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Translation Office 3000 V8 - Opinions
Thread poster: Claudia Alvis
Claudia Alvis
Claudia Alvis  Identity Verified
Peru
Local time: 21:37
Member
Spanish
+ ...
Jun 15, 2006

There's a new version available. I thought they were going to add some new features, but the whole interface is different which can be confusing. They have added a Project management feature from Projetex 2006 also.

It took me a few days to learn how to use V7 properly so I reckon it'll take a few days to learn how to use this version. In the meantime, for those who've used it, what do you think?


 
Susana Galilea
Susana Galilea  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 21:37
English to Spanish
+ ...
you took... Jun 15, 2006

...the thread right out of my fingers

Thanks for posting this, Claudia. Looking forward to our colleagues' feedback.

Susana


 
Viktoria Gimbe
Viktoria Gimbe  Identity Verified
Canada
Local time: 22:37
English to French
+ ...
How come I didn't know? Jun 16, 2006

I have version 7, and so far, they didn't mail me about the new release. I will get it tomorrow and tell you what I think. But judging from what they say has changed on their site, it looks promising. They seem to have fixed the CAT price scheme complications - a welcome change. Now, all that's left to see is whether it's still as easy to learn and use as the previous version.

I will definitely be back to tell you about my first impressions.

Thanks for telling us!


 
Rahi Moosavi
Rahi Moosavi  Identity Verified
Canada
Local time: 22:37
Member (2004)
English to Persian (Farsi)
+ ...
Visual Schedules...folders Jun 16, 2006

I think the visual schedule feature is by far the best added capability in this new version! but this version has a downside for us, V7 users: folder structures. V7 created and organized forlders based on clients but V8 creates folders based on projects. I liked the previous order of folders and have organized many years of work that way, changing to this new system is not that easy.

[Edited at 2006-06-16 15:08]


 
Gary Daine (X)
Gary Daine (X)
English to Spanish
+ ...
First impressions Jun 16, 2006

I think the help could be a bit clearer, especially the difference between Projects and Jobs in this version. It would have been nice to have an overview of the major changes without having to read the entire help file.

Having said that, there are extremely powerful new features in this version:

**Please note that the following are first impressions from a very quick skim through the Help file and a bit of playing around with the program **

You can define n
... See more
I think the help could be a bit clearer, especially the difference between Projects and Jobs in this version. It would have been nice to have an overview of the major changes without having to read the entire help file.

Having said that, there are extremely powerful new features in this version:

**Please note that the following are first impressions from a very quick skim through the Help file and a bit of playing around with the program **

You can define new fields in many places - for example, I can now add a fields for VAT, supplier VAT code, etc. to business expenses, which makes it useful for me.
There is a powerful report/graph generator - advanced users can generate any type of report or graph from the data avilable (although it doesn't look easy)
The scheduling is nice, although it doesn't let you input how much of a job has been completed - it's strictly read only, as far as I can see.
It's much more configurable as regards adding variables and fields in many places.
Exports can now be made to XLS, html, etc as well as txt or csv.
Totals can now be calculated for the current display, e.g. value of all current jobs.
Many other small improvements like this.

The interface has changed quite a lot, although the basic screens (e.g. New job) are very similar if not identical.

The installation could be a bit easier - at least as far as updating from V7 is concerned. It's necessary to choose one database option from 3 offered (choose the empty database!) but no clue is given. There is an update routine but it doesn't tell you that you have to install V8 first, then run the update routine and guess correctly.

However, on the whole, a very good upgrade, well worth the price (especially with the special offer).






[Edited at 2006-06-16 12:05]
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Orla Ryan
Orla Ryan  Identity Verified
Ireland
Local time: 02:37
question Jun 16, 2006

is it a free update or do you have to pay for it?

I haven't heard about this new version either, is it a beta or a full version?


 
Dees
Dees  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 02:37
English to French
+ ...
Upgrade to Version 8 Jun 16, 2006

Orla Ryan wrote:

is it a free update or do you have to pay for it?

I haven't heard about this new version either, is it a beta or a full version?


Hello,

Vladimir (AIT) posted a message here in response to a question about upgrades.

http://www.proz.com/post/347719#347719

Have a good weekend!


[Edited at 2006-06-16 12:01]


 
Jaroslaw Michalak
Jaroslaw Michalak  Identity Verified
Poland
Local time: 03:37
Member (2004)
English to Polish
SITE LOCALIZER
Wait a little bit... Jun 16, 2006

I have just made the upgrade and I cannot say that I am entirely happy with it... You can import your database, that works OK, but there are MANY minor nuisances nobody has thought of, it seems!

The folder structure has changed, so if you want to have old and new projects grouped consistently, you have to move your old projects manually one by one to new folders... This certainly is not convenient!

The invoice codes have changed, as well (for no apparent reason) so I h
... See more
I have just made the upgrade and I cannot say that I am entirely happy with it... You can import your database, that works OK, but there are MANY minor nuisances nobody has thought of, it seems!

The folder structure has changed, so if you want to have old and new projects grouped consistently, you have to move your old projects manually one by one to new folders... This certainly is not convenient!

The invoice codes have changed, as well (for no apparent reason) so I have to practically rework all my carefully edited templates. Considering that the large collection of invoice templates was a strong advantage of TO3000, it was a very bad idea, if you ask me...

There are some other bits of old info missing (such as payment methods), but these are minor (although still irritating).
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Claudia Alvis
Claudia Alvis  Identity Verified
Peru
Local time: 21:37
Member
Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
Folders Jun 16, 2006

I agree with the comment above. The main difference in version 8 is the job management criteria. In this version, the software is heavily based on projects instead of clients. I think this is a great idea, I'm sure I'm not the only one that was waiting for this.

The problem in my opinion is how to integrate this structure to the structure on version 7. I want to have my files organized by clients instead of projects. I searched the manual but I couldn't find anything about this
... See more
I agree with the comment above. The main difference in version 8 is the job management criteria. In this version, the software is heavily based on projects instead of clients. I think this is a great idea, I'm sure I'm not the only one that was waiting for this.

The problem in my opinion is how to integrate this structure to the structure on version 7. I want to have my files organized by clients instead of projects. I searched the manual but I couldn't find anything about this or about the changes. I submitted a support request asking if the folder scheme can be modified automatically.

But that creates another problem, projects (jobs on v7) are no longer numbered by client project, but by 'global project', which will create a lot of confusion and in my opinion is not practicall at all. It seems that AIT is focusing on new users, disregarding the old ones.

In the meantime, I'm gonna keep using version 7 until I find a way to sort this out.

[Edited at 2006-06-16 14:40]
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Ivaylo Ivanov
Ivaylo Ivanov  Identity Verified
Luxembourg
English to Bulgarian
+ ...
No database compatibility Jun 17, 2006

Hi Claudia,

I think to retain v.7 because it seams that the v.7 database cannot be imported into the new v.8 application. I have a huge amount of projects and info that are stored there and cannot abandon them.

It's strange that no compatibility with the previous version is supported.

Claudia Alvis wrote:

I agree with the comment above. The main difference in version 8 is the job management criteria. In this version, the software is heavily based on projects instead of clients. I think this is a great idea, I'm sure I'm not the only one that was waiting for this.

The problem in my opinion is how to integrate this structure to the structure on version 7. I want to have my files organized by clients instead of projects. I searched the manual but I couldn't find anything about this or about the changes. I submitted a support request asking if the folder scheme can be modified automatically.

But that creates another problem, projects (jobs on v7) are no longer numbered by client project, but by 'global project', which will create a lot of confusion and in my opinion is not practicall at all. It seems that AIT is focusing on new users, disregarding the old ones.

In the meantime, I'm gonna keep using version 7 until I find a way to sort this out.

[Edited at 2006-06-16 14:40]


 
Vito Smolej
Vito Smolej
Germany
Local time: 03:37
Member (2004)
English to Slovenian
+ ...
SITE LOCALIZER
My first and only question for support was "How do I port 7 to 8" Jun 17, 2006

.. and its still to be answered.

I guess I am pretty well (low end of the) freelancing mainstream and save for some minor rough spots I found the 7 pretty close to what I needed. And now 8 should be ... different?

Vito

PS: 3 weeks experience with 7 and none with 8 save for installation and then the question "so where's my data now?"

[Edited at 2006-06-17 21:08]


 
Gary Daine (X)
Gary Daine (X)
English to Spanish
+ ...
Second impressions Jun 17, 2006

After spending more time with the evaluation version, I have decided not to upgrade, for now at least. I am very disappointed with this upgrade.

The lack of compatibility means that I would have to spend hours redoing all my templates.
Why? It isn't that hard to add a custom solution to do this automatically.

The folder structure has changed. There now appears to be very little choice about how folders are named (e.g. Name, Client ref number, etc.). And storing jo
... See more
After spending more time with the evaluation version, I have decided not to upgrade, for now at least. I am very disappointed with this upgrade.

The lack of compatibility means that I would have to spend hours redoing all my templates.
Why? It isn't that hard to add a custom solution to do this automatically.

The folder structure has changed. There now appears to be very little choice about how folders are named (e.g. Name, Client ref number, etc.). And storing jobs by client is no longer an option. But storing invoices by clients is almost obligatory. This is exactly what I do not need. I want all my invoices in one folder, for tax and accounting purposes, and I want to continue storing jobs by client.

I do not need projects except on rare occasions. This seems more geared to agencies than to freelancers, but I may be wrong.

And I am extremely annoyed with the fact that I cannot test this program with real data.

I have been using V7 for a long time, and logically I have a lot of jobs stored in it.

After doing the update to V8, I cannot add a single new job to see how it works. Yes, I can delete everything and start with an empty database, but what use is that? I want to see how MY data is graphed, what reports I can produce, how the invoices will look, etc.

However, the program tells me I am over the limit for the demo version.

I'm not sure why they moved the goalposts so far, but it's too far for me.
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Claudia Alvis
Claudia Alvis  Identity Verified
Peru
Local time: 21:37
Member
Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
... Jun 17, 2006


After doing the update to V8, I cannot add a single new job to see how it works. Yes, I can delete everything and start with an empty database, but what use is that? I want to see how MY data is graphed, what reports I can produce, how the invoices will look, etc.

However, the program tells me I am over the limit for the demo version.

I'm not sure why they moved the goalposts so far, but it's too far for me.



That limitation is a bad idea.

I was actually looking forward to the project management feature, but I've also decided not to upgrade until they do something about the folder structure.

I submitted a support request and this is the reply I got, I also gave them the link of this discussion.

To transfer your data from the old database to the new one you can use the Upgrade Utility, which can be downloaded here:
http://to3000.com/download.html

Please note, that import is possible only if the TO3000 V8 database is empty (if it is not empty, you can manually delete all clients or run the TO3000 V8 setup once again selecting "Empty database" option).

The program was distinctly changed and improved. And its folder structure differs a bit from the old structure.It has become much more customizable, though its "heart": Business folder containing Clients and Projects folders cannot be changed.
You can find the complete information about the new folders structure and customization possibilities in the "Files and Folders" topic of the built-in context Help system of the program.


[Edited at 2006-06-18 02:09]


 
New version: questions and answers Jun 22, 2006

Hello, everybody!

My name is Aleksandra. We are already acquainted with most of you, as I am the support staff responsible for TO3000 support and Help system development:)

First of all, I would like to thank Claudia Alvis for pointing me to this forum.
Also I want to give my excuses for those of you, who do not receive the support replies as quickly as usual these days. The new version and upgrade have raised many questions from new and upgraded users and we try t
... See more
Hello, everybody!

My name is Aleksandra. We are already acquainted with most of you, as I am the support staff responsible for TO3000 support and Help system development:)

First of all, I would like to thank Claudia Alvis for pointing me to this forum.
Also I want to give my excuses for those of you, who do not receive the support replies as quickly as usual these days. The new version and upgrade have raised many questions from new and upgraded users and we try to do our best to pay maximum attention to each support request.
Let me list the most frequently asked questions and problems mentioned:
• Upgrade procedure description: now you can download the complete detailed TO3000 V7 to V8 Upgrade Guide from our download page: http://to3000.com/download.html.

• Transferring your files and folders and adapting to the new structure: We are currently working on the Folders Import Utility and it will be available in the nearest future.

• The new folders structure: TO3000V8 folders structure is concerned with the new logic applied in the new version of TO3000: in TO3000 V8 client jobs always refer to some project. So job files are stored in the correspondent project folder. In the Files and Folders topic of the TO3000 V8 Help System I have tried to give the exhaustive description of the new folder structure and ways you can quickly access the necessary files and folders. (I will be grateful for the reasoned criticism!).

•Problem with limitations of the evaluation version of TO3000V8: if you do not register at once and prefer to evaluate the new version – our suggestion is to install V8 with demo database and continue your real work in V7 until you decide to register. Then you can upgrade following the Upgrade Guide mentioned above. Please contact the support in case you have already imported your data from V7 to V8 and have problems with evaluation limitations.

•The question of templates compatibility raised here by Gary Daine and Jabberwock (let me thank you them particularly): in a day or two the utility for automatic TO3000V7 templates upgrade will be available for download!

The other set of questions concerns the new features and enhancements of the new version (“Why should I upgrade?”). I would like to feature some of them:

• Expanded customization possibilities: custom fields of different type can be added for clients, projects and business expenses; these fields can be used to filter records.
• New search and data filter tools: improved Global Date Filter to filter records by dates and Local Custom Filter to filter by setting conditions on properties.
• Visual schedules for jobs and projects, displaying them in a graphical view, so that one glance is enough to have a clear picture of all pending, due/overdue projects and/or jobs.
• Expanded data export possibilities: Local Reports tool allows exporting TO3000 data to various file formats (.XLS, .RTF, .PDF, .HTML, .CSV, .TXT).
• Improved navigation: navigation buttons of several kinds, quick access to TO3000 folders.
• Projects based on quotes can be created with one click.
• Advanced reporting and account possibilities: built-in reports generator, totals for the records displayed calculated automatically.

I really hope that I have managed to answer at least some of your questions concerned with TO3000 V8 and upgrade.

Wishing you All all the best.
Aleksandra Marchenko
==========================
AIT Software Development Team
http://www.translation3000.com
http://www.projetex.com
http://www.anycount.com
http://www.winlexic.com
http://www.exactspent.com




[Edited at 2006-06-22 11:52]
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Gary Daine (X)
Gary Daine (X)
English to Spanish
+ ...
Difference between Projects and Jobs? Jun 23, 2006

Thank you for your clarifications, Aleksandra.
I have reinstalled and am trying out different operations with the sample database.

Can you please give an explanation of Projects and Jobs for the freelance translator? I'm afraid I simply can't see the logic behind this.
I understand that for an agency, for example, a single document may need to be translated into several languages, and so it makes sense to create a single project with different jobs inside it.

... See more
Thank you for your clarifications, Aleksandra.
I have reinstalled and am trying out different operations with the sample database.

Can you please give an explanation of Projects and Jobs for the freelance translator? I'm afraid I simply can't see the logic behind this.
I understand that for an agency, for example, a single document may need to be translated into several languages, and so it makes sense to create a single project with different jobs inside it.

But for a freelance translator, surely the most common situation is to receive a single document or set of documents to translate.
I am probably doing this wrong, but it seems that I have to set up a project, eg. Translation of Contract, then set a a job inside that project, to do a single translation of a single document. Is this correct? If so, why the duplication?

Also, when invoicing, it is possible to invoice a job which has not been completed. I have never done this, and would be interested in knowing the rationale behind it. It seems it might be quite easy to do this by mistake. I would have thought only finished jobs can be invoiced.
Also, if the whole thing revolves around projects, why are projects not invoiced?

I am sorry if this seems negative - I really do like this program and I welcome many of the improvements in the new version. However I can not see how/why the new structure is more suited to a freelancer than previously.

I look forward to the conversion utilities you mention - these will certainly make the process simpler if I decide to upgrade.


Gary
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