Farmers around here are champing at the bit to get panters back in the fields following the recent cool spell. With our office adjacent to a corn field as well as an ethanol terminal, we're always right in the middle of the farming action.
Preview of the Next Generation of Software
In the coming weeks FBS clients will be receiving their 2023-2024 TiMEsavr service renewal invoices. Included in this service will be our "next generation" Version 12.1, arriving in Q4 of 2023. Because this is a substantial investment we want to explain what it means to you and your operation's future.
1. Modern language. Over the past four years our developers have been converting our "mainline" software to Microsoft .NET for higher performance and compatibility with modern Windows and cloud platforms.
2. Open source database. In addition to converting to .NET, our most recent version (11.8) runs almost exclusively through Microsoft JET (Access) database tables. In Version 12.1 those tables will be converted to a powerful, open source relational database--MariaDB Server. One of the most popular database servers in the world, MariaDB is made by the original developers of MySQL and guaranteed to stay open source. Notable users include Wikipedia, WordPress.com and Google. According to the MariaDB Foundation's website, "MariaDB Server is used because it is fast, scalable and robust, with a rich ecosystem of storage engines, plugins and many other tools make it very versatile for a wide variety of use cases."
3. Producer-focused and controlled. The open source route means that your priceless data will never be locked up in proprietary data file, but can be accessed with "data mining" tools and shared with your trusted partners. Through the guidance of the Mutual Agricultural Software Alliance (MASA), Version 12.1 is being designed to protect your business's confidentiality by not being housed in a public "big database."
4. Business logic continuity. While Version 12.1 will offer greater capacity, compatibility, performance, and protection it will retain the business logic that FBS customers have depended on for four decades: production/financial integration, concurrent cash, accrual, management, market value reports, and activity-based inventory valuations.
5. Growth path. By maintaining your TiMEsavr service you'll be poised to transition to the next level--the MASA Farm Financial Hub--for even greater automation, integration, and business intelligence.
So thanks in advance for your continued loyalty and enthusiastic support for the next generation of FBS/MASA software!