Ayanova CE help desk support software Test Results
AyaNova.com offers a low cost help desk support software package with many features of their higher priced peers. I've checked it out for you!AyaNova CE was originally created in 1995 as an internal help desk support software tool. As they realized thet it may be benificiary to others as well, it was publicly released in the spring of 2000. These are the products they have on offer:
- AyaNova CE: client/server based help desk solution. Pricing structure is such that you pay for each technician you want to track. Prices range from $111 (1-4 licenses) to $71 (50 or more licenses) per license. Prices are reported to go up by November 15, 2004 ($125 at1-4 licenses). Support is included in this one time fee.
- AyaNova Remote Access Server: web access to the application. You only pay a flat fee $228, regardless of number of users.
- AyaNova QBI: Integrates AyaNova CE with Quickbook.
System Requirements
- Microsoft Windows 98 with the Y2K Update 2 and Internet Explorer 4.01 Service Pack 2 (SP2) or later
- Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
- Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
- Microsoft Windows NTŪ 4 Service Pack 6a (or greater) and Internet Explorer 4.01 SP2 or later
- Microsoft Windows 2000
- Microsoft Windows XP
- Microsoft Windows 2003
- Internet explorer 4.01SP2 or newer required for the Microsoft Data Access Components used by AyaNova
My Impressions
I have tested AyaNova CE against the following areas, where I grade them with stars, 1 thru 5 (more is better):
- Functionality: I look for useful functions rather than a lot
- Customizability: If you need to align your tool to your business, you'll probably need to customize the tool
- Ease of use: A helpdesk tool must aid, not hinder, the support process
- Speed: Any customer service rep that had to wait on a system while talking to a customer, understands the "need for speed" :-)
- Reliability: You need a tool you can trust, with data integrity, and that works when you need to
The Score
FunctionalityFor low cost help desk support software, AyaNova CE has quite a lot of functions. You can tell that this software has been developed for over 9 years. Among the features you'll find Work order management, customer management, administration of what you receive and send, what you lend and rent out (don't see this function often). Further functions include preventive maintenance, and internal mail communication. I did miss a function for regular e-mail of workorder status and response to customers. **** 4 stars.
Customizability
You can extend fields for clients,users & rights, rates, zones, units, unit models, parts and tasks, proects,workorder categories, schedule groupsand schedule markers. And a number of address books. You can't set up of your own screens. **** 4 stars.
Ease of Use
At first, I was a little intimidated by the spartan looks of AyaNova. But after a while you get used to it, and then you're glad about this choice. It maximizes the amount of information available to you on the screen. The only confusing thing to me was having to close the screen with a menu item. I would've chosen a button for this. But you get used to that pretty quickly. ***** 5 stars.
Speed
The help desk support software worked extremely fast. Period. ***** 5 stars.
Reliability
The software is developed since 1995, so I expected a reliable, stabile system. I wasn't disappointed. It worked without errors. ***** 5 stars.
Overall impression
At first I was a little bit intimidated by the spartan looks of AyaNova, but later on I enjoyed the amount of information made available. The help desk support software worked fast and reliable. It has a great number of functions, although I did miss regular e-mail functions. However, this is greatly compensated by the other functions,most of which are very useful.**** I give AyaNova 5 stars out of 5.
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