Update on The Works

We are approaching the second anniversary of launching "The Works", the industry's first complete "Services as a Subscription" model for Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform deployment, customization, and support. So, it's time to reflect on our journey and the lessons we've learned.

Complexity is a Killer

Ironically, I have spent most of the last decade battling for Simplicity with our D365 alternative RapidStart CRM solution. Yet, I allowed Complexity to sneak into our Services as a Subscription model.

As if it were not challenging enough for customers to understand something completely different than a legacy hours-based engagement, our continuous refinement in pursuit of perfection inadvertently made things more convoluted.

Does it Deliver?

Thankfully, and expectedly, the model is working great for our subscribers, as they say in this video.

All but one Subscriber renewed, and that was anticipated. However, acquiring new customers has slowed and proven challenging due to the model's increased complexity, compounded by short attention spans.

Is it Fixable?

Anything is fixable. So, we put our Simplicity hats back on and dug in. Like cleaning out a garage, we tossed everything that wasn't needed.

A cost factor based on the number of users... toss.

Costs for adding other advanced Bizapps products... toss.

A 12-Month Subscription Term... toss.

Assigned Service Class based on total cost... toss.

So what was left after all our tossing?

An Evolved Services as a Subscription

For our updated model:

1. All Business Applications and Power Platform products are included.

2. No User Limits.

3. Flexible Subscription Terms: 1, 3, 6, 12, or 36 months.

4. Select your Service Class from Economy, Premium, Business, or First.

5. Ability to change Subscription Term or Service Class with 30 days' notice.

Why could we do this Now?

We now have the crucial missing piece: data. Fear of hypothetical risks led to unnecessary complexities. However, data has shown that these risks were largely unfounded. While there's a possibility of abuse, it's yet to materialize, and we retain the right to cancel subscriptions of abusers if needed.

Betting the Farm

If you have been following our journey with Services as a Subscription, you know I am a true believer in the model. We even wrote a 33-page whitepaper for customers and partners. I am beyond happy that the actual data and customer satisfaction rates prove that we were correct. Unscientifically, our customers are at least twice as happy as they ever were on any legacy hours-based model, including ours.

What About our Legacy Hours-Based Model?

So, if this is so good, why keep the legacy model around? We lacked confidence that customers would grasp the true value of a subscription and how it completely changed the relationship and outcomes. The legacy model was a fallback for the unenlightened or those afraid of a long-term commitment.

But I thought hard about it. On the one hand, we were offering Filet Mignon to customers who loved it. On the other hand, we had Hamburgers available for those willing to have a less-than-satisfactory experience.

I ultimately decided that since we now have complete flexibility for the subscription, I don't want to offer hamburgers anymore. Tossed!

Are You Ready to Embrace Change?

Our evolved Services as a Subscription model offers unparalleled flexibility and predictability, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – driving your business forward.

If you are tired of battling your partner over scope and hours or the revolving door of high-cost internal resources, let's chat.