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Why should I rent
instead of purchasing the software?
If purchasing is
more expensive, why does Reach-Out provide the
on-demand rental option?
What types of
solutions can I create with Reach-Out?
What type of
customer makes use of Reach-Out?
Why do I need
internet software if I work only from my office?
Working through
the internet is slow – what is Reach-Out's
response time
Can my clients
enter data via my website?
Can I view my
data, in real-time, on my website?
How safe is my
data? I work with classified data and the idea
of exposing it to the internet is troubling.
Do I need a
license for every computer on which I install
the software?
Is there a limit
to the number of users?
Can I rent the
software on my own dedicated server?
Are there backups
for my data?
Can I create my
own backups or receive backups?
If I decide to
stop working with Reach-Out, can my data be
transferred to another program?
Can I add fields
and folders to the software and tailor the
software at any stage according to my
requirements?
When I make
changes, such as adding a new field, do I need
to install the software again?
Can I make
structural changes to the software such as
adding fields or folders while other users are
working?
Can I receive a
demo of the software?
How should I
prepare for the project?
What should I
prepare for the software configuration process?
How long does the
implementation process take?
Who are your
competitors?
Why do you
compare solutions that cost hundreds of
thousands of dollars to Reach-Out?
Why does our
computing manager recommend different software?
It sounds too
good to be true!
Why haven't I
heard of Reach-Out before?
When is support
available?
Does the software
connect with bookkeeping software?
Can you create an
interface application with other software?
What hardware do
I need to install Reach-Out?
What operating
system is required?
What type of
server do I need?
Which modules or
editions do I need?
Who is eligible
to receive support?
When is support
available?
Can I work in
languages other than English?
What engine do
you use?
What will happen
if you close?
Is there a limit
to the amount of material that can be entered
into the software?
How is data
imported?
Why should I rent instead of
purchasing the software?
The
cost of renting is considerably cheaper that the
cost of purchasing even when taking into account
long-term costs.
As
there is no long-term commitment, configuration
of the software and fitting it to the
organization can be gradual, lessening the risk.
Purchasing the software can be significantly
cheaper as there is no need to purchase and
maintain accessory software and equipment.
There is no need to purchase a server.
There is no need to purchase a database.
There is no need for regular maintenance on the
server and database.
There is no need to purchase a license for each
computer, as is done when purchasing the
software. Licenses for rented software are paid
per concurrent user.
There is no need to purchase a special wideband
internet connection for the server, which need a
high Upload rate, unavailable in ADSL
connections.
Support is available immediately. Changes can be
made instantly – there is no need for a
representative to arrive in person.
Support is efficient as the support
representative can view your software while you
explain your difficulties.
After purchasing the software, it is necessary
to renew a yearly support contract. The price of
this contract can be even higher than the
monthly rental costs.
With
the on-demand software, users can work from any
location that has an internet connection.
Even if at
present this doesn't seem necessary, with time
the convenience and advantages of this system
will become apparent.(Top)
If purchasing is more expensive,
why does Reach-Out provide the on-demand rental
option?
Although the price of renting is considerably
lower than purchasing the software and the
average contract price is much smaller, the
profit is identical. The
on-demand software saves the need for on-site
representatives, lessens the time required for
support and increases customer satisfaction.The
number of technical difficulties is low thanks
to new high-quality equipment.
In
the end, everybody stands to gain. The customer
pays less; we work less and make the same
profit. .In this way, everybody is satisfied.
(Top)
What types of solutions can I
create with Reach-Out?
Reach-Out is a user level configurator. DID
technology can create any solution that has data
at its
heart.
We
can add any field, with no limitations to any
table, and analyze the data through customizable
reports.
Our
customers have made many and varied uses of
Reach-Out, starting from a classic CRM solution,
to a database for jam recipes in the
laboratories of a food factory. Among Reach-Out
solutions you can find: CRM,
Help-Desk, Customer Club, Personnel, Risk
Management, Hospitals, Databases, Call-Center,
Real-Estate, Telemarketing, Marketing, Sales,
Project Management, Support, Complaints
Management and more.
(Top)
What type of customer makes use
of Reach-Out?
Reach-Out has over 20,000 clients all over the
world in various fields making use of
Reach-Out's solutions.
Reach-Out is appropriate for any size of
business – from a one-man office to
organizations with tens of thousands of workers.
Our clients include both the private sector and
the public sector, from a wide variety of fields
and industries.
(Top)
Why do I need internet software
if I work only from my office?
Even
if you do not currently need to work via the
internet, and you work solely in your office,
with time you will become aware of the
advantages of working from anyplace.
Many
customers, who originally considered the
internet unnecessary, have changed their mind.
Such customers include small offices that closed
and chose to work out of home as a result of the
flexibility and connectivity provided by the
internet solution. Field representatives can
work from home and do not need to return to the
office at the end of the day. Our customers can
also take advantage of the time spent
waiting in airports, or sitting at a local
coffee house.
The
ability to connect from anywhere opens up new
horizons. Customers have employed
representatives abroad to work from home instead
of renting an expensive office. Distant
branches of a business can stay constantly
synchronized.
During the recent hostilities in Israel, with
katusha rockets falling in the North and Kasam
missiles in the South, many of our customers
relocated and were able to continue working even
if the CEO was in Tel Aviv, the marketing
manager in Beersheba, the sales representative
in Jerusalem and the secretary in Amsterdam.
Today, with the addition of an IP telephone, all
this is possible at no additional cost, and no
physical constraints.
(Top)
Working through the internet is
slow – what is Reach-Out's response time?
Reach-Out's response time is the fastest in the
world. When working on the same continent as
the on-demand server, response time is identical
to that of a user working on a local server.
Response time in Israel USA or Europe on a server
located in Israel would be almost the same as
that of a program installed on a local desktop.
Response time for ASP or browser software is
relatively slow. This is a result of the
technology used. In ASP software, all the tools,
icons and part of the data need to go back and
forth through the internet—an action that
requires time, resulting in slow response time.
Reach-Out uses a different type of technology—we
install the software which saves time on
unnecessary data transfer.
(Top)
Can my clients enter data via my
website?
Absolutely.
The
database is located on the server and connected
to the internet. We can create an ASP form, or
forms, at a one time cost, to allow data to be
entered through your website. In this way an
employee or employees can enter the website,
open the form and enter the data. Clicking OK
will transfer the data entered into the form
directly into your Reach-Out database.
(Top)
Can I view my data, in real-time,
on my website?
Absolutely.
The
database is located on the server and connected
to the internet. We can create an ASP form, or
forms, at a one time cost, that will display
permanent or changing data reports on your
website.
In
this way customers can view the data that you
designate to be displayed.
For
instance, a supplier might ask to view, in real
time, sales orders for his merchandise organized
by date, or to view work requests whose status
is "Open".
We
can display any data cross-section from your
database, from the website according to your
requirements.
(Top)
How safe is my data? I work with
classified data and the idea of exposing it to
the internet is troubling.
Exposure to the internet can be troubling, but
is there an alternative?
If
you have an internet connection, receive/send
e-mail, or surf websites--- you are already
exposed.
It
is much more secure to work on our server than
your own local server. The reasons for this are:
a.
We have the highest
quality staff and equipment, specializing in
data protection and Firewall.
b.
Our Firewall is constantly updated and
maintained by qualified personnel.
c.
Data is transferred in binary encoded form and
there is no chance of receiving viruses or
trojans.
d.
Our server is not exposed to files from external
sources such as e-mails and internet sites—a
significant source for viruses.
e.
Your competitors cannot know where your database
is hosted, its specific location or file name.
f.
Our software is not exposed on a website, so
hackers cannot "fish" for names and passwords to
hack into the website.
g.
Even in the case of a physical break-in to your
offices, or damage as a result of fire,
earthquake or other natural disaster, your data
remains protected and you can continue working
from anywhere. Many of our customers have
experienced theft of equipment and local
servers, hard disk failure, fire, flooding,
virus damage and more.
In
every case, customers receive the same answer –
there is no connection between the damage to
your offices and your database. You can start
continue working immediately from any location,
anywhere.
h.
Our server farm is located in highly secure
premises with strict procedures and round-the
clock security.
i.
We are committed to preserving your privacy
regarding your data, and will under no
circumstance make any use of the data.
j.
Our employees are strictly chosen and committed
to the secrecy of your data.
(Top)
Do
I need a license for every computer on which I
install the software?
No.
The
licensing system for the software rental is
determined according to the number of users
working concurrently, and not according to the
number of installations. You
designate the number of concurrent users. You
can install the software on as many computers as
you need, with no limitations.
For
example, if you work from your office and from
home – there is no need for more than one
concurrent user because you cannot work from
home and from the office at the same time.
(Top)
Is
there a limit to the number of users?
No,
there is no limit.
The
only limit is your determination of the number
of concurrent users.
You
can enter an unlimited number of user names. You
can enter from multiple workstations the same
user name.
For
example if your company has 50 users, but only a
small number work concurrently, you can choose
to connect 5 concurrent users but all 50 users
will still be listed as system users.
(Top)
Can I rent the software on my own
dedicated server?
Certainly.
Starting from a certain number of concurrent
users, database size, and work pressure, you can
choose to work on your own dedicated server. You
can rent a dedicated server through us or
purchase your own server and place it in our
server farm with a wideband connection to your
offices.
In
any case, if you have your own server, you need
to provide us with Remote Desktop access.
For
customers with over 50 concurrent users, the
question of dedicated or shared servers will be
examined, and a recommendation made in
accordance with all the variables and conditions
existing in each specific company.
(Top)
Are there backups for my data?
Absolutely.
There are backups made several times a day.
We
work with Microsoft SQL Server, which is
considered one of the largest and safest
databases in the world with excellent data
recovery capabilities.
All
of our servers have a double hard disk, Scsi,
using Raid. If the hard disk should experience
any type of failure, the second hard disk
immediately resumes working. Backups are located
on both hard disks.
In
addition a backup robot creates daily backups of
the database and saves a month of backups. An
additional backup is created at the end of each
month and kept for another two months. A backup
disk is also sent to a separate location once a
month, in the case of natural disaster such as
earthquakes, etc.
All
backups are automatic.
(Top)
Can I create my own backups or
receive backups?
Absolutely
You
can export your data at any time to Excel or
Word. This is done by creating a query of your
data, and at a click of a button, exporting the
data to either Excel or Word.
If
you require a Microsoft SQL Server backup of
your database, you can order a backup and we
will send you a backup copy within 24 hours, for
$100.00 including FedEx service.
(Top)
If I decide to stop working with
Reach-Out, can my data be transferred to another
program?
Absolutely.
You
can export your data at any time to Microsoft
Excel or Microsoft Word. Most software can
import data from these programs. Data can be
exported by creating a data query and selecting
to which program you wish to export your data.
Data in Excel format can also be saved as ASCII,
for software that import using ASCII format.
In
addition you can order a backup in Microsoft SQL
format, for imports to software using this
format.
(Top)
Can I add fields and folders to
the software and tailor the software at any
stage according to my requirements?
Yes.
One of Reach-Out's prominent advantages is the
DID technology that allows changes to be
implemented at the user level. Users with the
appropriate security clearance can add fields,
folders, create calculations, security
limitations and much more in minutes -- with no
need for technical staff. If you prefer, we can
also make the changes for you, at no extra cost.
Even
when changes are made using telephone support,
you will view the changes immediately. All you
have to do is close the program and reopen it
and the changes will be updated.
(Top)
When I make changes, such as
adding a new field, do I need to install the
software again?
No.
There is no need to re-install the software.
Changes can be made at any time. All that needs
to be done so that other users can view your
changes, is to close and re-open the software.
When the software is re-opened, the changes will
be updated.
In
order to update all users on the changes, you
can send a message to all users, informing them
of the changes.
(Top)
Can I make structural changes to
the software such as adding fields or folders
while other users are working?
Changes such as adding fields or folders can be
made when other users are working. However, if a
field has been deleted, or a name was changed while
other users are working with these fields, this
could lead to certain problems.
In
this case, it is recommended to ask the users
either to exit the software or to refrain from
working on the folders where the changes are
being made.
Once
changes have been made, it is recommended to
update all users by sending a message,
explaining the changes and asking them to close
and reopen the software to update.
(Top)
Can I receive a demo of the
software?
Reach-Out, using DID technology is tailored to
fit every clients specific needs. In
order to work with Reach-Out, it is necessary to
configure the software to fit the client's
requirements, and to undergo instruction and/or
receive support.
Our
experience teaches us that
clients that configure the software to
fit their needs, received instruction and
support, succeeded in implementing the software.
Reach-Out meets the great majority of our
customer's requirements with great success.
A
process of change of organizational culture is
necessary when beginning to work with the
software.
In
order to experience working with Reach-Out, we
recommend renting the software and making a
commitment to working for a certain period of
time.
In
some cases, it is possible to rent the software
for a limited period of 3 months in order to
gain experience.
For
the most effective results, we recommend a full
year rental package including configuration,
instruction and support
(Top)
How should I prepare for the
project?
We
recommend appointing a project manager.
The
project manager should be familiar with your
organizational processes and computer systems. The
project manager's function is to configure the
software in conjunction with other
representatives responsible for different parts
of the organization.
In
the future the project manager will make the
changes and adaptations of the software.
The
most complicated part of the project is the
implementation of the software into your
organization.
There is an important difference between
instruction and implementation.
Instruction provides the background on how to
use the functions of the software, such as
recording a telephone conversation.
Implementation means learning new work habits,
such as updating the details of a phone call
during or after the call.
Implementation is a long process and involves
changing work habits, and changing
organizational culture.
The
management must allow enough resources to insure
the success of the project and support the
project manager in his efforts.
Workers, naturally, are not always fond of
changes. It is a natural part of the project to
expect complaints and sob stories. However most
of the organizations do succeed in making the
change.
Familiar complaints include:
It
slows me down!
What? You want me to update the details – I
won't have any time for sales!
Do
you think I sit around here all day doing
nothing?
Who
needs this?
Don't you trust me? Suddenly you find it
necessary to track my work—you don't think I'm
good enough?
All
the material is in Word and Excel – why do I
need something new?
These are typical responses deriving from lack
of knowledge and fear of a new system.
Most
of us take driving for granted, but we have to
remember that all of us underwent a learning
process before we started to drive.
(Top)
What should I prepare for the
software configuration process?
In
order to prepare for the software configuration,
create a list of fields you would like to see in
the software organized by subject.
These could include general fields, price
proposals, support etc. We recommend viewing our
Video Help instruction.
There is no need for a preliminary report or
written document. The great advantage of
Reach-Out is its simplicity and the ease with
which the software can be configured. DID
technology allows
users to add fields and make real time changes
at any time.
The
direct configuration of Reach-Out will be more
effective than any written document.
We
call this "Multi-Level Thinking", meaning direct
implementation of ideas, and constant
improvement of the existing product.
Always remember, it is possible to add fields and
make changes at any stage.
(Top)
How long does the implementation
process take?
The
project manager in your organization is
responsible for the implementation process.
This
process depends on the quality of the personnel
working with the software as well as the support
provided in the organization by the management.
We
recommend starting out with a simple
configuration, beginning the implementation, and
then continuing to improve the configuration
while adding on additional processes.
Implementation involves developing work habits
and changing organizational culture.
It
is crucial to provide the necessary resources
and time to allow the implementation process to
succeed.
The
implementation process can be lengthy and can
take several months.
There are various levels of implementation. We
recommend that the implementation be started
gradually, starting with the basic functions.
Once these functions have been mastered, the
implementation can be widened to include more
functions and processes.
(Top)
Who are your competitors?
Our
competitors can be divided into different
levels.
In
reality, there is no software directly
comparable to Reach-Out
Different software can compete with Reach-Out in
different fields.
Competitors can range from Outlook to software
such as Oracle CRM, Siebel, Salesforce, Pivotal,
Microsoft CRM and many more. Each
of these solutions is essentially different from
each other. The point of competition is the
final configuration of the solution, and this
includes each company's goals and the resources
dedicated to the process.
(Top)
Why do you compare solutions that
cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to
Reach-Out?
The
cost of the solution is meaningless. A high
price often means technological weakness.
Reach-Out's technology allows her clients to
replace months of development in other solutions
such as Siebel or Salesforce, with changes that
can take minutes.
Reach-Out's DID technology allows complex
projects that could cost hundreds of thousands
of dollars and months of work, to be finished on
a higher level in a matter of days, or even
hours at a cost of hundreds of dollars.
We
have seen numerous examples of development staff
dedicating months of work time and failing to
achieve the solutions we can offer in a couple
of hours.
(Top)
Why does our computing manager
recommend different software?
Computer experts don't always have a great deal
of knowledge of marketing or marketing work
processes. Nobody lost their job for choosing
SAP, Microsoft or Siebel.
Often a computer expert may not be aware of our
technology, or may not have a motive for working
with us.
In
one large organization the computing staff and
the DBA rejected working with Reach-Out claiming
" It is impossible that the software can make
changes to a database without programmers" "Only
a qualified DBA can make changes and
optimizations to a system" "We have never heard
of a solution that is capable of doing such a
thing" " Send me scripts.—I'll make changes and
check. No software can do that automatically"
Such
reactions by computing staff show a clear motive
– to keep their job. Reach-Out can make some of
their functions obsolete.
One
potential reseller put it this way" If I sell
Reach-Out, instead of a $90,000 project, I'll
have to sell the same project for $5000. I won't
have anything to do – how will I make a living?
Everything is too easy and fast – I can't commit
to enough hours with the customer".
It
sounds too good to be true!
Yes,
we hear this often! Yet 3000 organizations in
Israel are already enjoying Reach-Out. Every
revolutionary technology takes time to be
assimilated into our awareness, and often the
assimilation is only partial. Many of our
customers have been using Reach-Out for years
and they still cannot believe the potential of
Reach-Out. One software developer working with
us decided to create his own Help Desk software;
after 3 months of development, he found himself
still without a satisfactory solution. After a
meeting with us, we met his demands in 30
minutes.
(Top)
Why haven't I heard of Reach-Out
before?
For
starters, -- now you have, and that's a good
thing.
Reach-Out is the result of a technological
development process which has lasted many years.
Most of our development efforts are based on
customer response during project implementation.
Reach-Out began in 1996, and we have continued
working steadily ever since. Our company is
small and our marketing budget limited. We
are happy now that you have heard of us, and
hope you will pass the word on to your
acquaintances.
(Top)
Does the software connect with
bookkeeping software?
Reach-Out does not configure bookkeeping data.
However we can create an interface application
that will import data from a permanent file
structure.
In
general, we recommend separating bookkeeping
with marketing.
Marketing data is more flexible and less exact.
The
software allows data on payments, invoices, and
client number in your bookkeeping system, credit
card number, check numbers, or any other
bookkeeping data that might be relevant.
(Top)
Can you create an interface
application with other software?
If
you have a file or program with a permanent
structure, we can create an interface
application to automatically import data into
Reach-Out., once you click the command button.
We can provide you with a price proposal for
such an application, once we receive details
regarding the file structure and your
requirements.
We
can create interfaces with almost any software
you might require.
(Top)
What hardware do I need to
install Reach-Out?
Our
servers handle most of the load, so the hardware
requirements are not as essential as they might
be for other software. We recommend a minimum of
Pentium 3 with MB256.
(Top)
What operating system is
required?
Reach-Out can be used with Windows 98 and all
later versions. We highly recommend Windows XP
for its improved memory management.
(Top)
What type of server do I need?
There is no need for a server. Your database is
managed on our company's server.
(Top)
Which modules or editions do I
need?
With
Reach-Out you receive a single solution – there
is no need for separate modules or editions.
The
price includes periodic updates. If,
as your work with Reach-Out proceeds, new
requirements should appear, we invite you to
make use of the tools in Reach-Out which you may
not used as of yet. Please contact us with any
questions.
(Top)
Who is eligible to receive
support?
The
function of the project manager in every company
is to assist users in their everyday work. The
project manager in your organization is
responsible for the software and the changes and
is the representative that should contact us to
receive support.
If
the project manager is unavailable and there is
an urgent matter, another representative may
contact us for support.
(Top)
When is support available?
The
hours for telephone support are:
Sunday-Thursday 9:00-17:00. Our offices are
closed on Jewish Holidays.
For
urgent matters, the project manager may contact
us at any time by the cell phone number we will
provide you.
(Top)
Can I work in languages other
than English?
Absolutely. Reach-Out supports many languages.
The
English version supports English as well as
other Western languages such as Spanish,
Italian, German, French and more.
.
(Top)
What engine do you use?
Reach-Out works with the powerful Microsoft SQL
Server.
Every customer has his/her own separate database
with respective names and passwords.
The
software cam support millions of entries and
thousands of users working simultaneously.
However, very large databases may require their
own dedicated server.
What will happen if you close?
There is always a limited amount of danger of
this for every business of every size, anywhere
in the world.
Reach-Out has existed since 1996. We
are a privately owned company with thousands of
customers worldwide.
Our
customers can be found in businesses of all
types and all sizes. We
have a stable profit model based on monthly and
yearly rentals.
Our
development center is situated in India to limit
expense. The development center is constantly
busy making changes and improvements for the
benefit of all our clients, and not for any
specific client. We do not dedicate all of our
resources for a specific client, and in this way
all of our clients are profiting from our growing
experience.
We
certainly believe that we will continue working
with you for many years to come.
In
any case, your databases are located with
external companies. In the event of a collapse
of our company, we will provide you with backups
and licensing for your software. The
database can be restored easily on any server
working with Microsoft SQL Server and you can
continue working undisturbed. The
process is simple, only takes a couple of
minutes and involves only running your license
to connect you to your new server.
(Top)
Is there a limit to the amount of
material that can be entered into the software?
Every database is limited to the space allotted
to it by default – 200 MB on the server.
Databases larger than this will require extra
payment.
This
space is sufficient for small and middle class
businesses with an average of up to 40,000
clients.
Clients working on their own dedicated server do
not have any limitations.
(Top)
How is data imported?
Currently we import all data. The client sends
us data organized in an Excel file, organized
consistently.
Every Excel column corresponds to the exact
field name in Reach-Out, to which you wish to
import the data.
Every second level table to be imported should
be organized in a separate table. The first
field should be the first field in the program
or another single value to serve as
a index to import the
data to the correct card.
To
import general cards there are three options:
-
Import –No
Check. This imports data as it is.
-
Import –No
Update. Checks if the card exists. If the
card exists it doesn't change any of the
data.
-
Import –
Update. Checks if the card exists and
updates data in existing cards. New cards
are opened for entries with no existing
cards.
Field types must also be identical. For
instance, it is impossible to import text into a
date field or to a number field. Also, the data
must be displayed in a homogeneous format – for
example the same type of date format.
Data
may be imported to different levels and in
different ways. The import process is complex
and can damage a database if done by
inexperienced users.
We
will import your data for you at no additional
expense.
We
prefer to dedicate the time to insure the
quality of your data, instead of spending the
time in support for mistakes or unsuccessful
imports.
(Top)
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