✌️We're closing down Streamtime Classic
Since we launched the new web-based version of Streamtime in 2016, the door started to (slowly) close on the original product that had been running since 2002.
It might not be too much of a surprise that all good things come to an end. In fact, in most cases, it's to make way for something better. Blackberry vs the iPhone, Analog film vs the iPhone, cash and credit cards vs – the iPhone. Ok, it's not all about the iPhone, but you can see where this is going.
🤷🏻♀️Why?
As 2020 continues to fling curve balls, two things in particular have become increasingly clear to us.
Claris, (formerly FileMaker) are moving towards different hosted technologies, meaning the time where the Streamtime Classic functionality will no longer be supported by their new versions is drawing nearer.
New operating systems such as Windows Server 2019 only support the most recent versions of Claris/FileMaker installations (19 and above). Those versions do not support the Streamtime Classic system as it currently stands. Upgrades to new operating systems or the purchase of brand new machines now and into the future may not support Streamtime Classic.
Like most companies, we have undertaken a full review of all costs to our business. It is becoming increasingly costly for Streamtime to support two products, one of which is so heavily reliant on a technology that requires additional support, upgrade and server costs.
If you are a Xero customer you may have been informed by Xero that they will be deprecating their Oauth1 technology. Oauth1 is the authentication protocol Streamtime Classic uses to connect to Xero. Xero have advised that as of the end of March, connections using Oauth1 will no longer work.
In the past, we've justified keeping up with changes in technology by increasing the price of Streamtime Classic. But let's face it... the product isn't getting better (we're simply not developing it anymore) and many of the changes we make (while costing more) are more of a patch than an improvement.
Rather than continuing to pass these costs onto our customers, we would much prefer to help reduce subscription costs, eliminate third party IT costs, improve remote working and continuously build to improve functionality relevant to today.
Indeed, especially now, new Streamtime will make it a lot easier to work and manage your projects remotely. It also has more of our team dedicated to support and we're actively improving it everyday.
AND... depending on the level of your negotiation prowess in the past, it's more than likely going to be cheaper for you. (Better and cheaper? Well, what took you so long?)
🙋🏾 What's in the new Streamtime?
In the last 12 months alone, we’ve significantly improved Streamtime to make it easier for Classic customers to make the switch.
Check out just some of the functionality supported by the new Streamtime:
PO numbers
Rate Cards
Enhanced reporting
Kanban boards
Multi currency
Timer
Scheduling
Xero, Quickbooks and MYOB integration; and
...with no external IT support required or on-site hosting. Which makes it a lot faster and easier for us to help you out should anything go wrong – which to be honest, it rarely does.
⚖️ Streamtime Classic vs New Comparison
🎚️ Switching to Streamtime New - a case study
Of course, switching the software that runs your business can sound daunting. But, more than 200 existing Streamtime customers have done just that.
For example, you can read about Studio Round’s experience here.
🗄️ What about my existing data?
The new Streamtime is a completely different product. It's not an evolution of Streamtime Classic. You can import company and contact data into the new Streamtime. We will also be on hand to help you with the switch.
When you move, we supply you with a read-only version of your Classic database so you can still refer to past quotes, invoices, job plans etc.
🌒 The end is nigh.
We will cease supporting Streamtime Classic from March 30th, 2021. You should already have received an email from us about a subscription offer for the New version of Streamtime.
If you haven't or have specific questions, please get in touch through the normal help and support channels.