Time to leave Alamode!

[SwampFox]

I currently use Alamode in an office with a server license to run multiple workstations, and I also have a standalone copy at home so I can work in either place. Today, Alamode told me that I can’t do this anymore because I’m not allowed to use both at the same time. Put another way…It’s ok to use my home computer ONLY if nobody in my office is working. If someone in the office is using Total, then I’m not allowed to use Total at home. Unless, of course, I purchase another license. How the F does that make any sense?!? Why would they even allow someone with a server license (who obviously has multiple users) to have a standalone version, but then not allow use of the SA version if someone is working off a server in a completely different location?!? Only reason I can think of is an attempt to squeeze more juice out of a grape! I spend too much money on their software already and have stuck with them over the years because it’s inconvenient to change, but THIS WILL push me away! Anyone have suggestions for an alternative software platform that can be used in an office setting and/or at home??

 

[Joe Flacco]

It makes sense to me. The server license is an add on to the standalone license. If you have 2 offices of which one has multiple workstations then you need two standalone licenses and a server add on for one of the offices. It is not really any different with any other software.

All the things to complain about in this business, alamode is not one of them if you ask me.

 

[alebrewer]

That's because they're CoreLogic now... we're WAY past the time that they cared about the appraisers using their platform.

 

[SwampFox]

It makes sense to me. The server license is an add on to the standalone license. If you have 2 offices of which one has multiple workstations then you need two standalone licenses and a server add on for one of the offices. It is not really any different with any other software.

All the things to complain about in this business, alamode is not one of them if you ask me.

It doesn’t make sense to me. I’ve been working this way for the past decade.

What about a laptop I take into the field with me? Would you feel it’s appropriate to have them charge me for an additional license for that computer too?

 

[Joe Flacco]

It doesn’t make sense to me. I’ve been working this way for the past decade.

What about a laptop I take into the field with me? Would you feel it’s appropriate to have them charge me for an additional license for that computer too?

It's software. You have to buy separate windows license for your laptop, and all your other machines. You don't get to buy one license and install it on all your machines. That's just the way it is with software.

 

[Dublin ohio]

Are you using the server version for multiple licensed appraisers or just assistants.

 

[Dublin ohio]

What about a laptop I take into the field with me? Would you feel it’s appropriate to have them charge me for an additional license for that computer too?

I use Clickforms. But I am a one man office. But I have it loaded on my desktop, laptop and tablet. Using the same software license. Sometimes I will have it open on 2 devices. Never had a problem.

 

[Dublin ohio]

It's software. You have to buy separate windows license for your laptop, and all your other machines. You don't get to buy one license and install it on all your machines. That's just the way it is with software.

See my post above. Not necessarily true

 

[Flakey]

I use Clickforms. But I am a one man office. But I have it loaded on my desktop, laptop and tablet. Using the same software license. Sometimes I will have it open on 2 devices. Never had a problem.

Same with SFREP. Watch all the Totalstans on here start going after the OP. The only other place I've seen this kind of brand loyalty to a total **** company is Tesla.

 

[RCA]

Bradford, IMO, runs a tight ship. He builds and supports a product for his core appraisers. The last time I tried his product was back in 2008 - and I came to the conclusion that for an appraiser like myself who has very specific yet rare requirements, he cannot and should not go to the effort to add features on to his product that I would probably be the only appraiser to ever use. Back then my requirements were being able to embed Chief Architect and Microsoft Office files of various typess. They couldn't do it on initial attempts and gave up for good reason.

Alamode/CoreLogic is the only appraisal software company around that can actually afford to put really advanced but seldom used features in their product. They can do this because of their size. So, while I would like to use ClickForms because it is local, - I can't because I need to embed all kinds of files and as of this year absolutely need worksheets and I could mention a few other things.

If Clickforms does work for you, then that is great. But, if you are moving from Alamode to Clickforms, or considering it, be cautious that ClickForms supports all the features you need.

I would also add that salaries and other costs are of course high in the Silicon Valley where Bradford Technoloties is located, and that makes development of his product far more expensive than for Alamode, with its offices in Oklahoma and Utah. One could argue that Bradford is possibly outsourcing much of its development to Russia or India, but much of his manpower still resides at the headquarters in San Jose. The company is likely too old with too many local dependencies to move to some place like Texas, even if they wanted to, - and a move would cost them quite a bit. So, in my estimation, nothing much will change with Bradford Technologies/Clickforms. Well, other than being swallowed up by some larger company somewhere down the road. That can always happen with any company - if it happened with Alamode (which was a surprise).