FAQ SMBs
BScaler ERM Web-based Business Management is a totally Java-based, scalable business management system that uses a commercial-grade relational database on state-of-the-art servers running a scalable operating system. ERM has no Windows-based or consumer-grade software component, no daily virus scan needed!
SaaS SMB, SMB ERP or ERP SMB are integrated in the BScaler Unified Database System to provide a Total Web-based Business Management solution for SMBs, VARs, Resellers, Importers and Distributors with over 30 levels of security to protect the enterprise information from hackers and bad employees. Learn more SaaS Plus Payment Options
We
designed ERM from the ground up, using modern software development
technology. ERM is 100% browser-based
with ultra-thin client design. Users run
no “local client” software and need no special platform. Any computer that runs a browser will support
the ERM user. The browser can be
Internet Explorer, Netscape or Firefox.
Other browsers probably work, too.
- How
secure are our data? Reliability?
- Can
we have our own server at our premise?
- How
often BScaler does data back up?
- Is
the system virus free?
- How
often must we do virus scanning?
- Can
ERM allow us to do Order Tracking?
- What happen if an
employee/user is terminated?
- Do we need our own IT person? Chief Accountant?
- What
has been the average savings in Admin and IT costs?
- Can
we upgrade from Subscription to Appliance Purchase?
- Can
ERM help us with compliance? Anti-Dumping? Sarbanes & Oxley?
- How
difficult is it to learn? And use?
- Can
we integrate some of our existing functions to your ERM?
- What are BAM and Executive Dashboard?
- Q: How secure are our data?
Reliability?
A: Customers’ data is as secure and the back-up system and disaster
recovery plan are as stable and reliable as anyone’s in the IT industry, or
BETTER.
The reasons:
- One of BScaler’s principal
founders comes from the Network Infrastructure and Information Security
Industry: His specialty: Business Continuance Planning and Solutions. The
company he also co-founded was one of the industry’s best and ranked in
the TOP VAR Business 500 in 2002 and also awarded the “2002 Technology
Leader Award”
- Our main business line is
ERM Solutions to SMBs, where business functions are regarded as
mission-critical as for larger enterprises. Business continuance be it
High Availability, Recovery Procedures, Network Center Risk, Data Center
Risk, Data Security are in BScaler’s DNA! It has over 30 security levels to protect the enterprise information from hackers and bad employees.
- Typically, after the sale,
secure customer data is BScaler’s priority No.1. We then deploy our back-up and
protection plans for the new customer to protect data from the out side and from mechanical failure. We back up customer data regularly, and
store them off-site. Testing of Back-up Plan, Evaluation and Maintenance are also
done on a regular basis.
- BScaler has ample redundant
power: Fault-tolerant technology is built into the system with two or more
redundant computers, each performing tasks in unison. Should one of the
computers fail, the other will take over and continue to work; an alarm
alerts managers to replace the malfunctioning computer.
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- Q: Can we have our own server
at our premise?
A: Yes, definitely, BScaler is the only major SaaS provider that
offers you the option to buy your own server. We call this SaaS Plus™.
- Q: How often BScaler does data
back up?
A: Backup policy and schedules are kept secret, but they
are frequent enough to ensure that any need to restore data will be minimally
disruptive to customers operation.
If the customer chose the ERM Appliance Option, hosting its own server, backups
will be done by oneself. BScaler, however, does offer suggestions and advice on
how often to do it.
- Q: Is the system virus free?
A: With some very determined virus writers in the world today, no system
can boast that it is completely virus free. So far, though, virus invasion
has not been a problem with BScaler’s.
As a matter of corporate policy, any software from the most
susceptible provider, however good it may be, is avoided.
- Q: How often must we do virus
scanning?
A: BScaler’s servers are well protected with virus scanning carried
out as regularly as needed. All ERM
users employ a favorite Browser on a personal computer for doing work, and
they need to take precautions to protect that computer.
- Q: Can ERM allow us to do Order
Tracking?
A: A definite YES. In fact,
Order Tracking is an in-built feature of BScaler’s ERM, highly appreciated
by many of our customers, especially importers.
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- Q: What happen if an
employee/user is terminated?
A: Your own ERM Administrator will log into your system and make
this user Inactive Instantly. Your
company data will stay, and a user with the appropriate role (e.g. Sales
Administrator) can reassign contacts to another user.
- Q: Do we need our own IT
person? Chief Accountant?
A: The technical issues are taken care of by BScaler with your
server, whether we host it or you do.
In fact, customers’ employees are politely asked to stay away from their
ERM Appliance, because that is the most likely (or ONLY) source of
trouble.
ERM follows generally accepted accounting practices as it continually
updates your accounts. If you
already have an Accountant, this person will verify data accuracy and
correctness. If you don’t have an
Accountant now, you likely will not need one.
It should be stressed that the ERM is not intended as a replacement for a
certified professional. Customer will need to maintain the relationship
with a CPA for examining and approving your end-of-period Financial
Statements made by ERM.
- Q: What has been the average
savings in Admin and IT costs?
A: Savings from 50% to 80% of those costs, has been the average for
many of BScaler’s customers. Some even achieved more than that.
- Q: Can we upgrade from
Subscription to Appliance Purchase?
A: Upgrade can be done at any time. And any prepayment that a
customer made on subscription will go toward the cost of Appliance
Purchase.
- Q: Can ERM help us with
compliance? Anti-Dumping? Sarbanes & Oxley?
A: Yes, ERM has Order Tracking methods in place for Importers to show
Anti-Dumping compliance to auditors. For
SOX awareness, it is also available although one would need to consult the experts
and have it certified.
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- Q: How difficult is it to
learn? And use?
A: Understandably with new software, especially when it is as
comprehensive as ERM, some new users are reluctant to change. With that in mind, ERM has been designed
as so intuitive and interactive, that it is REALLY simple to learn and
easy to use. BScaler also provides a large amount of documentation with
illustrations and extensive indexing, and telephone support.
As a result, customer’s learning
curve has been relatively short.
- Q: Can we integrate some of our
existing functions to your ERM?
A: BScaler ERM covers virtually all of the critical functions of every Small to Medium Business. However, should the needs arise, additional features can be added for a sliding scale amount, and depending on how likely they would be useful by other potential or existing customers.
Furthermore, if your company requires certain aspects of
your existing system to be integrated with ERM, our service is available.
- Q: What are BAM and Executive
Dashboard?
A: BAM means Business Activity Monitoring. This is where executive decision-makers can
click the ERM Executive Dashboard regularly to view the state of the Balance
Sheet, P & L and other Financials.
Executive Dashboard is no longer in the exclusive territory
of the Fortune 500 CEOs. Now made available by via BScaler’s ERM, it has become
a ‘Must Have’ management tool for SMB Managers and Owners in the Flat World
economy where competition is not just local but entirely global in nature.
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