Resources:
Classic to Next-Gen Implementation Guide »
What is DBA Classic?
DBA Classic was our first product and was originally named "DBA Manufacturing." It was introduced in 1992 as a DOS-based product and was converted to run on Windows in 1997. When we introduced our current product, "DBA Manufacturing Next-Generation" in 2003, the original product was renamed "DBA Classic" so that it would not be confused with our new product.
What is the status of DBA Classic?
We discontinued any further development of DBA Classic in 2002 and ceased providing technical support in 2006. DBA Classic is still used by hundreds of companies.
Am I required to transition to Next-Gen?
You are not required to transition to the Next-Gen product. The fact that Classic is no longer being developed or supported does not mean that it will cease functioning. You may continue to use Classic for as long as it functions on your hardware and network platform.
How can I get support for DBA Classic?
We discontinued providing technical support for Classic in 2006. If you need support for a technical problem we suggest you do a web search of third party sources for DBA Classic support.
How do I buy additional Classic users?
Additional user licenses for Classic are still available and qualify for free matching Next-Gen users, should you someday transition to the new product. Click this link for details.
Classic Additional User Pricing »
Do lifetime licenses carry forward to Next-Gen?
Yes they do. Annual maintenance will not be applied to free matching users that correspond to Classic lifetime user licenses. Unlike Classic where you received a long-term license key, with Next-Gen we Email you a new key each year.
Should I transition from Classic to Next-Gen?
We remain completely neutral as to which system you should use and make no recommendation. Only you can make the decision to change systems. You must look at Next-Gen objectively like you would any other new product and decide if it's in your best interest to make the change.
What does it cost to change to Next-Gen?
You are entitled to a free matching Next-Gen user for each Classic user license that you purchased from us. Therefore, there is no additional cost for software, unless you need to expand your user count. You should budget for a support subscription, which will be needed. Also be aware that you may need to upgrade your hardware and network to meet Next-Gen's system requirements.
How does Next-Gen compare to Classic?
Next-Gen is not a derivative of Classic. It is a completely different product that originated from a software package that we acquired in 2003. Next-Gen uses completely different technology in its programming language and database. Next-Gen offers a similar set of modules, but the features and functionality within them are quite different than their Classic counterparts.
For a listing of the major differences between the two products, see the Classic to Next-Generation Implementation Guide.
Can I transfer data from Classic to Next Gen?
You can transfer your major master tables - customers, suppliers, items, bills of material, and routings - either using our DBATRAN utility or via data export. Be aware that the DBATRAN utility does not work in all cases and can be affected by custom programming, add-on products, Pervasive versions, and other factors.
You also have the alternative of using the Classic Data Export utility to export master files into Excel spreadsheets where the data can be edited and then imported using the Next-Gen Data Import utility. This is the same process used by companies converting from non-DBA systems. Unlike DBATRAN, which brings over your data exactly as is, this method gives you more control over your data and enables you to change item categories, tax codes, terms codes, and other supporting tables that you might wish to change. If for some reason you are unable to run DBATRAN, you have no choice but to use this method.
Historical data cannot be transferred, nor can open orders or accounting balances. We recommend that you keep Classic on your network for historical reference purposes. Open orders and beginning account balances are entered manually just prior to system startup day, which is the day you cease using Classic and start operating exclusively in Next-Gen.
Some data must be entered manually because they never existed in Classic. You should also plan for "rehearsal" phase of some duration prior to startup day in which your users go through a trial run of the new system to make sure all procedures and processes are in place.
The DBATRAN utility can be downloaded from the DBA Classic to Next-Gen Transition area in the online Support Center.
We purchased EVO-ERP. Can we still migrate to Next Gen?
Our company has no involvement with EVO-ERP or any knowledge of its data tables or technical specifications. Regardless whether you use EVO-ERP or any other add-on product, you are still entitled to a free matching Next-Gen user license for each Classic user license you purchased from our company. If you purchased EVO-ERP users without also purchasing users from us (which is not permitted by our license), those users do not qualify for free matching Next-Gen users.
How do I obtain my free matching users?
To get your free matching users, send an Email to sales@dbasoftware.com and make your request. We will send you a license key by Email. We do not ship you a CD. Instead, you download the free single-user evaluation system from our website. The license key converts the free single-user system into a multi-user system.
Can I make the transition on my own?
We've designed Next-Gen under the assumption that most companies will be implementing the system on their own without outside help other than our support. If you are willing to put in time and effort and you precisely follow the steps in our Implementation Planner, you can get up and running on your own.