ALF's

[LDegnon@xxxxxxxxx]

I'm sure that I have seen this posted on this list several times, but here
it goes...


We have been using MAPICS for Approx. four years now, and it has just been
brought to my attention that we are paying several thousand dollars more
for our ALF's every year.

I requested an explanation from MAPICS on this, and after about a month,
they came back with a explanation that it "automatically" increases by 10%
Annually.  I then poured over our original contracts, and found no
reference to this "Feature".

We are also looking to Upgrade our AS/400 from a lowly 170e to an 800
series box-Model 2464 w/ 2.5 GB Memory,160 GB usable disk with RAID, (maybe
then Browser will be somewhat usable) and as such have looked into changing
from processor based licensing to user based.  I was told by our affiliate
that, in our case, the cost would be +- $30,000.00 to purchased the
"Essentials Package, and on top of that we would have to also still pay the
ILF for the first year.

I don't know about all of you, but this seem mighty strange to me.  When we
initially purchased MAPICS, we paid for the software, which included the
first year of Support and upgrades, (Kinda like the rest of the world does
it!!!) but now we are faced with $30,000.00 for the software, and $30,000
for the ILF???

Somehow, this just does not seem to be on the up and up,  any feedback
would be fantastic, as I just want to know what others in our shoes have
had to do...

Also, what are the experiences out there with Browser and other MAPICS
interfaces on this type of box with 100% 100mb full duplex Switched
Segments to desktops, Desktops being P4's of at least 2.4ghz, 1024mb ram,
Xp pro?  With our 170e, we typically can go get a cup of coffee and come
back to an hourglass when we open a "query" in Browser, any "query"...

I'd hate to get what I'm asking for and not have it solve our situation,
not good for job security, if you know what I mean.

(If my affiate is out there, this is in no way directed towards you, just
trying to understand the "New Math in Atlanta")


Lloyd H. Degnon
I.S. Manager
AmPro Computers, Inc.
5215 Hellyer Ave.
Building #110
San Jose, CA 95138
(408) 360-4365
ldegnon@xxxxxxxxx
www.AmPro.com