I think saying that AC is kind of a DIY program makes no sense." Actually, I find that ironic coming from you, the guy who has been the king of "doing it yourself" from the beginning. Not only do you know your network in and out, you have actually developed FAP and other programs to make AC function better. That is "DIY" from the hardware, software, AND network side
Wow, was I misquoted. When I say DIY, I mean the person who builds his own deck after watching a Home Depot video. Comparing that to a top-notch, incredibly talented programmer who took a year to develop a program is NOT do it yourself. If you use that definition, then Windows is DIY by Bill Gates.
Thank God for David Grauman who understands the place for IT. Posts or others notwithstanding, I have never heard of anyone talk about an IT person who seems dependable or worth a damn. If the IT person doesn't have MVP after their name, they probably aren't someone I would want to use.
To quote John's blog story, here is the IT person she chose to help with her mission critical data:
we went with an IT consultant who, in retrospect, was probably pretty small potatoes, albeit pretty smart and capable.
Therein lies the problem. Like using a five year old computer for your databases that is shared with your receptionist, using an IT person who is "small potatoes, albeit "pretty smart" and capable.
An IT person should most of the time come from a reputable company. I ended up not needing this company, but they refused to take on my company without doing a complete walkthrough and understanding the network, my topology, my server, etc. They needed the program (key). These were Microsoft people with 24-hour service. The important thing here (if I may guess what David is thinking) is that when they do things, you are allowed to learn from them. They should be able to remote in.
Finally, there is Microsoft themselves. Yes, they overcharge. But, they will start working on your computer immediately if necessary, their support (once obtained) is unbelievable, and they ALWAYS fix the problem or they will refund the money. While this may make some shutter, I had one support tech who figured out the problem but needed hours to fix it (on the same $250.00), said to me, "Bert, go home and get some sleep. It will be fixed in the morning."
David is dead on. Have someone you trust. Do it yourself when possible, but have the expert come in when needed. By expert, not the 17 year old in your practice, who learned computers at 9 ears old and excels at Call of Duty.
My biggest frustration with AC is the way the versions roll out. All of my other applications come out with rock solid versions every year to three years. I don't have to worry up uninstalling or installing over and then updating all of my client software. I don't have to use database tuners. And, then I don't have to do it all over again when nine bugs are four in the product. And, most of them realize that if there is one particular issue causing problems, e.g. ePrescribe and TSP800, they make damned sure those are workable when the product comes out.
And, John, I apologize if I am being a smarta... I just can't help it. Remind me, if I have a thyroid problem, not to use Dr. West. Do not most of us print out our Superbills the night before? Does he only have one printer? And, why do they watch a technician fix a scanner for three hours? Why is a scanner vital to a practice moment by moment. It all goes back to solo practice and the money. For my money, Dell is unbelievable. You don't pay that much and you can get five hour support. I don't mean on the phone. I mean a live Dell technician, level whatever, WITH the hard drive in hand or whatever, with your computer likely fixed in under two hours.
