I have another idea somewhere based on Al Borgue's brilliant idea. When you think of a Microsoft OS, you pay per machine. One machine, one license. Now when you use an OS, you can choose machine or user. Users are either dynamic or fixed, e.g. if you have 10 user licenses, then 10 can log on at the same time. Personally, I find user licenses a crock as even if you have 20 users, the chance that all 20 will be using the database at the same time is still nil. And, if it does happen, the secretary is not going to calmly say, "Oh, I must be #21 as it keeps track of who is using in its table. Therefore computers are the only way to go in that scenario.
Adobe gives you two machines per license with the ability to (by yourself) take off a license from a machine -- key feature. Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007 are the same. Why not this. And, I will use myself as an example.
One server, $1,000 + (7 X $125), $875 = $1,875 annually.
The price for the SQL Server Express Database (whether you use the named instance or not) would be $1,000. (Let's drop the psychological bullshit of the $995.00 sounding cheaper). Each additional machine would cost $125. That may seem cheap, but every office must have at least 2 machines for rooms, one which could be the server, an MA machine and a billing and receptionist. Take away the server, and you have 3 machines = $375 + $1,000 = $1,325 That is one solo practitioner paying $1300 yearly. What would have been one doctor for $995 now is paying $1375, still very fair.
Now, let's look at the 3 doctors and 4 NPs. All four are part time, one 4 hours a week. By definition, the number of computers goes up. You have to have at least one server, 2 computers for each doctor, at least one or two computers for the NPs, one for the receptionist, one or two for the MAs. One or two for the billers/office manager. To be fair, let's go with 7 one of which is the server. So $1,000 plus $600 = $1600. It could easily be 10 or $1,000 + $900 = $1900. If you want to add an NP or MA for four hours a week, go ahead. If he/she doesn't need another license, then your price stays the same. But, every time you increase your staf you will most likely have to purchase another license. And, this has nothing to do with accessing the database. It is just activated per machine.
Now for this, Jon would in return, provide updates along the way which would be downloadable by those who have paid for the new version. When a new UPGRADE comes along, those who are in good stead would be able to download AND activate it. Support would be increased so that Guardian Angel would return calls within 24 hours and be available for chat daily except weekends and holidays. I, personally, would continue to update the AmazingMeds database monthly especially with requests from users and MAY be able to revise the FP database. (MAYBE)
Users would pay on a prorated basis so that all new payments would be due on the same day with a one month grace period. Before anyone shoults subscription service, when Microsoft sells XP Pro, you are entitled to all updated and service packs, but once Vista or Win7 is released try purchasing them for your computers and/or getting support.
Sure, the price is going up, but show me any other EMR that would price an office of 11 users at $1900. Including support. AND support for version 3 is gone after one year.
And, don't tell me about Adobe or other programs. They are run the same way. Adobe is an overpriced, overcomplicated program that can be run on two machines. You can run it forever, but it does come out with new versions which are substantial. The list, as you know from Acronis to Xobni are the same way. Purchase one, then purchase the new versions.
And, I know of no other program where the message boards provide practically free support.
