QUESTIONS BEFORE I DECIDE!

Purchasing Issues

1.  How much does it cost?

Answer:  Click here for Pricing Sheet

2.  How is payment made and when?

Answer:

CAFM 32 Software Suite:

Pre-paid by check, credit, or debit card.  Licenses are sold either as a single license on a standalone computer, or as a floating license on a Client-Server Network based on the number of concurrent users desired.

Internet Subscription Option:

Payment is on a pre-paid annual basis.

3.  Is there a long-term commitment beyond the annual renewal with the Subscription Option?

Answer:  No. Users can also be added as needed.

4.  Are there any other fees?

Answer:

CAFM 32 Software Suite:

There are no other fees during the first year of licensure.  On successive years, an optional maintenance fee will be due, and payable on the server license anniversary date  This fee covers software updates, revisions, and unlimited technical phone support.  Database conversion by CAFM of existing electronic client data is available as an additional optional service.  It is much more cost effective for us to do the conversion vs. manual entry of the data for lookup tables, such as, buildings, employees, accounts, vendors, equipment, etc. 

Internet Subscription Option:

Subscription fee is in addition to initial license fee for database administration on our Internet servers.

5.  What payment methods are available?

Answer:

Checks, debit cards, and most credit cards by phone.

Software Downloads and Updates

1.  How is the software deployed and installed?

Answer:

A customer download site is created for each new client that provides for quick and easy installation directly from the Internet. Installation takes about 5 minutes and is self guided.

2.  How are software updates handled?

Answer:

Again, these are directly available from the customer download site and self install. Updates take about a minute and install automatically.

3.  How often is the software updated?

Answer:

Usually this averages every quarter, but are as required. Customers receive a direct e-mail link to the download site.

Software Licenses

1.  Do I need a license for each client installation?

Answer:  No, licensing is based on a floating license.  For example, you may have 15 users, but you may only need a 10 User License.  This means that only 10 users could use the software concurrently.  This is like getting a third of the users for free vs. other software, which may charge, on a per seat basis.

Getting Started

1.  What steps do I have to take to get started?

Answer:

a.)  For Client-Server Network version or Internet Option:  Run the CAFM "Connection Test" software, which is provided on the Evaluation CD, and run it on your PC.  This will test your Network/Internet connection to see if it will support data traffic with CAFM's Servers or your network Server.  Some Firewalls and Proxy Servers may not allow data exchange without configuration changes which your MIS/IT support personnel must make.  If the "Connection Test" functions properly, you should not have a problem communicating with your network or CAFM Servers using CAFM32 Software.  CAFM will help you with these issues.

b.)  Call CAFM, Inc. and arrange for payment of the number of software Licenses needed.

c.)  Download the software from our registered user web site. This download will self-install the CAFM32 Software.  This takes about 5 minutes per user computer.  This software must be installed on each User's PC.  For Client-Server network versions, the database server needs to be installed separately along with the database tables.  This is also a self- install program.

d.)  Assign a Systems Administrator to be the point person for technical support.  This person should also set-up User passwords and permissions for CAFM32 Software operation.  A database administrator is not required as the CAFM system runs pretty much maintenance free.

e.)  Fill in the "Look-up Tables" such as: buildings, employees, accounts, vendors, equipment, etc.  CAFM can provide "Database Conversion" services for large existing electronic databases.  Call for a quotation.  This process can take from several days to several weeks depending on the quality of the existing files and the format.

f.)  CAFM provides initial real time training via the Internet and phone. Each User can also run the Computer Based training (CBT) which is built-in to the CAFM32 Software

g.)  At this point, each User may run the CAFM32 Software.

2.  How much space does the CAFM32 Software require on User's PC's?

Answer:  Although CAFM32 is a full-featured Enterprise software with CAD redlining features etc., it requires less than 50 MB including all Tutorial and Support files.  A medium size client with 20 or more users may accumulate a database of 50-100 MB on the server in about 5 years.  Pictures and CAD files can add substantially to this number, requiring several Gigabytes or more if, stored on the central server.

3.  Do I need to upgrade my PC?

Answer:  Generally, NO!  Any PC running MS-Win 98 SE, NT4, 2000, and XP will work just fine.  A minimum baseline system for a user workstation would be a 200 MHz or faster Pentium Processor, 64 MB RAM (Minimum), a SVGA Video Display card, a Monitor that supports 800x600 or 1024x768 resolution and a Hard Drive with approximately 1GB of free space.  There are no minimum requirements but, obviously faster is better.  The network server computer can be this same minimum configuration, again faster is definitely better.  We recommend for Client-Server network versions, where possible, and given the low cost of today’s hardware, that a dedicated Server be installed just for the CAFM program and database.  This provides optimum performance and expansion.

4.  What type of Internet connection is needed?

Answer:

Internet version only:

A dial-up modem connection, with a true connection speed of 48KBps or higher.  However, a fast (DSL, Cable Modem, or T1+) connection is definitely a benefit, particularly if the CAD and Digital Image features of CAFM32 are used.  Most clients use Proxy Servers or Routers to provide high speed Internet access to users.  A good reliable Internet Provider is strongly recommended.  Most clients already have this provided by their MIS/IT Department so, it should not be an issue.  AOL and other entertainment/service type providers are not recommended.

5.  Are there other issues related to running CAFM32 Software using the Internet Version over my organizations Network?

Answer:  Yes, your Firewall must allow for UDP packets on a specific port.  (See question Getting Started 1.a).  CAFM will work with your MIS/IT personnel to resolve any issues.

Training

1.  What is the most efficient way to train staff?

Answer:  The CAFM32 Computer Based training (CBT) can be run locally at the User's pace.  As the program is easy to learn, this process usually is all that is needed.  Custom training on-line is available, as well as on-site.  Please call for details.

More Questions?

Please feel free to contact us at afm@cafm.com or call 407-658-6531 OR  our toll free number 877-263-8897.