Non web based DJ event software?

[Hank Davidson]

Hey all,

I think I asked this last year, but does anyone know of a stand alone event software that has multiple licenses? I currently use DJ Calendar. I love it, but it only works on one machine. If something should happen to that machine, your backup files can not be accessed without purchasing another keycode.

I also want to have the ability to have it on my laptop to use on the go.

*Please do not waste your virtual breathe on telling me about the online subscription services. I want a one-time fee and lifetime use program.

ATTENTION RICK: This program seems to work on basic command principles. Perhaps this could be a project for SoftJock? You could develop something that stands alone or works with Rockit.


.

 

[DjDennis]

Hank I also asked that because you can not always get online
(especially some areas no signal for internet)

so why is no one doing a software based version that can be used OFFLINE
then if you decide to sync it online then thats your own choice!

I would rather use offline software more

 

[Scott Hanna]

I thought Rick Ryan was putting something like that together.

 

[djsarge]

I know Tricerasoft had something but you needed a dongle to use it.

 

[Scott Hanna]

how about infomanager:

www.cwarenet.com

 

[Hank Davidson]

how about infomanager:

www.cwarenet.com

Very little info on the program. Not sure if I want to download and install it.

 

[djsarge]

Gigbuilder is suppose to have an off line function to it, but I've never gotten it to work.

 

[drzinc]

Sombody here should be great with a database program like Microsoft Access and write shuch a applacation for it.

 

[Proformance]

I've done the test drive for Infomanager and in my opinion it is the best product out there hands down.


Pros:
It combines the features of a database with the contact management of Outlook, and the document merge we all need. It also layers the database to include resource, assett, and personnel management making it great for multi-ops and people booking other entertainments too.

You can downloadand and explore it for free. The cost of a single user standard license in recent years has dropped nearly in half.

Cons:
Customer service is non-existent. (Try sending them an email question pre-sales and you'll find there's rarely ever a reply.) Online discussions also seem to reiterate the no-support theme. Even the online documentation fails to adequately define or compare the difference between the "Pro" and "Standard" versions.

It's expensive by DJ standards, although not when compared to other professional softwares like CS5 etc.

I use a two column format for contracts and it was unclear to me whether or not the document designer would support columns or text boxes as I would need. It is compatible with MS Word, but not clear if formatting can be imported.

______________________________________
I currently still use my own solution designed within Symmantec Q&A - a product discontinued after Windows 3.1 It does what I need very efficiently for DJs and rentals and has unlimited formatting possibilities for merge documents. Fortunately, (thanks to a .dll file contributed by other users) I have been able to keep this program running in later versions of windows including Vista.

I also believe that most independent DJs could easily create a bookings/contract solution using MS Works which is still distributed as free OEM software on many home computers. Those who are more computer savvy could design a similar solution within MS Access - which is the engine behind Infomanager.

 

[DjDennis]

thats why them other software didnt last long...

they didnt know what to do to be an offline software

i'll stay offline on a database I created thanks

 

[fromnaija]

Sombody here should be great with a database program like Microsoft Access and write shuch a applacation for it.

IF there is enough request for this, I could write a database program to do this in Access (as a first release) and upgrade it to a Microsoft .Net software eventually.

If I take this on, I'll use the subscribers here for UAT(User Acceptance Testing) so here is your chance to request what you would like to see in such a software.

FYI, I am a database software developer/database administrator in my day job and my son is a software engineer and we could collaborate on this.

 

[Proformance]

Most DJs would close out their booking records annually, and with few recurring or regular clients the need for an actual realtional database are minimal. Most DJ can do just fine with a data-filer rather than a database,.

For those who don't kow the diffference, a (relational) database stores a customer contcat information once - merging it with numerous invoices or payaments as required and linked by a key field such as "customer number."

A data-filer stores the customer contact information with each and every record entered. So, if the same customer hires you 4 times - their address has also been stored 4 times.

For the most part, a data-filer is more than adequate for a DJ operation because the size of the file is never going to get that large.

For example, MS Access is a relational database design frame and MS Works (I think) is a data-filer.

 

[Jon Tuck]

Folks here is another unconditional offer by one of our sharing caring members. Lets see what we can come up with?
JD Naija please start a seperate thread with your offer and lets see if folks will give some good thoughts and ideas to allow you to consider such an effort. Thanks for the offer none the less.

 

[djsarge]

Personally, I think a combination online - offline solution is needed. Online for client feedback, planning etc. Offline for those areas where there is no broadband. Online could be something like rick ryan is doing, right on your own website.

 

[fromnaija]

Personally, I think a combination online - offline solution is needed. Online for client feedback, planning etc. Offline for those areas where there is no broadband. Online could be something like rick ryan is doing, right on your own website.

I was thinking about this too but it would mean designing it like a subscription service (such as djintelligence) where you can obtain HTML and/or Javascript code to paste on your web site. There would be a second offline application that you can use and it will then be possible to sync both the online and offline (sync or merged?) data on request.

 

[jokerswild]

Quick question: With internet access so easy to obtain either paid wifi or free what is the need of an offline planner?

 

[djsarge]

Quick question: With internet access so easy to obtain either paid wifi or free what is the need of an offline planner?

Personally, I don't have one of those phones that can be used in this fashion, plus I live in a rural area where broadband is not available to everyone. Many people where I live can only get dial up unless they go to satellite.

 

[Proformance]

Quick question: With internet access so easy to obtain either paid wifi or free what is the need of an offline planner?

1. Business is still conducted person to person
2. The internet is only as reliable as the utilities that connect you to it
3. The people hosting your proprietary information are in the business of selling things to DJs
4. Working "online" is highly over-rated
5. Infinite ability to customize, tweak, and redesign on a moments notice
6. No limit on capabilities
7. No recurring fees.
8. No annoying email campaigns.
10. No chance of appearing identical to your competitor
11. Total control over company image and document design

 

[DjDennis]

thats why I have always used offline databases

because in my area sometimes there is not internet unless you pay $$$
and I have mine at home I dont want to start using one via mobile

 

[Jon Tuck]

I would love to be able to work with customers and yet be able to work on their event offline. That is my only complaint with the whole online connection.