Fall 2009

Dear Clients and Friends:

Welcome to the Krause Practice Management Newsletter for Fall 2009.  This issue features useful information on the Time Matters 10, the future of Billing Matters, the ScanSnap S1500 and news about KPM.  There is so much to share this time around that we are trying a new format.  The entireity of this newsletter can be found on our website at Fall 2009 Newsletter.  This electronic version provides a table of contents and a short excerpt of and link to each section.

Enjoy!

Time Matters Version 10 Released

This past week, Lexis began rolling out emails to their customers on Annual Maintenance Plans (AMP) announcing the availability of Time Matters version 10.

Time Matters 10 is the first new version of the program in two years.  It is not as rich in new features as some previous versions but it offers some very significant enhancements.  Most important, version 10 is SQL only.  Essentially, Time Matters Professional has been eliminated in favor of Enterprise.  This means that everyone previously on Time Matters Professional will be getting an upgrade to Enterprise and receiving all of the benefits.  See http://www.krausepm.com/resources/articles/consider.shtml for an article I wrote a few years ago about these benefits.

In addition to being all SQL, Time Matters 10 offers automated data backups and a new feature called Desktop Extensions.  Desktop Extensions bring Time Matters data to your Windows desktop, allowing quick access to calendar, contacts and documents.

Personally, I think the installation of Time Matters 10 is going to give some users trouble.  My guess is that most of them have never installed a SQL database.  In addition, the automated installation routine will help some users but get others in trouble.  The install routine will make some choices that may or may not be correct for a given location and moving the SQL database, if the automated routine installs it in the wrong place, will be difficult for most end users.  For this reason, I recommend that users seek the assistance of a qualified CIC if they intend to upgrade to version 10 from a previous version of Time Matters Professional.

What should you do?  If you are on a Time Matters AMP, you will be receiving an email from LexisNexis when your download of Time Matters 10 is available.  Once you receive this email, please contact us and we will arrange a time to assist you with the install.  We are currently in the process of installing Time Matters 10 for clients who had pressing issues with data or stability and would really benefit from moving to SQL. Installing at these clients should give us insight into any "gotchas" and allow for smoother installs at the rest of our clients.

If you would like to arrange a time for us to upgrade you to Time Matters 10, have questions about your upgrade eligibility or would like to purchase an upgrade, please call Stephanie at 262-806-7218 x104.

Time for Year End Planning

Traditionally, the fourth quarter is a very busy time for technology.  This year will be no exception, given the recent release of Time Matters 10 and the many installs KPM will be doing.  The fourth quarter is also the time when firms are most likely to invest in new equipment.  If you are considering new equipment or are wondering whether you need new equipment, now is the time to contact KPM.  We can help coordinate everything from equipment purchase to installation.  We can also perform a technology audit to let you know the health of your system and whether you should consider any new purchases at this time.     

The Future of Billing Matters

LexisNexis has also started sending out emails regarding the future of Billing Matters.  I certainly don't want to add to the rumors and disinformation that are already out there on this subject, so let me break this section into two parts.  The first will be what I know, and the second will be what I think.

What I know is that Billing Matters is not being discontinued outright.  It is being sunsetted.  This means that Billing Matters will continue to be supported by LexisNexis.  If you have an issue with the program, Lexis will support it and help you fix it.  However, it also means that, at some point, they will stop doing this.  At the same time, Lexis will not be offering new versions of Billing Matters or adding new Billing Matters customers.  There is a Billing Matters 10 but it is only included for customers who already used an earlier version of Billing Matters.  Because there are no new versions of Billing Matters, there will be no new features added to Billing Matters.

Here is what I think.  Billing Matters will sunsetted in 2012 or 2013.  At that time, you will no longer be able to receive support on the program.  Even then, the program will not stop working.  However, because a billing system is so critical to your business, it likely that you will want to move to a program that is supported.  I think this program will be PCLaw.  However, there is a lot that has to be done in that regard.  There is no easy conversion from Billing Matters to PCLaw, especially with regard to the General Ledger. Therefore, if Lexis wants to keep you as a customer (and they do) they will need to strengthen this conversion.  I suppose there is another possibility.  There might be a common program that combines the features of both PCLaw and Billing Matters and allows an easy conversion from either one.

What should you do?  Well, if you like Billing Matters, just stick with it for now.  There is no need to change.  There won't be any new features but what new billing and accounting features do you need?  It is part of Time Matters, so as long as Time Matters evolves and stays compatible with new versions of Windows, Office, etc., so will Billing Matters.  By the time you need to switch, your options should be more clear as to whether you should switch to PCLaw or some other program.

KPM's New Phone System

To better serve its customers, Krause Practice Management has added a new phone system.  The phone system uses virtual PBX technology.  Basically, this means that when a call comes into our office, the call is answered by an auto- attendant on the Internet.  The auto-attendant routes the call based on the extension selected.  Extensions are as follows:

Our new phone system is intended to make it easier to reach the right person quickly.  We were finding that too many calls came into the main number and resulted in a voice mail for Jeff.  However, as many of you know, Jeff is often out visiting clients, training customers or presenting.  This caused a delay in response time.  Our new system provides the opportunity to speak to or leave a message for the correct person right away.  Any message left is also emailed to the appropriate person in the form of an attachment.  The support line extension results in an email to everyone.

Don't forget, if you have an emergency support issue, call the support line or send an email to support@krausepm.com.  Do not leave an email for a specific person.  The support line goes to everyone at Krause Practice Management, so it is the best way to ensure that we are aware of the issue.

ScanSnap S1500 Review

The S1500 is the most recent model in the ScanSnap line.  Check out Jeff Krause's Practice Management Blog or ScanSnap S1500 Review for a review of this great new productivity tool.

Stephanie Frohmader Joins KPM as Client Services Manager

KPM is pleased to announce that Stephanie Frohmader is our new Client Services Manager.  Some of you may remember Stephanie as the person who helped us coordinate and run Time Matters Boot Camps.

Stephanie's job is to help make sure client issues and questions are addressed accurately and on a timely basis.  She coordinates the schedules of Jeff, Bruce and Vik.  If you need non-emergency assistance, whether it be technical support, setting an appointment or scheduling training, call or email Stephanie.  Stephanie can be reached at extension 104 on our new virtual PBX phone system.

Speaking Schedule

Jeff Krause has a busy speaking schedule this fall.

• October 21 - New York - Time Matters Boot Camp
• October 22 - New York - Time Matters Advanced Boot Camp
• October 29-31 - Wisconsin Dells - Wisconsin Solo and Small Firm Conference
• November 18 - Portland - Time Matters Boot Camp
• November 19 - Portland - Time Matters Advanced Boot Camp
• December 8 - New Orleans - Time Matters Boot Camp
• December 9 - New Orleans - Time Matters Advanced Boot Camp

Jeff Krause Elected to CIC Advisory Council

Jeff Krause just learned that he has been elected by his fellow CICs to the CIC Advisory Council.  The Council is a board of twelve Certified Independent Consultants that advises LexisNexis on matters relating to practice management products - including Time Matters and PCLaw.  Jeff was elected to a two year term.