From Mapcom's M4 to ESRI's ArcGIS ...

[PaulScipione1]

I am a long time ESRI user (& fan) but currently working with Mapcom's M4 software at a Telecom company.  Has any Teleco's here come from the Mapcom M4 software world into ESRI's ArcGIS?  If so, I have some questions:

1. Did you find it less expensive, more expensive, or about the same for software acquisition & maintenance?

2. Did you employ ESRI's services to help you make the transition, use ESRI to do the complete transition, or perform the transition yourself?

3. Do you find that ESRI's software can do more, less, or the same as Mapcom M4 software?

I'm just trying to get some insights as I am more familiar with ESRI's software than I am with Telecom and M4 in general.  All I know is I miss working in a true GIS environment .....

[PhilFrame]

Hey, I know this thread is over a year old, but I was just wondering if you ever got an answer to your question or if you made the
jump to ArcMap from M4?  I'm in a very similar situation as you at the moment.

Thanks

[JonathanClayton2]

Yeah I agree, I was wondering the same thing.  I work for a Telco and they're shopping out other software.  Needless to say I'm not too happy.

[JosephFrank1]

We are currently in process of switching from M4 to ESRI.  It's a lot easier than you think, and there are about 5 or 6 that have switched already.  ESRI's software is far superior, in every aspect, and cheaper.  And there are several ESRI business partners that make good Telecom extensions: Ericsson, Schneider, & Palmetto Engineering & Consulting.  You can send me a direct message if you like.  We have a good contact at ESRI.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.

[PhilFrame]

We are currently in process of switching from M4 to ESRI.  It's a lot easier than you think, and there are about 5 or 6 that have switched already.  ESRI's software is far superior, in every aspect, and cheaper.  And there are several ESRI business partners that make good Telecom extensions: Ericsson, Schneider, & Palmetto Engineering & Consulting.  You can send me a direct message if you like.  We have a good contact at ESRI.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Hey Jospeh,  it's not letting me send you a private message.  Would mind messaging me?

[JosephFrank1]

I got private messaging on now. jhc3636, can you turn on private messaging.  It makes it easier for us to share information.