New FREE Sage Software - Any good?

stphnstevey · Jan 6, 2009

Seen this and was wondering what you guys thought of it.

http://www.sageinvoicing.co.uk/About.html

I think it's in response to Microsoft's free accounting software, but as I beleive more Accountants use Sage than Microsoft, maybe it would integrate better with their software?

garyk · Jan 6, 2009

Blimey they have been busy, never seen it...till just now!

Subbynet · Jan 6, 2009

161MB download for an invoice app! Wow!

Am going to give it a try.

rowets · Jan 6, 2009

Download and prepare to batten down the hatches. If I know Sage you'll be inundated with emails, phone calls etc etc trying to flog you a paid-for package like Line 50 Accountant or such like.

But then I'm just cynical.

Tim

That Guy · Jan 6, 2009

Worth a download I think. Thanks

garyk · Jan 7, 2009

Subbynet said:
161MB download for an invoice app! Wow!

Am going to give it a try.

Exactly what I thought subby! Unbelievable. I do add-ons for Sage which ok maybe dont offer as much functionality as that but typically end up as 1-2MB for the executable with no runtimes at all.

Gary

YODspica · Jan 7, 2009

on my machine can only download using internet explorer.

dingbat · Jan 7, 2009

This may be asking too much but does it integrate with Outlook contacts?

YODspica · Jan 7, 2009

haven't used it yet, but microsoft's version seems better and more complete. for contacts I recommend ACT!.

DuaneJackson · Jan 7, 2009

Subbynet said:
161MB download for an invoice app! Wow!

It's a marketing ploy. They are trying to get a free advert in the dictionary next to the word "bloatware". But they only got it half right - massive download, minimal features.

Subbynet · Jan 7, 2009

I just installed it, entered the serial number and my activation code.

How long do you think this "Free" software will last?

I'll tell you - until the 12th January 2009. 5 Days!

Wtf?

Subbynet · Jan 7, 2009

ok ignore the above... This is damn silly this app... You have to "activate" again to fully unlock it.

Dawg · Jan 7, 2009

After 5 days it is still free, but you have to register it (again) with Sage. They really know how to make things user friendly huh? I used a specially set up gmail to get my download so it'll be interesting to see what mail I get, especially as I unchecked the box about deperately wanting Sage to send me all sorts of bilge.
As to the software. Well, they did say it was for invoicing, and thats all it is. At a mighty clunky 50Mb loaded, (why is the download more than twice that?), it must be as a set up for the next (paid) level, so is really just a clunky marketing tool. Same old Sage tho', PITA for no other reason than it is Sage. I bet Gordon Brown will use Sage when he is unemployable and has to start his own business. Badly done GUI to be down wif da kidz/web2-y, but even this is spoilt by some W95 type headers, (FFS!), in the demos. As a working invoice system, it works. So do lots of them. It's nothing at all special, easy, accessible, useful or interesting, so no change from Sage there then.

Oh, and when you uninstall it leaves hundreds, (literally), of registry entries.

Not a bit of software to be put aside lightly. Rather a bit of software to be thrown aside with great force.

Ho hum. Next.

Subbynet · Jan 7, 2009

dingbat said:
This may be asking too much but does it integrate with Outlook contacts?

Sort of - one way, out of Sage and into Outlook.... Yep, I know, thats rubbish, should be the other way around.

Neil_H · Jan 7, 2009

Hi,

I work for Sage UK and thought it might be useful if I answered some of your comments.

Basically, the size of the download is due to the fact that we've tried to make things as seamless as possible for our customers. The application uses Microsoft .NET technology, which many PCs will have, but some people on older systems would normally still be required to download and install .NET prior to installing our application. All we've done is try to simplify things by including this in the download for an automatic install.

Hope that clears things up.

Neil (at Sage)

DuaneJackson · Jan 7, 2009

Welcome, Neil. I hope you find the forums useful : )

garyk · Jan 8, 2009

Neil_H said:
Hi,

I work for Sage UK and thought it might be useful if I answered some of your comments.

Basically, the size of the download is due to the fact that weve tried to make things as seamless as possible for our customers. The application uses Microsoft .NET technology, which many PCs will have, but some people on older systems would normally still be required to download and install .NET prior to installing our application. All weve done is try to simplify things by including this in the download for an automatic install.

Hope that clears things up.

Neil (at Sage)

Hi Neil,

Still seems abit heavy, the 2.0 .net runtime is about what 22MB? Distributing the runtime normally means that your .net executable is actually smaller than a stand-alone one. Still I suppose most prospects arent going to be that bothered in the age of broadband!

Gary

Neil_H · Jan 8, 2009

Hi Gary,

We also support x64 bit systems so we need to cater for the x64 .NET runtime (another 50Mb).
We did consider the implications of the download size and came to the same conclusion you did, broadband is the norm these days!

Neil.

Subbynet · Jan 8, 2009

We did consider the implications of the download size and came to the same conclusion you did, broadband is the norm these days!

So are download limits (and speed caps because of such limits). So if at all possible it would be good for the developers to consider this.

Installers these days can check for (say the dot net frameworks), and then download if required, which sounds a much better solution than trying to cater for everyone. This is becoming a popular method of installation these days.

SolarAccounts came in at a 20mb download.

ken_uk · Jan 8, 2009

I would comment, but remembering when I used to work at sage has left me feeling sick. So I will log off and try to calm down.

garyk · Jan 8, 2009

Just curious Neil where does this sit in the portfolio say in relation to SageLive?

Herbie · Jan 8, 2009

This is a new one. There is also another package, from the Sage people called Tas...
www.tassoftware.co.uk

Neil_H · Jan 8, 2009

garyk said:
Just curious Neil where does this sit in the portfolio say in relation to SageLive?

Hi Gary,

It's directly comparable with Sage Live Billing essentially its the sister product. We carried out some research in the summer of last year, and found theres still a large appetite for desktop software, as well as a growing demand for SaaS. So, we wanted to offer both a hosted and a desktop variant and give people the choice on how they wanted to use it.

As youd expect, Sage Invoicing can be upgraded to Start-up, Instant Accounts and Sage 50 Accounts.

Thanks

Neil

DuaneJackson · Jan 8, 2009

Hi Neil,

As Sagelive's backend database is essentially Sage 50, is it safe to assume that the same applies to the desktop version of Sage Invoicing?

So add-on third party products that hook into the Sage 50 database can also hook into this?

Duane

Herbie · Jan 8, 2009

Hi Neil

What about this Tass Software..are you familiar with it. Or is it the same thing packaged and branded differently?

DuaneJackson · Jan 8, 2009

Herbie said:
This is a new one. There is also another package, from the Sage people called Tas...
www.tassoftware.co.uk

Hi Herbie,

It's not new. TAS has been around for yeeeaars. Sage acquired them a few years ago.

totally different product to the other ones being mentioned here.

Herbie · Jan 8, 2009

Is it good. I am looking for a basic accounting packahge, and I have loads of people telling me to stay clear of Sage..used Sage in the past and ok..but as I am not an accountant..i need the basic..idiot proof. What would you rate

VT'scashbook, Microsoft express accounts, tass or this new sage?

DuaneJackson · Jan 8, 2009

A business partner of mine used it in a business I was in years ago. He hated it. I never used it myself so can't comment.

KashFlow is good if you want something that's easy to use and free to try - but I'm biased.

Herbie · Jan 8, 2009

Ok..and your 2nd choice would be?

DuaneJackson · Jan 8, 2009

Herbie said:
used Sage in the past and ok

Why are you looking for somethign else then?

Herbie said:
Ok..and your 2nd choice would be?

If KashFlow didn't exist and I wanted to use old-fashioned intalled-on-your-computer type software, then I'd be going for Solar.

Herbie · Jan 8, 2009

I am looking for a very simple software. I will only do only 1 or 2 invoices per yr. I get from suppliers about 25 invoices to enter, say 35 with receipts etc. So, need ideally something free, easy and should the ft controller come round all neat and tidy. Sage is a little too much effort I think. Trying to see what the ranking is. I have heard of Solar and a few have said it's good. I may have to run a poll and see which one of feloow bloggers think is top

garyk · Jan 8, 2009

DuaneJackson said:
Hi Neil,

As Sagelive's backend database is essentially Sage 50, is it safe to assume that the same applies to the desktop version of Sage Invoicing?

So add-on third party products that hook into the Sage 50 database can also hook into this?

Duane

I think I know where you are going with this!

DuaneJackson · Jan 8, 2009

Herbie said:
I may have to run a poll and see which one of feloow bloggers think is top

Make sure you include KashFlow in it if you do : )

As to which one is top, it really does depend on your needs, preferences and what type of business you run. For a lot of people KashFlow ticks all the boxes, for others it's of no use. Same applies to all the other packages.

You have to try a few and decide for yourself. Solar accounts will cost you less than £100. IMO that's very good value even for the little use you will get out of it. But if you are determined not to spend a penny, don't waste your time trying products that aren't free.

VT cashbook is a good freebie. Microsoft also have a freebie.

DuaneJackson · Jan 8, 2009

garyk said:
I think I know where you are going with this!

He's probably been told he's not allowed to talk to me. I know other staff at Sage have been told that. Oh well.

garyk · Jan 8, 2009

Easy enough to find out Duane if you or someone wants to download it. To be honest at 161MB and yet another app I cant really be bothered but could tell you inside of 60 seconds if it is or not.

Neil_H · Jan 9, 2009

DuaneJackson said:
He's probably been told he's not allowed to talk to me. I know other staff at Sage have been told that. Oh well.

Hi Duane,

Happy to talk to you! Yes, the back end is Sage 50 (version 14). We havent carried out integration testing with any 3rd party products, but theres no reason why they shouldnt work as normal. We dont install the Sage Data Objects as part of Sage Invoicing, but 3rd party developers have access to a stand alone installer that they can use.

Thanks,

Neil

Neil_H · Jan 9, 2009

Hi Duane,

My mistake, Sage Data Objects IS installed as part of the software. I've just carried out a quick check and have successfully posted data to Sage Invoicing via the data objects, however, it's not something we officially support.

Thanks,
Neil.

DuaneJackson · Jan 9, 2009

Hi Neil,

That's great, thanks for letting me know.

Duane

New FREE Sage Software - Any good?

rowets

Dawg