re from them; this was an expensive proposition and I did not pursue these vendors further. ADO, on the other hand, had a program through which Cinema Delivery could lease the software and run it on whatever hardware we wanted (within their recommendations regarding required hard disk space and similar parameters).
ADO spent a considerable amount of time and resource teaching me not only about their software, but also about messenger software and computers in general. Like most of the people in my company, I was unfamiliar with computers of any type and needed rudimentary explanations as to computer fundamentals (including what the difference is between a floppy drive and a hard drive). ADO took the time to explain these details to me, which impressed me given that I had not yet signed a contract with them. This predisposed me to their product since after sales service would be one of my primary selection criteria.
ADO advised me to develop a list of what I would like a computer system to do for me and the company; I developed this in conjunction with them and used it as a way to gauge the various software products. Despite my previous dealings with the other vendors, I chose to contact them regarding their software, in part so that I could feel completely confident that I was making the right decision in going with ADO.
Observations & Reflections--Selection
When I reflect on how I came to select a computer system for my business, I realize that there is no part of a business that is more critical to its long-term success. The computer system can help increase the productivity of the office staff and increase the collections of accounts through efficient and timely invoicing procedures. By making complex rate schedules available at the "touch of a button," we are able to greatly improve customer service by decreasing the amount of time required for each phone call. Yet despite the great benefit that our company event...