Jun 18, 2009
Streamtime Overview – Studio Management
So as most of you know, we’ve been testing out studio management applications to try and find one that suites all of our needs and fits our style of working. We’re currently looking into Studiometry, but have recently found Streamtime and have decided to take a good look at it as well. Streamtime caught our eye mainly for the fact that it utilizes a FileMaker Server/Database. This is a good thing for us as we use other things that utilize FileMaker databases. (Bento)
We have only used Streamtime for a short period of time, but are very impressed with the sheer amount of features built into the application. The application seems to have just about everything that Studiometry has and even a bit more. The application seems to function ok, but it doesn’t “feel” like a native OS X application, such as Studiometry. But it does have pluses compared to Studiometry, such as a “splash page” which is a personal landing page for the user of the application and displays just about any pertinent information that the user would need, right there first and foremost.
To me, having a splash page that contains all the information you’ll need to get started with your day; tasks, to-do’s, notes and reminders. Is a BIG plus and it’s something that I need in my work day as much as possible. I tend to steer away from the things that need to get done, but seeing deadlines and what needs to be done NOW only helps to keep me on track.
Streamtime also seems to have a bit more on the reporting side, which is another big plus for us. Mainly because we provide our clients reports on every aspect of their project from start to finish. Normally on a weekly basis our clients will receive an average of 2 – 4 reports, depending on the type of project or the length of the project.
The gantt charting system is pretty slick in my opinion. I love the ability to slide and move time blocks around for each employee or freelancer working on the project. Makes scheduling and assigning time much faster, easier and even enjoyable. It also makes it easier to read who has what scheduled and for how long.
As with Studiometry, Streamtime has the ability to export all financial information directly to the accounting software of your choice. We have always used Quickbooks, our CPA has as well. So this makes it easier to export/import over the correct data and keep our books looking good, without having to do double the work.
Streamtime also has multi-platform support, so it will work on Windows and OS X. This is great for us, as I mentioned in the Studiometry Overview, we utilize multiple operating systems in our studio and having the ability to run the application on Windows and OS X aids us tremendously, as some of our developers prefer Windows or Linux over OS X. Sadly Streamtime has informed us that they will not be supporting Linux.
Have been using the soft for about 2.5 years now. Unfortunately, the owner thinks he has to milk it: once you have committed to a support contract for one year, he thinks that r you have to continue to pay for it in the next years, otherwise they will shut you down, even if the licence you purchased is not limited in time.
Speaking about consumer rights and microsoft practices, Bill could learn a lot from these guys.
Nice software, but negotiate before you engage yourselves in a contract, they are there to RIP you!!!!!