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Hi we are getting our collections sorted, and finally buying Past Perfect and moving away from a less than barely there spreadsheet system. However, we hear that they will release a web based version sometime this summer. Should we wait and just do it all at once this summer not knowing exactly when it will be released, or continue with the momentum we have, buy the software now, and then migrate to the new version when it is released? The costs are the same because of discounts associated with upgrades etc...


Sent from my iPhone

I would also like to know the answer....I am looking to purchase Past Perfect within the next few weeks....wait for the web or purchase? 

Thank you!
Lisa

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Lisa Petitta
Historian
Solders & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
Pittsburgh Pa
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2017 10:41 AM
From: Lisa Lee
Subject: Past Perfect now or later

Hi we are getting our collections sorted, and finally buying Past Perfect and moving away from a less than barely there spreadsheet system. However, we hear that they will release a web based version sometime this summer. Should we wait and just do it all at once this summer not knowing exactly when it will be released, or continue with the momentum we have, buy the software now, and then migrate to the new version when it is released? The costs are the same because of discounts associated with upgrades etc...


Sent from my iPhone

Here is some information I received from the Past Perfect rep.

 

Yes, PastPerfect is releasing a cloud-based Web Edition this summer. We are hoping to have demos available for users to try as early as next month. I don’t have concrete pricing yet, but I do have some preliminary pricing I can give you.

 

If you order PastPerfect 5.0 and then later decide to upgrade to Web Edition, there will be a ~$400 setup charge, and then the annual hosting of ~$600. The annual hosting includes 5 usernames and unlimited record storage. The price also includes Annual Support with us, any maintenance that may need to be done on your site, and the hosting of your data.

 

hope this helps a little
Lisa

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Lisa Petitta
Historian
Solders & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
Pittsburgh Pa
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2017 10:41 AM
From: Lisa Lee
Subject: Past Perfect now or later

Hi we are getting our collections sorted, and finally buying Past Perfect and moving away from a less than barely there spreadsheet system. However, we hear that they will release a web based version sometime this summer. Should we wait and just do it all at once this summer not knowing exactly when it will be released, or continue with the momentum we have, buy the software now, and then migrate to the new version when it is released? The costs are the same because of discounts associated with upgrades etc...


Sent from my iPhone

If I remember correctly, they first announced the cloud version via their newsletter in the fall of 2014 and were hoping to launch in the fall of 2015. I've been asking about it ever since. They have been telling me  the web version will be released soon for two years now! The developers apparently kept running in to snags. I'm glad they are taking their time and releasing a well tested program, but the wait has been a very long one. So I wouldn't make any definite plans just yet! 

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Jennifer Cantrell
Membership Specialist
Sheldon Museum of Art University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln NE
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2017 10:41 AM
From: Lisa Lee
Subject: Past Perfect now or later

Hi we are getting our collections sorted, and finally buying Past Perfect and moving away from a less than barely there spreadsheet system. However, we hear that they will release a web based version sometime this summer. Should we wait and just do it all at once this summer not knowing exactly when it will be released, or continue with the momentum we have, buy the software now, and then migrate to the new version when it is released? The costs are the same because of discounts associated with upgrades etc...


Sent from my iPhone

Personally, I recommend you get any software on your own computer rather than use an online version.  That way you always have <g class="gr_ gr_109 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="109" data-gr-id="109">it,</g> and don't have to keep paying monthly/yearly fees. No one can ever take it away from you. Plus you can control when, or even whether, you upgrade. In my mind, it's like buying a car rather than renting one.

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Beth Hansen
Easton MD
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2017 10:41 AM
From: Lisa Lee
Subject: Past Perfect now or later

Hi we are getting our collections sorted, and finally buying Past Perfect and moving away from a less than barely there spreadsheet system. However, we hear that they will release a web based version sometime this summer. Should we wait and just do it all at once this summer not knowing exactly when it will be released, or continue with the momentum we have, buy the software now, and then migrate to the new version when it is released? The costs are the same because of discounts associated with upgrades etc...


Sent from my iPhone

My understanding is that, once released, new users can start off right away with the cloud-based version and that it will be at least a year until they will be ready to migrate existing users.  I guess the real question is do you absolutely need it to be cloud-based or would that just be more convenient?  You might call them and see how long the wait actually is.  If it is not too long, it might be worth waiting for.  If it is just an unnecessary luxury at this point, it might be worth moving forward with getting your collections organized and upgrade in a year or so when it becomes an option.

Good luck!

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Dana Neitzel
Curator
San Mateo County Historical Association
Redwood City CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2017 10:41 AM
From: Lisa Lee
Subject: Past Perfect now or later

Hi we are getting our collections sorted, and finally buying Past Perfect and moving away from a less than barely there spreadsheet system. However, we hear that they will release a web based version sometime this summer. Should we wait and just do it all at once this summer not knowing exactly when it will be released, or continue with the momentum we have, buy the software now, and then migrate to the new version when it is released? The costs are the same because of discounts associated with upgrades etc...


Sent from my iPhone

Hi there,

While they might release it soon, like any new software, it may have some bugs. I would spring for the PastPerfect 5.0. I have been using it for 4 years a variety of museums. It is dependable and any issues you run into, you can call them for support. I would also have them help you convert spreadsheets into the catalog entries, especially if you haven't converted things before. 
If you want the web based version, they will eventually make it so you can convert from 5.0 to that.

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Kali Mason
Curator of Collections
Customs House Museum
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-14-2017 10:41 AM
From: Lisa Lee
Subject: Past Perfect now or later

Hi we are getting our collections sorted, and finally buying Past Perfect and moving away from a less than barely there spreadsheet system. However, we hear that they will release a web based version sometime this summer. Should we wait and just do it all at once this summer not knowing exactly when it will be released, or continue with the momentum we have, buy the software now, and then migrate to the new version when it is released? The costs are the same because of discounts associated with upgrades etc...


Sent from my iPhone