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FAQ - Typical Questions you may have regarding cerebiz on-demand

Online or "Cloud" computing questions

Q: Does "Cloud" transform a capital expense into an operational expense?

A: Cerebiz represents an operational expense only. There is no capital outlay on hardware or software

Q: What is the difference in payback compared to a traditional in house system?

A: Instead of having to wait years for a return on investment, with "Cloud" there is a very close connection between the money you spend and the value you receive. Acting on the analysis of your company data as provided by Cerebiz can result in immediate payback on the economical monthly subscription.

Q: Will pay-as-you-go services cut costs?

A: In addition to the benefits from acting on Cerebiz analysis results, there can be actual cost savings though the elimination of developing and maintaining spreadsheets and the elimination of delays and costs associated with physically shuffling files, paper printouts, etc.

Q: Can "Cloud" accommodate extreme peaks and troughs?

A: The monthly Cerebiz subscription scheme and resources provided under that scheme can easily handle the range of data volumes that any SME business may experience.

Q: Will "Cloud" make it easier to cost and implement expansion, mergers and acquisitions.

A: Cerebiz costs are based on numbers of user subscriptions which facilitates any form of business growth, merger, or acquisition.

Q: Can "Cloud" give access to better technology?

A: Cerebiz believes that the technology used by Cerebiz is well out of economic reach for any SME business, yet the Cerebiz cloud based solution provides the resources, flexibility, and range of analysis capabilities that until now have only been available to large corporate entities.

Q: Is data storage likely to cost less?

A: Cerebiz storage costs are part of the subscription and excess storage is charged on an economical pay as you go basis without the need to make capital purchases or to over commit in case of expansion that may be delayed or not happen as envisaged.

Q: Can we access information anywhere there's an Internet connection?

A: Cerebiz range of data analysis templates as well as the free form Analyzer and the 'What if..?' Business Optimizer facilities may be accessed by any registered user through a secure encrypted Internet connection.

Q: Can "Cloud" reduce a company's carbon footprint?

A: Cerebiz offers carbon footprint savings by eliminating or reducing paper reports and the physical transfer and handling of data files.


Board level questions

Q: What are the risks? Are they worth taking?

A: Cerebiz offers a service that can be used to add significant value to SME business for a low monthly subscription. Downside risk is managed in that no capital outlay is required, no special training is required, secure encrypted data connections are used, as well as inbuilt redundancy of technical resources.

Q: Who and what will determine what is moved to the Cloud?

A: Cerebiz involves keeping only a copy of the SME business accounting system data in the cloud. The business system itself remains in house and subject to the clients security standards and arrangements. Copying the data across to Cerebiz is automated but controlled by the client.

Q: Are we getting expert, impartial advice?

A: Cerebiz is a specialist provider of business analysis service for SME clients. The standard Cerebiz analysis templates format means client management can readily assess the scope and benefits that Cerebiz can bring to their business.

Q: Are any of our staff members feeling threatened and negative or are they being encouraged to develop a more strategic role?

A: Cerebiz is designed to eliminate the data duplication and double handling inherent in spreadsheets allowing IT or other business system support staff to focus on the user and business needs.

Q: How will it take for the new technology be implemented? Is the change process being managed appropriately?

A: Cerebiz is designed so that any user familiar with an Internet browser can immediately use Cerebiz. Access and security levels need to be defined by client management. The standard Cerebiz approach to implementation means the Cerebiz results can be enjoyed in a matter of hours or days instead of weeks and months.


Subscription and set up pricing related questions

Q: Are there different levels of subscription and access for Cerebiz on-demand?

A: There are three Cerebiz on-demand subscription and access 'offerings' to suit (a) business owners and managers, (b) so called 'power users' and, (c) an Administrator / Accountant's version for overall management of the system and providing access to special 'Accountant only' features of the system.

Q: Does Cerebiz cater for "power" users?

A: 'Power users' are provided with access to the optional Cerebiz "Analyzer". Analyzer provides data view customization via point & click and drag & drop facilities to quickly develop and save custom data views.

Q: Can Cerebiz be set up to show our corporate logo and other relevant details?

A: Logo and related

Q: How is the pricing structured?

A: Prices are set as monthly subscriptions payable quarterly or annually in advance. Various options are separately priced and selectable.

Q: Is there an upfront charge?

A: There is a one time setup charge for the standard Cerebiz on-demand offerings that covers taking up your MYOB data, setting up access security, etc.

Q: Do we need to pay for capital expense items?

A: No special hardware or software is required for Cerebiz on-demand apart from a broadband connection to the Internet.

Q: Do we need a budget for training?

A: Users familiar with a web browser and "point and click" are ready to use Cerebiz. Clients intending to use Analyzer will benefit from familiarity with their MYOB data.


Security related questions

Q: What is the exact nature of the data being put out to the Cloud?

A: Cerebiz synchronises a copy of the SME business accounting system data, no more no less.

Q: Does Cerebiz on-demand use secure encrypted Internet connections?

A: Yes Cerebiz on-demand uses secure SSL links for all transfer of data over the Internet.

Q: Will our MYOB data remain confidential?

A: Cerebiz on-demand applies standards of confidentiality and care to client data at the same level as it would to its own confidential data. We understand that confidentiality is the essence of our business.

Q: How secure is the Cerebiz on-demand central data store?

A: Cerebiz uses a local Tier 3 data centre provided and managed by a specialist supplier. Facilities and arrangements include:

  • Multiple redundant uninterruptible power systems (UPS)

  • Multiple redundant Internet connections as well as independent IP address assignment

  • Temperature control within variance of 1 degree centigrade and multiple redundant cooling systems

  • Hunidity control at 50% with +/- 5% variance

  • 24 hour security monitoring including CCTV recording of key areas

  • Tier 1 supplier equipment – IBM, Cisco, VMware.

Q: Is my company data kept separate from other Cerebiz clients?

A: Each cerebiz client's company data is setup and maintained as a separate "instance" with separate security.


Q: When data is synchronized between Cerebiz and our server who initiates the connection?

A: Your server (automatically) initiates the connection so that you maintain control over who your server "talks" to.


Implementation related questions

Q: What is a typical installation time frame for Cerebiz on-demand?

A: Based on the use of standard templates from the Cerebiz library and availability of your access control rules, the typical installation time is within one or two business days.


Q: Do we need special hardware or software tools at our end for the online consulting, training and support provided?

A: No, Cerebiz on-demand uses online methods such as GoToMeeting that require no special hardware or software at the user end other than a telephone and broadband Internet connection.

Q: Will our MYOB technical support people need to be involved?

A: As part of the Cerebiz on-demand setup, there is a small piece of software to handle the data extracts that needs to be installed on the MYOB computer. This may involve a small amount of time (less than an hour) on the part your technical support people.

Q: What pre-requisite or level of training is required for cerebiz users?

A: Any user familiar with an Internet browser and point and click operation is ready to use Cerebiz.

Q: How much of our time is required for setup of the system?

A: Assuming no special data view or report requirements until you have used the system for a while, there does not need to be any involvement of time other than (a) defining user security details, and (b) downloading and installing the cerebiz synchronization program on your MYOB server.


Support related questions

Q: Do you offer support for Cerebiz on-demand?

A: Online video clips, online chat, and email support are offered for questions involving use of the service.

Q: Is the support available outside of business hours?

A: Support via online chat and email is available during business hours in the Australia / New Zealand region.

Q: What is the typical response time to obtain email support?

A: Support via email is typically 'within two business days'.

Q: How do we get access to the latest version of Cerebiz?

A: All Cerebiz clients and users are automatically "upgraded" to the latest version of the cerebiz service. There will be prior notification of any changes.


Access to your data and related questions

Q: How is Cerebiz on-demand different or better than our existing report writer?

A: Report writers present a 'fixed view' on the data that they are used to report on. This means many reports may be needed to present the different views on the data required to manage the business better.

Cerebiz on-demand is much more than a report writer in that it represents all the MYOB data in a multi-dimensional 'cube' that enables any view of the data to be 'rolled over' and looked at from different perspectives. This is also known as "Slicing and dicing" and 'drill down' and as it is interactive, it provides the user with the immediate ability to pull up data to support better understanding and better decision making. For example in static report (using standard report writers) you will be able to see product sales by monthly, by quarterly, by half yearly, by yearly comparison with your respective budgets and variances for the period. In Cerebiz on-demand multidimensional cubes, you will be able to see for example same information by region, by customer, by sales person etc. just selecting these dimensions in a single view.

Another important aspect of Cerebiz on-demand is that it provides the views in a browser anywhere, anytime 24x7 so 'reports' are not tied to having to go to a central location to obtain them. The Cerebiz on-demand 'data views' may be saved or printed on the user's computer.

Q: Can Cerebiz on-demand replace all our spreadsheets?

A: Cerebiz on-demand offers a number of standard templates to view and drill down on the MYOB data. If any spreadsheets contain data not in MYOB, a new template would need to be set up to manage and access such data. Cerebiz on-demand offers the potential (subject to a customization arrangements being in place between Cerebiz and your business) of full database management capabilities to complement MYOB for any data that MYOB does not hold or deal with.

Q: Can Cerebiz on-demand replace our Access database that holds data external to MYOB?

A: Cerebiz on-demand offers full SQL database management capabilities to complement MYOB for any data that MYOB does not hold. Hence the need for database tools such as Access can be eliminated. Naturally a customization arrangement needs to be entered into for such data base development as well as new Cerebiz on-demand templates that will need to be set up to access the extra data which is outside the standard MYOB database.

Q: Can Cerebiz on-demand provide for Budgets and Cash Flow data not handled in MYOB?

A: Cerebiz on-demand has standard templates to handle Budgets and Cash Flow.

Q: Can we use our own choice of Internet browser

A: Currently Cerebiz on-demand is designed for use with Microsoft Internet Explorer & Firefox.

Q: Can users view and print data, or only view?

A: Cerebiz on-demand provides the views on the data in a browser anywhere, anytime 24x7 and these 'data views' may be saved or printed on the user's computer.

Q: Does the 'drill down' feature work interactively or does the user have to wait for special reports?

A: Cerebiz on-demand represents all the MYOB data in a multi-dimensional 'cube' that enables any view of the data to be 'rolled over' and looked at from different perspectives. This is also known as 'drill down' and as it is interactive, it provides the user with the immediate ability to pull up data to support better understanding and better decision making. There is no waiting on any reports.

Q: Does access 'anywhere' mean anywhere on the globe?

A: Yes, anywhere the user has access to the Internet and a computer with a browser.

Q: Does access 'anytime 24x7' mean 365 days per year access?

A: Yes it does, subject only to short periods of 'essential maintenance' which will be notified beforehand whenever possible. The infrastructure used by Cerebiz on-demand is designed to be extremely reliable with very high target uptime 99.9%, however there may be occasional malfunctions in the infrastructure that cerebiz on-demand utilizes and there can be no 100% guarantee, nor can down time due to such causes be predicted.

Q: Can access be restricted to nominated users?

A: Yes, all access to Cerebiz on-demand is by user name and password.

Q: Can Cerebiz on-demand be set up so users only see 'their own' data?

A: Yes, the 'user name' can be linked to specific template views of the MYOB data so each user can only see what s/he is authorized to see.

Q: Is the whole of the MYOB database available to access via Cerebiz on-demand?

A: Yes, however an appropriate template is required to access and view specific data. Also, of course, there is the user level access security.

Q: Can Cerebiz on-demand access prior year MYOB data even though those years are closed off?

A: Yes, Cerebiz on-demand templates can be set up to access any data. Including all prior year data. This is important for any year to year comparison purposes.


MYOB related questions

Q: Does Cerebiz on-demand work with any version of MYOB ?

A: Cerebiz on-demand works with current and the immediately prior version of MYOB Accounting, Accounting Plus, and Premier. MYOB users have found it worthwhile upgrading to the latest versions, to obtain the benefits of the new MYOB functions and features as well as the ability to run them with Cerebiz on-demand.

Q: Will Cerebiz on-demand be upgraded automatically in line with future upgrades of MYOB?

A: Cerebiz on-demand will keep abreast of new versions of MYOB Accounting, Accounting Plus, and Premier.

Q: How does Cerebiz on-demand extract the MYOB data?

A: Cerebiz on-demand puts a very small data extract program on the MYOB computer that works in conjunction with an 'Open Database Connectivity' (ODBC) tool on the MYOB system that is an industry standard way of transferring data from one system to another. The data is encrypted and hence secure while on its path across the network to the Cerebiz on-demand Data Store.

Q: How often does the extraction process happen?

A: The extraction process may be preset to happen as often as required. The determining factor is how 'up to date' the data that Cerebiz on-demand relies on needs to be. Typically it is done daily, weekly, or monthly but it can also be done 'on the hour' for example.

Q: Does the Cerebiz on-demand process alter our MYOB data in any way?

A: no, Cerebiz on-demand does not affect or alter the data in the MYOB system as it is a one way process (except in the case of the Accountant two-way link where corrections and journals created in Cerebiz can be submitted for review and posting back into MYOB).

Q: Does the size of our MYOB database matter?

A: Cerebiz on-demand is designed to work with all sizes of MYOB databases. There may be a database quota limit that becomes relevant to the choice of Cerebiz on-demand monthly plan that you choose.

Q: Are there any MYOB extras we need to run with Cerebiz on-demand?

A: There are no additional MYOB modules or 'extras' that you require to run with Cerebiz on-demand, however the MYOB ODBC driver should be installed in the MYOB computer.

Q: How does Cerebiz on-demand handle problems with the way MYOB users set up their chart of accounts?

A: Allocating an account to the wrong MYOB category is a common occurrence. For example an account that is really a 'Cost of Sales' is set up as an 'Expense' account. Cerebiz on-demand handles this by providing a 'drag and drop' account mapping facility that enables an Accountant to easily shift the 'errant' account into the right category. The mapping facility interprets the incoming data from MYOB and automatically maps or routes it to the right account category.

Q: Can we upload previous year data bases?

A: You can select the data bases for previous year(s) to be uploaded.


Subscription "Terms of Use" related questions

Q: Who is liable for application failures, data losses and other mishaps?

A: The standard Cerebiz data analysis templates are under daily scrutiny by numerous Cerebiz users which reduces the potential for application errors. The data synchronisation between the SME business accounting system and Cerebiz is subject to automated checks and balances. The worst case fallback position for the Cerebiz client is to go back to the SME business accounting system for the analysis of data. The Cerebiz Terms of Use confine Cerebiz liability to the amount of the subscription paid by you in the previous twelve months.

Q: What happens if Cerebiz goes out of business?

A: In the event that there is no one to take over the Cerebiz service, the worst case fallback position for the Cerebiz client is to go back to the SME business accounting system for the analysis of data.

Q: What happens if the Cerebiz is merged or acquired - does the contract change?

A: In the case or merger or acquisition, it is the intention of the Cerebiz board that existing contracts be honoured on existing terms for the remainder of the contract at least.

Q: How do we get out of the Cerebiz contract?

A: A Cerebiz client can terminate the use of the Cerebiz service at any time as provide for in the standard Cerebiz Terms of Use. Similar to a mobile phone contract the client remains liable for payment for the minimum level of contracted access and services.

Q: How does the pricing work? How long are we locked in a certain price? What is the agreement on subscription increases?

A: Cerebiz subscription pricing is defined in the Cerebiz Terms of Use and is firm for the period for which the user signs up.
Subscriptions may change upon renewal – Cerebiz policy is to provide 90 day prior notice of any change at the expiration of the current subscription period.

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