So you've come to the realization you need software to run your company like a real business--Great!

Not all software packages are the same, nor are the companies. We know your business and we even recommend other software programs in cases where we may not be the best fit.  Here are some questions you should ask yourself before you select a software partner:

How long have they been in business? While not the only clue that a software company serves its clients well, companies like ONTOP Systems, who have been around since 1988, are in the business for the long term.

Do they know my business, or are they just trying to fold the satellite dealer industry into their existing, generic software?  ONTOP Systems was formed over a decade ago by Greg Gubrud, one of the owners of Horizon Satellite, in Eugene, Oregon--at the time, one of the most successful dealerships in the country.  His business grew large, only because it was operated "by the numbers".  He knew that the software he built for his business was a strategic advantage, and formally started ONTOP Systems to assist other satellite retailers. To date, his client list reads like a who's who of the business.  The software was built for one single industry in mind, and not compromised simply to work for any business.

How well can they support me?  While other software firms trying to break into this industry talk about service, only ONTOP Systems has full-featured support that includes an online knowledgebase system where you can go to get answers to common questions.  Only ONTOP Systems has an online bug tracking and enhancement request system that lets you report problems, request enhancements to the software, and even see other reports by other users and ONTOP technical staff!  Only ONTOP Systems assists you in setting up your system, and with ongoing support using innovative technologies like PC Anywhere to remotely control your computer when you need to--it's like having an ONTOP Systems expert looking over your shoulder. Only ONTOP Systems maintains a resources page to assist users in finding the information they need. When it comes to service, be sure that the company you partner with doesn't simply make empty promises! Experience counts in this industry.

How many customers do they have?  Wait for the hymning and hawing to subside after this question.  ONTOP Systems has hundreds of customers, and 95% of them are in the satellite retailer industry.  Most have been customers for a long time--that means their choice of ONTOP Systems Summit software has aided their business in achieving their goals.

Is their business system going to help me or cost me? This is one of the most important questions to ask. Many "accounting systems" make you enter data, debits, credits, and other tedious information, but ONTOP Systems gives management important feedback for your investment of resources.   Feedback that helps you run your business successfully.  Will your new system generate more paperwork or better information?

Is the software full-featured?  Most software is not full-featured. Others may only offer payables, receivables, general ledger, and a light inventory and commission program, but ONTOP Systems provides a fully integrated system that manages inventory, commissions, payroll, purchasing, contact and sales management, and much more--and all of it works together in a total collaborative system to help your business run more smoothly.  Lower end systems, like QuickBooks and Peachtree are a good "starting-out" package--but make no mistake about it--satellite dealers end up switching to a full featured, integrated system once their business grows. Double-entry is a common problem with these light solutions, meaning you enter information in a database or spreadsheet designed for satellite dealers, then again in the low-end accounting software.

Do they offer terms?  Let's face it. If you had all kinds of money you probably wouldn't need a great accounting and business management solution, like ONTOP Systems Summit, to start with.  We can offer lease terms to nearly everyone, including highly competitive prices on hardware and other software, and help you roll it into one easy monthly payment.

Does the company offer "drop in place" solutions? If you buy your software separately from your hardware, you have to install all kinds of stuff to make the system run.  We offer competitively priced solutions that have software pre-loaded, pre-configured, and ready to run, right out of the box (okay, so you'll have to plug in a few cords).

What do their competitors say about them? This is one of the most revealing questions to explore.  How does the business conduct itself while they are trying to make the sale. Bad-mouthing the competition is a sign of desperation, and a pretty good clue they are not the leader in the industry.

What do their customers have to say about them? Okay, this is where the rubber meets the road.  How many satisfied customers a software vendor has is just about as important as any information you can find out, and nothing is more important to ONTOP Systems than customer feedback...

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ONTOP Systems Inc. 9700 SW Capitol Hwy. Suite 100 Portland, Oregon U.S.A. Phone: (503) 977-0200 Fax: (503) 977-0222 Web: www.ontop.com Email: mail@ontop.com