Associate Professor-University of Chicago (retired)
Our organization chose eXcelisys to eXpand our FileMaker Pro database to our off-site team members using WebDirect. Our eXperience with eXcelisys is one of partnership: the Project Manager was focused, attentive to our specific needs, made straightforward technical recommendations, and was available to ensure technical problems were actually solved. The pricing was straightforward and fair. Highly recommended. My experience: as part of a network of non-profit agencies, FileMaker Pro was selected as a database to compile and analyze a directory of national and local programs doing innovative work on child development. A large amount of work went into the design of the project, specification of data elements, etc, but the actual programming of the database was left to the last moment. I volunteered to put the project into action through FileMaker Pro. I found FileMaker Pro straightforward in terms of database design – but implementing it on a Server with WebDirect access for multiple participants was beyond my scope. And of course, a funding deadline loomed. We researched options on the Internet, found several services claiming FileMaker Pro eXpertise, quickly interviewed them by phone and selected eXcelisys. eXcelisys was an eXcellent choice – far eXceeding our eXpectations. My first contact at eXcelisys was with our Account Manager. The initial discussion was quick and to the point, noting the urgent nature of my problem. Pricing was straightforward and fair. The Account Manager promptly assigned me to a FileMaker Pro Project Manager who was outstanding. I would rate the skill of the Project Manager at a mastery level – in terms of database knowledge in general, FileMaker software knowledge in particular and interpersonal skills. Our Project Manager quickly identified our particular technical problem and was able recommend the specific steps needed to provide WebDirect access. Within a short time, our FileMaker Pro project was back on track, our deadline was met and we received rave reviews. I was so impressed with the FileMaker Project Manager that I have continued to use eXcelisys to enhance the FileMaker database, especially the report functionality. Even though my knowledge of databases is only at an intermediate level, the Project Manager treated me consistently with respect and promoted my learning and problem solving. I have had the eXperience before of having tech eXperts talk in jargon, solve problems without eXplaining how, which then left me dependent on paying for more consultant time when the next technical problem arose. My eXperience with eXcelisys is one of partnership: the Project Manager was focused, attentive to my specific needs, made straightforward technical recommendations, and was available to ensure the problem was actually solved. I also like eXcelisys’ use of BaseCamp as a way to keep all the conversations in one place – it is easy to track the process of problem identification and resolution. I give eXcelisys my highest recommendation and plan to continue to consult them for other projects including upgrading our web site. I was charged very fairly for the time spent on the project.