Our company currently relies on MP2 software but has no plans to transition to 7i. Over the past five years, we have found Datastream support for MP2 to be lacking. Despite this, we have reached a level of proficiency with MP2 and are hesitant to incur the expenses and time necessary for an upgrade or system switch. Are there any insights on the future of MP2 following its acquisition by Datastream?
Discover more information about the acquisition of Datastream: Infor to Acquire Datastream at $10.26 Per Share in Cash under Definitive Agreement. Terry O. Learn about the recent acquisition of Datastream by Infor for $10.26 per share in cash.
It's possible that MP2 isn't going away anytime soon, considering its longstanding presence of over a decade. MP2 was originally built on a paradox database using Borland's embedded PAL language, similar to Access with a VB overlay. It was well-suited for small businesses. In contrast, MP5 was developed using Client-Server architecture, utilizing Database servers such as Oracle and SQL-Server, commonly found in medium to large companies. Datastream acquired CMMS Rapier in the late 1990s, released the windows version as MP5, and later introduced MP5 Datastream 7i as the web-enabled version for larger enterprises with high user traffic. When MP5 was introduced, Datastream aimed to target a market segment dominated by Oracle Relational Database Systems. Due to a merger, Datastream is now positioned to compete with SAP, shifting away from MP2 which was once their flagship product for small businesses. E-procurement is not something we are familiar with, but one reason for upgrading from MP5 to 7i is to accommodate the growing number of users and simplify configuration for individual computers through the web-enabled version, making it easier for the IT department to provide support. Despite the availability of newer products, many "old" systems continue to function effectively. The decision to upgrade ultimately depends on whether the current system meets business needs adequately.
Our company has recently chosen Datastream 7i as our CMMS solution after a thorough selection process. We received positive feedback from another organization in our community that uses MP2 and emphasized the importance of annual support for any chosen CMMS. I inquired with Datastream about ongoing support for MP2, as I want to ensure that our system will be supported in the future. Although Datastream has indicated a transition to 7i through web seminars, they have reassured that support for MP2 will continue beyond 2008. The recent acquisition by Infor is expected to bring new opportunities for MP2, especially in smaller organizations. Despite initial concerns about the acquisition, third parties have expressed confidence in the future of both products under Infor's management. It seems that the merger will result in a complementary mix of products with minimal overlap.
If you have reservations about future support, why opt for Datastream? There are numerous alternative systems on the market that offer quality at more affordable rates. When I implemented Datastream and MP2 for a partner company, my experience was less than satisfactory. The system was plagued with bugs, and the support in the UK was subpar. The high cost of Datastream was a major drawback, making it a less than ideal choice. Nowadays, there are plenty of superior systems available at a fraction of Datastream's prices. It's important to weigh the cost against the value you're getting - if you can do without an expensive system, explore other options. Taking a prudent approach to CMMS implementation is key. Keep in mind that Datastream is not the only "Tier 1" provider guilty of overcharging; some other big names in the industry also charge exorbitant fees for what is essentially just a database.
Greetings GiantOCR, I bring expertise as a maintenance and reliability consultant, having previously held the position of Midwest Regional Manager at Datastream. Although I do not have insight into Datastream's current business plan under Infor ownership, I can share that the company has faced challenges in transitioning customers to their 7i platform. Despite announcing end-of-support dates for certain products, Datastream has maintained support for their popular Mp2 software due to customer demand. In fact, ongoing development and release of patches for Mp2 products indicate a commitment to this aspect of their business. For any further inquiries or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at jennifer_ohl@yahoo.com.
I completely understand your hesitation to switch, especially given your proficiency with MP2. In my experience, although transitioning to a new system does have its learning curves, it could lead to long-term benefits in productivity and efficiency that outweigh initial costs. However, to address your concern about the future of MP2 post-acquisition by Datastream, it's often seen that an acquisition leads to improved support and updates for the existing software. However, I would recommend reaching out to Datastream directly about their future plans concerning MP2. If they do not plan to support or update the software in the long run, it may be more advantageous to switch despite the initial hassle and costs.
I understand your concerns, and indeed, transitions can be cumbersome. However, while you've gained proficiency with MP2, remaining with an out-of-date system might limit your future growth. Considering that Datastream's focus might shift towards newer software following the acquisition, even lower support for MP2 may be expected. The switch might incur costs initially, but worthwhile in the long run as you'd enjoy improved functionality, technical support and fewer system glitches--all potentially saving money and increasing productivity over time. It could be beneficial to start planning for a gradual transition to stay ahead of the curve.
It’s understandable to feel hesitant about transitioning from MP2, especially if your team has become proficient with it. With Datastream's acquisition, there might be some uncertainty around MP2’s future, but many companies in similar situations have found value in continuing to leverage their existing systems while preparing for a gradual upgrade. It could be worthwhile to keep an eye on developments from Datastream and assess how their strategies might influence MP2 support in the coming years. In the meantime, perhaps investing in targeted training or seeking out third-party support could help bridge any gaps you’re experiencing.
It’s understandable to feel hesitant about transitioning from MP2, especially after investing so much time and effort into mastering it. Since Datastream's acquisition, there's been some speculation about MP2's longevity, but it seems they are shifting their emphasis towards newer offerings like 7i, which might indicate a decrease in support for MP2 in the long run. It might be worthwhile to consider reaching out to Datastream for any road maps or plans they might have to see if there’s any indication of how long they intend to support MP2. Keeping an eye on alternative solutions as a backup is also a good strategy, just in case the support continues to dwindle!
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Answer: 1. What is the future of MP2 software after its acquisition by Datastream? - The future of MP2 software following its acquisition by Datastream is uncertain, especially in terms of support and updates.
Answer: - There may be concerns about the level of support for MP2 software after the acquisition by Datastream, as past experiences have shown a lack of support.
Answer: - While there may be pressure to transition to Datastream's newer 7i software, some companies may choose to stick with MP2 due to proficiency and reluctance to incur additional expenses.
Answer: - Not upgrading or switching systems from MP2 could result in missing out on newer features, updates, and potential long-term support from Datastream.
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