I thought I would share this here in case anybody has lingering thoughts about swithching to DBA NextGen.  
 
In Feb, 2006 I asked about the release of the new version 3 Next Gen and getting it going. Here is Joe Harts response:
 
"We will be releasing a prospect single user download (should be posted today) ahead of the Customer version.  The prospect version is not meant to be for "Live" installations, but will allow you to explore the software.  We do not have a firm release date on the Customer update version at this time.  It will be at least 4-6 weeks.  We will keep you posted as we get a more firm idea of the progress and testing."
 
So after hearing and seeing nothing substantial posted for months (sound familiar?), I just sent another inquiry about progress and the promised Features and Options, since they are dumping the configurator. Response:
 
"You will receive all concrete progress reports through this ticket and be extended the opportunity to take a look at the program in its Beta phase.  This project is not in the immediate plans.  
 
Gee, Joe, that is not what your "DBA Version 3.0 Preview" PDF, says. There you say:
 
"It (Features and Options) should be available during the first half of 2006"
 
He goes on in my ticket:
 
"Several key projects took precedence for the time being, but we are excited about the BOM with options project.  I have no firm time frame now, but will let you know through this ticket as details firm up."  
 
I think I will be retired by the time "details firm up".
 
...and the beat goes on, the beat goes on....

i had one of my customers set up and using over 900 configurator schemas.
 
i can't convert them to 3.0 until i have a suitable method to replace that functionality.
 
i'll still continue to work with customers on DBA NG. but the frustration is there for all users who interact with them. the biggest frustration i find, is the Basics need to be fixed, but only new menus get added or deleted.
 
i'm glad to provide workaround solutions, but that should be the exception and not the rule.

I try to stay out of the NG discussions because I do feel it should be a company decision that each of you makes but I will ask this question -  
 
What functionality does NG potentially offer that Classic with Evo-ERP does not have that makes it worth the effort to convert?

Hi Lynn,
We absolutely wanted the configurator because I thought it would behave specifically in this manner:
We need to add options (upholstery choice, paint choice, plus others) at sales order entry. However, those options are built in at sub-assembly levels. So, we were hoping to get a system that would plug them into the BOM two or three levels down the BOM tree, not at the top level assembly. I could then hand out a traveler for the sub-assembly that showed that option requirement at that level. All these configured subs then come together for final assembly. IE: the final assembler picks/finds those customized sub-assemblies and puts them together. It is visually easy to find them at that point for us.
Also, then I want to create a report, probably in Crystal Reports, to list the customized BOM's by work center showing preferably just the options, but acceptably the whole bill.
Getting the options slotted in at the sub-assembly level appears to be the roadblock most of the time. Of course, I can get it with the big boy systems.
 
But another, probably more important issue with EziJobz/NextGen is the absolutely horrible communication they have.  
 
I am going to go on a rant here: They make promises, don't follow up, and leave everyone in the dark. They say this, they do that. It is this mysterious dark tunnel. They just don't get it at all. They have been scolded a hundred times and simply refuse to tell us what is going on. Dear Jehoshaphat, don't they understand that our livelihood hinges on our software performance, features and communication? For crying out loud, you can't even join their user forum with out shelling out "support" bucks and I own the fully licensed software! Yes, they want money for the privilege of talking to fellow users. I simply stopped my support payments until I see some real progress by way of announcements and trying out their single user system. But now I get no forums to see even the rumors from other users as they have tried to communicate with Joe or whoever. Even their literature is in direct opposition to what you are told in support tickets, so that can't be believed.
 
I have come to see a direct correlation between a software company who cares and them having an open forum. Personally, I have to get it in my head that this is never going to change with NextGen and is their permanent mode of operation, sanctioned by the top. Take the hit and move on Steve...Duh! All of you here already figured that out long ago.
 
End of rant, but probably will still edit .

3.x is beta. very beta, or even alpha. Even 2.x is, too, in a lot of ways, and I don't see how people are actually using it in production work. The promise is there, but the followthru is sorely lacking, and it's the meat-and-potatoes part of the package that's suffering. Many things (that you take for granted in classic/evo) flat-out don't work as advertised or expected, others have wrinkles that require special attention or procedures.
 
If you can get on the beta program (and they're looking to expand it), it will give you a channel to DBA to have your voice heard; Joe's been generally very responsive to any beef's I've sent (doesn't mean everything gets fixed, but at least I get a response and sometimes even a ticket issued.)
 
Bottom line is, DBANG is NOT an upgrade, in any sense. It's a totally different system. and, it's not (IMHO) ready for prime time for many/most businesses. Some things do work, and work very well, but, well, we haven't bought it yet and are still open to alternatives (like EVO).