FastDirect Technical Advantage / Service Advantage

Decision Factors

FastDirect is Web-based and Provides Full Service Other Systems And Server Based Software

  • Cost

    • No up-front purchase cost
    • Training at your site included
    • Unlimited technical support included
    • One low price includes all Components
    • Several modules to purchase
    • Several vendors
    • Maintenance fees
      (Additional costs for each)

  • Data Storage

    • Professionally hosted: No servers needed at your school
    • Local storage on your equipment

  • Data Conversion

    • Free!
    • Done in about a week.
    • Charge to set up your server and convert your data

  • Set Up

    • Done completely by FastDirect - even grade books
    • Send FastDirect report cards, grade scales, and a list of who teaches what and it is all done for you
    • Technical staff must learn how to set up grade books and report cards and assign courses
    • Teachers must build class rosters themselves before using the system.

  • Data Safety

    • Encryption, protection from viruses, redundant systems, continuous backup
    • Technical staff must provide at additional time and expense

  • Off Campus Access

    • 24/7, from any Internet computer
    • Teachers enter grades directly from any internet location
    • Third party software required at added cost.
    • Clumsy uploads and downloads to work on grades or files

  • Parent/Student Access

    • Information is available in real-time.
    • Parent access is integrated into the system.
    • Parents are activated with unique screen names and passwords.
    • Two-way communications with parents.
    • Additional module required
    • Requires uploading to web software
    • Information is not in real time

  • Data Sync

    • Information entered once flows through the system to all features and functions.
    • Manual, multiple entries/copy/paste between programs
    • Complex merging of data between modules

  • Hardware

    • No servers to buy and maintain
    • Costly hardware and technical staff to run it

  • Software

    • Runs on PCs and Mac
    • Access even from a smart phone
    • No software to buy or download
    • Works on any Internet Browser
    • Software to buy, download, install, and configure
    • Compatibility issues
    • Costly upgrades to your operating systems to run their software

  • Maintenance/Support

    • Free Direct, unlimited support available to all users (parents, teachers, and administrators)
    • Our Help Desk staff can view your screen and answer your questions.
    • Technical support or maintenance fees often exceed entire cost of FastDirect
    • Slow response to calls for help

  • Training

    • Training of teachers and office staff is done in your building at no additional cost.
    • One staff member travels to get trained and returns to train the rest of the staff.
    • Thick, complicated manuals for users.
      (Additional cost and staff time)