From Arita's Desk November 2009

Time Matters 10.0 Benefits, Pricing and Preparation


 • Time Matters 10.0 Benefits
• How to Get Time Matters 10.0
• 3 Ways to Prepare for Time Matters 10.0
• Time Matters 10.0 FAQ for TM Professional Users
• Easiest Way to Access Time Matters On-the-Go

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time Matters/Practice Advantage 10.0 was released last month.  I have been using it since the pre-release stage.  This newsletter describes the benefits, cost and preparation steps you should follow to get ready for Time Matters 10.  This version of Time Matters is not packed with new features, but it is an important upgrade, especially for users of the "Professional" Edition of Time Matters. Read on!
TIME MATTERS 10.0 BENEFITS

It's time to get ready to install Time Matters 10.0. Released in October 2009, Time Matters 10.0 provides a number of benefits for your firm. On the performance and technical side you'll see:

  • Greater speed
  • More stability
  • More capacity for growth
  • New backup compression method provides unlimited number and size of files in .zip file.
  • Support for Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 8 (with first Service Pack for Time Matters 10.0 scheduled for release November 30)

Speed improvements will especially apply to users currently on the "Professional" Edition of Time Matters.  Time Matters 10 drops the Professional and Enterprise labels.  All Time Matters 10 installations are "Enterprise," meaning they all run on Microsoft SQL Server.  See my FAQ for Time Matters Professional Users.

 

In the usability area, you will see these improvements:

  • Activity Power Views.  This 7-day activity view from a matter shows an agenda (calendar) and all record types dated within 7 days.  You can expand and collapse sections of the view. 30-day and 90-day views are also included. (Click image for larger view.)

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  • Exchange synchronization can now include the Client and Matter name on appointments in Outlook.

 

  • New Desktop Extensions let you position a Time Matters Agenda, Contacts list, Legal Pad, Document Finder and Phone Pad anywhere on your desktop. These floating extensions connect and convert to Time Matters records. (Click image for larger view.)

Lastly, several corrections have been made to issues reported in Time Matters and Billing Matters.

HOW TO GET TIME MATTERS 10.0

If you are on an Annual Maintenance Plan (AMP) or are a Practice Advantage subscriber, you should have already received the product download information for Time Matters/Practice Advantage 10.0.  If you are unsure about your AMP status, contact me.  If you are not on an AMP, you may purchase the upgrade by getting on an AMP.

Upgrade (AMP) Pricing

Time Matters or Billing Matters only

If you are on version 9.0 the AMP cost is $385 for the first user plus $165 for each additional user.

If you are on version 8.0 or earlier, the AMP cost is $425 for the first user plus $180 for each additional user.

Time Matters/Billing Matters bundle

If you are on Time Matters w/Billing Matters 9.0 the AMP cost is $616 for the first user plus $264 for each additional user.

If you are on Time Matters w/Billing Matters 8.0 or earlier, the AMP cost is $680 for the first user plus $288 for each additional user.

New User Pricing

If you do not have Time Matters, the cost for Time Matters 10.0 is $905 for the first user, plus $525 for each additional user, with the AMP.  (Without AMP: $600/$400)

AMP Benefits:

The Annual Maintenance Plan entitles you to:

  • Free upgrades to new versions

  • Live 800 number technical support

Not using Time Matters yet?  Contact me for a free demo consultation to see how this product can organize your practice.

3 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR TIME MATTERS 10.0

1. Attend a Webinar or schedule a personalized demo.  LexisNexis offers Webinars highlighting the new functions and benefits of Time Matters 10.  I provide personalized demos to get you acquainted with the product and begin preparation for installing it in your office.  Contact me to schedule a personalized demo.

2. Prepare your systems.  Make sure your server and workstations meet the system requirements for version 10. Be sure to review the Program Links requirements on the last two pages of the document.

3. Prepare your people.  Not doing all you can do with your current Time Matters? No problem.  The move to version 10.0 can be a good time for planning and training on functions such as automating new client intake and follow-up, email management and docketing.  I can help you to get everyone "on board," and provide a manageable roll-out the program.

Do all three and you're on your way to successful use of Time Matters.

Time Matters 10.0 FAQ for Time Matters Professional Users

1. Is the Professional Edition still available?

With the release of Time Matters 10.0, the Professional Edition was discontinued.  All upgrades are to the SQL platform, previously called the Enterprise Edition.

2. Will I need a new server to run Time Matters 10.0?

You should have a dedicated server that meets the system requirements for the program.

3. Will I need to purchase Microsoft SQL Server software?

Time Matters 10.0 comes with SQL Express, a free version of Microsoft SQL Server that is suitable for firms with up to 4GB of data.

4. What new capabilities will I have that I don't have with Time Matters Professional?

You will be able to use the Time Matters/Exchange Server bi-directional synchronization.  That means no more manual synching with Outlook. You will also be able to use add-ons such as MobileTM which provide access to your Time Matters data from your PDA.

5. Time Matters crashes from time to time.  Will Time Matters 10.0 fix that?

Time Matters 10.0 resolves some issues that are evidenced by the program stopping with a message such as "tmw.exe has encountered a problem."  Unusual behavior in Time Matters, however, can also signal issues with network connections, memory, hardware drivers and other system or data problems. Each instance should be properly diagnosed.

MobileTM: The Easiest way to access your Time Matters Data On-the-Go

MobileTM is the new product that gives you access to your Time Matters data on your PDA. No synchronization! The data is always up to date! No application to install on your PDA! Supports all PDAs! Contact me for details.

 

 
Copyright © 2009 A.B. SIMS, LLC                                                                                                     For back issues go to www.absims.com

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