Review by Dave

I’ve been using the service on and off for years so I’ve got a long, though not expert background in their software. The thing I used to hate about them was the interface of their software. Their databases were awesome, but the software left much to be desired. About five years or so ago they redesigned their software suite. At first the improved interface was beset with a lot of teething problems. I stayed away for a few years and finally came back last year and picked up the 2011 version. That was a HUDGE leap forward over what I was used too. Better interface, better web integration, better features.

I got the chance to try out the 2012 version so I decided to give it a try. So far I don’t see a lot of changes from 2011. I just recently tried the iPhone app. That was clever, and I’ve used it a few times to look up something during a lunch conversation, but I don’t see it being of real use to me. If you find yourself in the library a lot this would probably be a great way to update information.

So if you’ve got an old version of FTM then I say go for the upgrade. If you’ve got the 2011 version then I don’t see a big reason to make the leap.