We see comments posted from time to time on forums with concerns over user data (any firms data) being locked up into an online provider’s service. The concern is that if one day they stop wanting to use (pay for) the service they will lose their data and that they are therefore forced to continue to use the service forever.
The simple answer to this, from a JubileePRO perspective, is that we will always give you your data if you want it after discontinuing to use our service. The question is, how do you want it (in what form) and how will it be of use to you? We can certainly export data as CSV files for you, which will allow you to import some data into whatever new system you want.
However, the data is not what you are paying for when you use Jubilee. What you are really paying for is the storage, security, maintenance, backup, and most importantly, the presentation, organization, and calculated output and electronic filing of the data. You are paying for the instant ease of access from anywhere you are with an internet connection, and you are paying for the personal support that is a quick phone call, chat, or email away.
With traditional desktop applications such as our BankruptcyPRO (or others like Best Case), you control the physical storage of the data (and are responsible to protect it), but you still only have limited use of it through those software tools after your license expires. All bankruptcy software tools rapidly become obsolete once updates stop due to the ever-constant change of laws, forms, exemptions, means test variables, and so forth.
Lack of transportability between software providers is an issue when firms want to change. We see this as a stumbling block for prospective clients every week. Our competitors aren’t going to send us your data because they don’t want you to leave, but you should be able to get basic client data (names, address, phones, etc..) and some other items exported, which we can then import for you. Moving, whether it is between houses, offices, or software products, is never fun or simple, but when the long term benefits make sense don’t let short term pain keep you pinned where you don’t want to be.
