Software Reviews
New reviews released in October 2009. Click on the links below to access the latest reviews. Scroll down to the "Software Reviews" section of each software listing to see the review.
Reviews are based on information provided by the vendor, analysis of a series of test cases performed during a demonstration of the product, and user feedback from at least 3 MFIs. Reviews are conducted by a team of independent consultants and each evaluation is peer reviewed by one of the other independent consultants to ensure objectivity.
Support for the reviews is provided by CGAP and the EU/ACP Microfinance Programme, and coordination of the review process is done by HORUS Development Finance.
Software reviews can be accessed in the product profiles on the software listings. Please contact us if you are interested in having your product reviewed.
Content of the Reviews
It is important to note that these software applications are not being compared against one another; rather, the applications are being compared to generally accepted industry standards, either in microfinance, software, or accounting. Some applications are meant to serve large regulated banks or credit unions, and others are meant to serve the needs of medium to small microfinance organizations.
1) Summary: Provides a summary of the review and justifies the general opinion of the independent evaluator. Describes the major pros and cons of the product, and the level of IT expertise required by the client.
2) Clients: Explains what type of institution fits best with the product based on the size, type, and location of the institution. Also provides the overall rating provided by a sample of users surveyed during the review process.
3) Ratings: Evaluates the software on specific criteria outlined below using a 4 point scale.
**** Best *** Good ** Average * Poor
4) Functionality: Rates the functional coverage of the product related to loan portfolio management, deposits, share, client information management, and accounting.
5) Ease of Use: Looks at the navigational architecture, the user resources, and the intuitiveness of the interface. It emphasizes the user feedback with particular attention to the product satisfaction, as well as the operational improvement due to the implementation of the product.
6) Management Reporting: Looks at the ability of each system to provide useful information to different categories of users.
7) Implementation/Training/Support: Related to all the services provided by the software provider. The rating gives heavy emphasis to user satisfaction.
8) Technical Capabilities: Gives the greatest weight to architecture and connectivity, development tools and methods, but also rates backup, recovery and security capabilities of the software. In addition, there will be an added emphasis on interoperability to reflect the growing need for microfinance systems to communicate with external systems.
9) Cost Summary: Provides the range of budgets reported by other users, as well as general information about licensing, implementation, training, and maintenance costs. A set of pricing cases also explain the range of prices for 3 sample MFIs.
Disclaimer: These reviews are conducted by independent reviewers contracted by CGAP. Neither CGAP nor the participating vendor assume responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this report. Neither CGAP nor the participating vendor will be liable for any damages, or losses suffered due to decisions based on the information provided in this report.
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