, raise critical questions
for 
GEAC.  
1)  Does the source code issue tip the scales to make you consider changing 
ERP packages?
2)  Will you buy modules without source code?
3) If approached by a company thinking of buying System 21, will you 
recommend they purchase the software?
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