A few years ago, FRx Software was acquired by Microsoft. Since that time many users of the FRx Financial Report Writer have waited in anticipation to see what changes Microsoft would bring to the software. Recently at Insights, we were able to get a little peek at some of the changes to be expecting in the years to come. 

Some of the things we have always said, just make sense:

FRx is concentrating less on the operability of the product at this time and looking to integrate .Net technologies into the foundation of their coding. Most things will work the same at first, as most of the changes are going to be behind the scenes. Instead of using Access to run the General Ledger indexes, FRx will be using SQL technologies, which is going to allow for enhanced speed and integrity.

After teaching classes for over ten (10) years, we’ve gotten use to hearing some of the same questions, over and over, in truth the same questions we asked when we first used the software. Questions like; where’s the undo button? How do I change the font? Where’s Verdana Font? Can I have a company logo?

FRx will look a bit more like the current version of Excel and Word. A long side bar on the right where you can select what you want to work in, Rows, Columns, Trees or Catalogs. On the top of the screen, just like in word, we’ll be getting that curved arrow we’ve long missed, the "undo" key, as well as the standard font features seen in most software’s. Lastly, a very big one, you will be able to add those company logos now!  Not *** and we like you can not wait, so keep in contact with us and we will let you know of when the release is due.

One more important fact is that FRx will go through a sort of rebranding.  Microsoft is now taking FRx 7.0 and providing it a different name, and will end the brand name FRx.  We are not sure of why the name needed to go away but the product is now falling under the umbrella of Performance Point.  The new version of Management Reporter (FRx) will have the ability to move the reports currently defined in the catalogs so the amount of work done will not be completely lost.  As a fan of the old the new has more than a new look, there is real value when you are ready to make the investment.

If you would like help with moving on to the new product call us at 866-379-3799.