I was shocked to learn a few days ago that Access Data has decided to move summation into the cloud. It all started when our firm was trying to find a fast and secure way to share a database with a firm in Birmingham, AL. We were interested in Web blaze but only to find it was being discontinued.

What is changing?

First off, no more iBlaze or Enterprise versions, now everyone will fall under Summation Solo, Summation Express, or Summation Pro, with each version bringing a little more to the table.

The pricing! No more licenses with annual maintenance plans. Like so many others, now you will have an annual subscription based off the number of users you have. While some may not like this structure, it gives the firm more control without being stuck with 5 year old software that no longer meets you’re needs.

The look! Access data has not released any photos of the new interface but from their product release we know that it will have a more modern look and feel.

Oh and Mac Compatibility!

Here is a breakdown of the product versions:

This can either go really good or really bad for Access Data. Their dedicated users are going to want to keep what they know. They are going to have to do an awesome job at making sure they lose NO functionality while improving usability.  With our firm staying on the edge of new technology and products we are optimistic about what is to come. We have used summation for over 20+ years and hope this will be a welcomed upgrade.

-Zeb Ramey