Which version of GoldMine do I need?
GoldMine BCM and Goldmine Corporate Edition (ce)
The main difference between them is -
- How they store data.
- What thin client and wireless access options are available
Other differences in features, functionality and the Users "look and feel" are generally minor. Other important differences are "Techie" - Sorry but you do need to appreciate these technical details if you are to make an informed choice.
- GoldMine BCM Corporate Edition is hosted on Microsoft SQL Server.
- GoldMine BCM Data is held in dBase tables.
Both versions use the Borland Database Engine (BDE) to enable the GoldMine program to "Talk" to your data.
So which GoldMine version is right for you?
GoldMine Business Contact Manager v6.5
- Lower cost for smaller installations.
- dBase format - probable worlds most popular database format.
- Can handle fewer records - ideal for smaller databases.
- (20,000 Contact records is usually the practical limit but could be far more - or less).
- Reports run faster.
- Easier to install by the inexperienced.
- Requires more looking after (means greater support costs).
- Easy upgrade to GoldMine BCM Corporate edition.
- Runs on almost any decent hardware.
- Ideal for smaller databases and up to perhaps 20-30 users.
- Other customization, training and set-up costs same as GoldMine BCM Corporate edition.
- Telephone support must be purchased separately.
GoldMine BCM Corporate Edition
- More powerful - for large databases (no practical limit to maximum records or size of database. You can have Millions of contact records if you want.
- Web and thin client add-on Server module available (iGoldMine).
- Mobile access from any WAP/GPRS enabled phone or PDA device.
- More expensive (but more ambitious implementations will find it actually works out cheaper)
- Lower support cost as SQL is more robust and easier to manage - fit and forget. SQL hosted Databases never need to be closed for pack and rebuild purposes - SQL is self maintaining and self healing so is suitable for 24x7 applications.
- 5 User minimum for initial purchase
- All SQL software and licences included.
- All GoldSync licenses included
- Copy of Crystal Reports included
- First year annual phone support included
- FREE version upgrades for users who keep support contract current.
- Requires considerable skill and experience to install.
- Requires more powerful server than GoldMine 6.5
- Other customization, training and set-up costs broadly similar to GoldMine BCM 6.5
- Best bet when reliability and overall cost of ownership is paramount.
- A "must have" for fast growing very large databases and 24 x 7 operations.
- Only available through approved resellers such as PCDi
This information should help you to decide which version is best for you. If you are still undecided, call our sales number to discuss your needs with an experienced and qualified GoldMine Certified Professional.