Pros and Cons

[jmarch305]

I am currently using ACI and it is time for a renewal and I am considering win total. Can some of you win total users give me some pros and cons. Thanks. also is there a way to convert old ACI reports to win total.

 

[Thomas Fiehler]

1. Wintotal has great support-when YOU need them. I had one client that required me to use ACI and after about 2 years I dropped them. It just wasn't worth the hassle.

 

[TC]

I've been using ACI for about 7 years now, never had a glitch. I only buy the maintenance contract when a new form come out.

But stand back, the ACI bashers will soon be here.

TC

 

[Mr Rex]

I've been using ACI for about 7 years now, never had a glitch. I only buy the maintenance contract when a new form come out.

But stand back, the ACI bashers will soon be here.

TC

ACI is a shill for AMC interests. How's dat TC?

 

[TC]

ACI is a shill for AMC interests. How's dat TC?

...and it only took 3 minutes!!!

TC

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

Just the fact that TC uses something is enough reason not to use it. I bet it has a good spellchecker though.

 

[Wendy]

Just the fact that TC uses something is enough reason not to use it. I bet it has a good spellchecker though.

I can only speak for A La Mode as I've not used ACI. Overall, I'm happy with the product. It has a few glitches (cells fail to lock in sales grid, photo adder gadget is slow as molasses, etc) but overall it's easy to use. I also really like the new aerial maps - great for really clearly identifying subjects in not so nice places.

One hint: Unless you are completely useless on software, save a bit o' money and get the lowest support level possible.

 

[MEL]

ya what Wendy said... get the tin foil support option.

 

[GCJim]

WinTotal Pros:
1.) good product
2.) all the 'parts' nicely integrated
3.) ala Mode has tended to side with appraisers on the important issues facing the appraisal indusry today.

Cons:
1.) AlaMode is starting to look like an AMC, or at least, an appraisal 'portal' with thier Mercury Network
2.) All the extra bells and whistles are available, but are pricey, imho. (e.g., if you have just a little bit of knowledge, you can buy a domain name and host your own website for lots less than the cost of an appraiser's X-site (website).

I used to use ACI exclusively, until I became more familiar with thier relationships with AMC's and all that this entails. (ACI and AMC's appear to me to be pretty cozy, as in 'bedmates'. I think AMC's do not have appraisers' best interest at heart, do you? I don't either, and I vote with my dollars. I could never recommend ACI)
Someone here already mentioned, go with the basic forms software and support package, until you are sure you need any or all of the extras.
Good Luck!

 

[Thomas Blumberg]

Thats a good point Wintotal has stood by the fee appraiser.