TBH I have never tried exporting the config to sql I will try, and report back. I definitely do export the converted server logs to sql from the PDT, makes some interesting reading… But the dB can get big fast
@Jonathan_Lang is correct, Epicor Custom Cloud is exactly what our Azure vendor is offering us now, which is what you could call “private cloud.” We have direct access to the app server/database, control when updates are applied, etc. It was explained to me that this service was bought by Epicor and is now an Epicor SKU.
I got a draft quote from Epicor. 50% increase in costs for year 1. It is a line item on top of SaaS and GBM, which essentially doubles the cost of public cloud.
Moving to public cloud with no replication database looks like a good option by comparison.
We have different definitions of what a “good option” is. Paying 50% more for a poor product isn’t a good option in our world.
50% more for headaches like this.
I would like to ask a question about how the contract for cloud works for Epicor’s end of their deal.
Since a cloud customer no longer has control of upgrade cadence and it’s possible (
) that an upgrade can break some functionality. Some bugs are minor and have workarounds. Other bugs have the potential to shut down all usability for a customer. Maybe not likely, but it has happened before.
What is the measurement that can be used that keeps Epicor accountable for not only 1. uptime but 2. quality of their software?
Quality of the releases have an actual impact that can be just a real as “uptime” but just measuring if you can connect to the servers or not isn’t telling the whole picture.
If something with actual teeth can be put in place to protect the customer, than this would go a long way to quelling the unrest that’s going on right now with the push to the cloud. We still won’t like it, but it at least puts some onus on the entity with ALL the power to be cognizant of something other that just nerds protesting on a small corner of the internet.
Sooooo, you have some control. You can pay extra for Flex upgrades, which buys you a month or two. Or you really pay and get Enterprise which can go months. Unless things have changed…
Even with that, you don’t get to pick willy nilly dates though right? You just get pushed to epicors later schedule
That’s my memory, but with the Cloud Portal, that may change. 
That’s like paying the mob for “protection”. You pay extra so that you aren’t subject to the bugs they are likely to introduce. That seems like kind of an insult, right?
And if that’s what they are going to do, which is allow the customers to hold of on upgrades until they feel like they are ready, then aren’t they in the same boat they are now, supporting multiple versions?
I’m just trying to work through the logic here…
No I doubt they’ll let anyone get too many releases behind. With the coming change to monthly releases it’ll be interesting to see how Flex works. Also if QA gets better on these “focused” monthly releases.
Look at the bright side! Surely, someday, flex customers won’t get looped into the non-flex upgrade downtime when upgrades are moved offline. Probably just as soon as upgrades start being applied on offline parallel resources and production only gets rolled over once the update is up and running, like cloud services generally do.
No, I meant that like SalesForce, a new release comes out and you have a window to upgrade on your terms and not everyone on a single weekend.
What I hope happens with monthly releases is that they are installed but hidden by feature flags and we have the ability, when possible, to do a roll out by group. If there are issues, turn the feature off. If all is good, light it up for the whole company. From a software development POV, that’s easier said than done - especially with database changes.
That interpretation, while perhaps wrapped in layers of cautious contemplation and filtered through the lens of anticipated outcomes shaped by previously exchanged communications, nevertheless aligns–both philosophically and pragmatically–with the trajectory of events that are, by all logical projections, expected to unfold. In other words, after considering all contributing variables, contextual nuances, and the broader meta‑implications inherent in the scenario you’ve described, one might reasonably conclude that your assessment is, in fact, not only not inaccurate but is, with great certainty and minimal opportunity for contradiction, entirely consistent with what will indeed transpire.
Which is to say–
yes.
Please note that all crying, wailing, and general dampness of face represent independent emotional research and should not be construed as the institutional stance of my employer or any affiliated entities.
so we can pay extra, to disable advertisements within our ERP?
(hope product management is not watching this post ) 
@JosGreeve I see you
Mark, go to Custom Cloud and make your own cadence of upgrades. I’ll hit you up on LinkedIn with more info.
I know you in particular are on vacation, but we are all still waiting for some answers. It’s been quite some time without an official response.
I understand all the answers we want may not be available at this time, but some type of progress report would be appreciated.