Timeslips 9 - Feb/Mar '99

Timeslips 9

Timeslips has long dominated the small-firm time and billing software market. With the latest version of their venerable program, Sage U.S. takes aim at the medium to large firms.

To do this, Sage has completely revamped many aspects of the program -- from its now-familiar user interface to the programming architecture under the hood. Timeslips 9 is a 32-bit program, and runs only on 32-bit operating systems such as Microsoft Windows 95, 98 and NT; it no longer runs on Windows 3.x. In addition, the new version uses the more powerful Paradox database engine, and has expanded reporting and sorting capabilities. Microsoft's Intellimouse wheel is also supported, which makes scrolling through voluminous reports more convenient.

The result of these changes is an increased level of customization. Timeslips 9 can handle hourly, flat fee, contingent fee and any other arrangement you can imagine. It creates bills, keeps track of accounts receivable and applies payments from any source (clients, opponents, courts, etc.) to the bills being paid. Time and expense charges are easily adjusted. You can keep track of multiple billing rates per client, and per lawyer. You can also keep track of multiple matters for each client so that you can send a consolidated bill, itemized by matter. You can generate reports from scratch if you need one that's not included in the program. It can also link with many accounting programs and receive time and billing data from remote computers.

Installation is simple, with the exception of a "configuration disk" that must be inserted in the floppy drive during the installation process. The standard installation option allows 100 timekeepers and 30,000 clients. You increase the size of the database (more timekeepers, clients and tasks) and add utilities (what used to be TSSpeller and Timeslips Accounting Link) by acquiring additional "configuration disks." With additional disks, Timeslips now supports an unlimited number of timekeepers and clients. At the end, the program asks you if you want to connect to the Timeslips Web site to see if there are any updates available. This is a nice (and necessary) feature, as there are already several service packs and utilities available. A network version is also available, allowing the automatic integration of every timekeeper's data into one database.

Previous users of Timeslips will find that the names of many features have changed. Some of the changes are easy to recognize (for example, "user" to "timekeeper." Other changes are less intuitive, with some features found in different places and screens. For example, time entry is now done with a program called "Mini Timeslips," which actually has its own little navigator (program interface). Timeslips veterans will also miss the removal of the keyboard shortcuts, which can be added back into the program through a service pack that should be available by the time you read this. Nonetheless, these changes should be easy to get used to after a few billing cycles.

Conversion of a previous Timeslips database is done by invoking a separate conversion utility. As with previous versions, the conversion is one-way. Version 9 is different enough that you will need to make some accounting choices when converting a database created in an earlier version. I recommend doing a few dry runs (by aborting the conversion before its finished and checking the data), backing up your prior Timeslips database, and then performing the conversion after a billing cycle on the older version has been finalized.

Timeslips is now sold in three versions: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Level 1 contains the basics, while Level 3 has all available features, including a speller utility (like TSSpeller) and an accounting link (the equivalent of TAL). You can get specific information about pricing and the capabilities of each version from the Sage Web site.

This is a major upgrade that provides an enhanced feature set, superior reporting capabilities and good integration. It is fully capable of enticing some medium- to large-sized firms from their less customizable programs, while retaining it's established niche with solo practitioners and small law firms.

Sage U.S.
(800) 952-9442
www.timeslips.com
Windows 95/98/NT

$179 and up

Reviewed by Steve Schmidt, attorney, Singer, Smith & Williams, Albuquerque, N.M.

Feb/Mar '99 Issue

PROS
Enhanced feature set; superior reporting, good integration, highly customizable.

CONS
Increased learning curve; does not run on Windows 3.x.

VERDICT
A major upgrade that should attract the attention of medium to large law firms looking for enhanced customization and reporting, while maintaining the traditional audience of solos and small firms.