Canceling A LA Mode - Total

[Vermonter]

If I were changing software providers, I would make sure to have some overlap time. At least 3 months. This allows you the time to learn the new software and modify any old reports if necessary. Typically won't need to modify a report after 3 months so the pdf and complete workfile should be adequate. Copy everything from Titan to a drive on you PC

Whatever you go with, keep your workfile OUTSIDE of the software. It's very easy to do, easy to backup and a lifesaver in the event something goes wrong or in this case, need to change providers.

 

[sputnam]

Your call. All of my work files include a signed PDF copy and an XML copy of the appraisal report and are separate from the appraisal software. If i change software, the only thing I lose is the ability to work on old reports using the new software.

 

[CoCat]

All great information and points everyone, thank you. I thought having the software automatically store my workfile and extra data and notes was a "nice feature" but see now what a bind it has put me in.

 

[Mark K]

Can't you download all of your files in their 'cloud' to your hard drive? I'm assuming Titan Drive is some type of Alamode cloud storage. I haven't renewed any alamode annual support in about 7-8 years. I have all my files on my hard drive and still have the Alamode program thru which I can assess them. Its not like you lose the program if you quit their annual support. I still use the Alamode program a few times/year for their GP form, that's about it.

 

[Vermonter]

I thought having the software automatically store my workfile and extra data and notes was a "nice feature" but see now what a bind it has put me in.

I mean it is super convenient. That's how they trap you and keep you renewing.

Can't you download all of your files in their 'cloud' to your hard drive?

You can, they just don't make it easy.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I thought having the software automatically store my workfile

One reason I kept a paper copy in file and then later a pdf in a folder, was I have a genuine copy of your report. And when I got rid of software and converted to all narrative, then I had a seamless "bonafide" copy of the report.

 

[Mark K]

You can, they just don't make it easy.

That's good enough reason to find another vendor, one that doesn't effectively hold your files hostage.

 

[CoCat]

Can't you download all of your files in their 'cloud' to your hard drive? I'm assuming Titan Drive is some type of Alamode cloud storage. I haven't renewed any alamode annual support in about 7-8 years. I have all my files on my hard drive and still have the Alamode program thru which I can assess them. Its not like you lose the program if you quit their annual support. I still use the Alamode program a few times/year for their GP form, that's about it.

You can, but it downloads their proprietary file (WinTOTAL .zap report extension). So it appears you cannot access it/open it without an active software subscription. I'm not sure how much the downloaded Total program will let you interface with it without an active license. I assume it is limited, so yes while you can download them all easily from the cloud, you will not have the program required to open it unless you keep paying.

I asked A La Mode what appraisers do when they retire. A la mode stated they typically continue to pay for titan drive storage at $349 per year, so they can go online and access/open all their old reports through the cloud.

 

[Vermonter]

I asked A La Mode what appraisers do when they retire.

What did you think they would say? You will hear the same from your E&O provider.

I can tell you that when I actually do end my appraisal life, I won't be doing revision requests that's for sure so Alamode can pound sand.
Seriously, if you're actually retiring and not straddling the fence, then you shut everything down on a certain date and enjoy.

 

[CoCat]

What did you think they would say? You will hear the same from your E&O provider.

I can tell you that when I actually do end my appraisal life, I won't be doing revision requests that's for sure so Alamode can pound sand.
Seriously, if you're actually retiring and not straddling the fence, then you shut everything down on a certain date and enjoy.

I meant regarding file retention requirements. Not revisions. Since a la mode builds so much of the workfile into their software, I don't print everything to a hard copy. It was at one point a "feature" I believed but I did not realize at the time how it would affect my record-keeping requirements into retirement (or switching software-which is the ultimate topic of this thread). Now I have thousands of digital files, with only minimally printed hardcopy pages. The idea of printing (even to PDF) all this extra workfile information before ending my subscription is overwhelming. I'm just sharing for others information and to hear any workarounds others have come up with.