Surpass

4.8 (117)
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Library automation system for public & corporate libraries

Overall rating

4.8 /5
(117)
Value for Money
4.8/5
Features
4.7/5
Ease of Use
4.7/5
Customer Support
4.9/5

97%
recommended this app
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117 Reviews

Devendra Kumar
Devendra Kumar
Overall rating
  • Industry: Information Technology & Services
  • Company size: 11–50 Employees
  • Used Monthly for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 9.0 /10

"Surpass: Get Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level!"

Reviewed on 2023/01/24

My overall experience with Surpass has been very positive. Surpass is a powerful tool that allows...

My overall experience with Surpass has been very positive. Surpass is a powerful tool that allows us to easily create and manage online tests and assessments. It has allowed us to dramatically reduce the amount of time and effort needed to design and deploy tests and assessments, while also providing us with detailed and insightful analytics.We are using Surpass to solve several different business problems. Firstly, it allows us to quickly create and deploy tests and assessments on a variety of topics, meaning that we can get feedback quickly and accurately. Secondly, it allows us to measure the effectiveness of our training and assessment programs by providing us with detailed analytics that can inform decisions and strategies. Lastly, it allows us to easily create and manage multiple versions of tests and assessments, making it easy to adjust and refine the content based on feedback.The benefits we have realized from using Surpass are numerous. It has allowed us to quickly and accurately create and deploy tests and assessments, saving us time and money. It also allows us to get detailed analytics on the performance of our programs, enabling us to pinpoint areas for improvement. Finally, it has allowed us to easily create and manage multiple versions of tests and assessments, enabling us to quickly adjust and refine the content.

Pros

Pros:• Surpass software is easy to use and intuitive.• It offers a wide range of features that are easily customizable and can be adapted to meet the needs of any business.• Integration with existing business processes is seamless and does not require any additional training or complicated setup instructions.• The software provides advanced security measures to protect data and user information.• The software offers automated reporting and analytics capabilities that can be used to gain insights into business performance.• It offers a comprehensive suite of customer relationship management tools that help businesses to better manage customer relationships.• The software has a comprehensive library of templates and tools to help businesses create professional-looking reports and documents.

Cons

One of the main cons of Surpass software is the lack of customization options. While the software is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, users may find that they are limited in the ability to customize their experience. Additionally, the software may not integrate well with existing business processes, making it difficult to use in certain scenarios. Furthermore, the software can be quite expensive, which may not be feasible for all businesses.

Response from Surpass Software

Thanks for the review, Devendra, but I think you might be thinking of a different product. Our products are designed for library management. Perhaps, though, you are using it for managing tests and assessments. In any case, I'm glad you're happy with your software, whether it's ours or something else! :-)

Peter
Overall rating
  • Industry: Libraries
  • Company size: 11–50 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1-5 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

The Perfect System for a Smaller, Special Library

Reviewed on 2023/02/27

It has been a great experience. Surpass is able to meet our needs and they are open to suggestions...

It has been a great experience. Surpass is able to meet our needs and they are open to suggestions for new ideas.

Pros

It is extremely customizable, user friendly, and has great support from Surpass staff.

Cons

My experience with Surpass has all been positive.

Alternatives Considered

Alexandria and Simple Little Library System

Reasons for Choosing Surpass

The system was not a good fit for our needs. We also had issues with our ability to search the catalog.

Reasons for Switching to Surpass

Surpass had the best look, was the most customizable, had the best search engine, was the most user friendly, had the best interactions with staff during my free trial and demo, and had the best price.

Response from Surpass Software

We're honored that you chose Surpass from the many other options you had and delighted that your experience has been positive! Thank you!

James
Overall rating
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support

Should have Passed

Reviewed on 2013/03/04

Go elsewhere unless you have money to burn.

Go elsewhere unless you have money to burn.

Pros

The program works well but everything costs.

Cons

It takes a ridiculous amount of time to enter new books. The program will do it for you for an extra cost. We paid the extra cost and after 6 months, it still doesn't work. Very disappointing and looking to change programs.

Response from Surpass Software

Quickly entering new materials by downloading from the web can be done for FREE with our Quick Cataloging feature. What the school paid for was to renew expired support, not for this free feature. The feature did not work because the school firewall blocked it. This has since been resolved.

Also note that this review was NOT written by a Surpass user, but by the principal. So ratings on things like "feature richness" are not fair or appropriate. He also gave 1 star for "Ease of Implementation" yet he was not even at the school when the system was implemented in 2002.

Lastly, he rated Support at 1 star, yet never had any contact with our support. Instead, the librarian contacted support and was given details on how their technicians should resolve the issue with their firewall, which they eventually did. In a phone call, she said she was pleased with our very responsive and very helpful support.

Ratings seem unfairly harsh given "program works well" comment under "Pros."

Linda
Overall rating
  • Industry: Religious Institutions
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Surpass Support Staff

Reviewed on 2024/03/26

When you are a 'one person shop' it is good to know that you have the support staff to do just that...

When you are a 'one person shop' it is good to know that you have the support staff to do just that - support you. In my first library life, I mostly did legal research. So the world of cataloging was overwhelming to start. But the support group always knows how to help migrate to the Cloud, resize labels, put the OPAC on our website, change default settings and fix glitches in copy cataloging. No question has ever been too small.

Pros

I have especially enjoyed creating nested Explore buttons for our unique online catalog.

Cons

Sometimes the online instructions for working in the Cloud can be a bit confusing, but the support staff is always there to walk you through them.

Response from Surpass Software

Hi Linda,
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review! We're so glad to hear that you have enjoyed working with our support team and that you are comfortable coming to us with your questions. You're absolutely correct... no question is too small!

If there are any sections of the Cloud instructions that you think need clarification, please don't hesitate to let us know. We're always happy to refine our documentation as needed and would be grateful for your input.

Ana
Overall rating
  • Industry: Primary/Secondary Education
  • Company size: 11–50 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Creation Village World School

Reviewed on 2024/03/20

Training was easy conducted by a knowledgeable team. In addition, support there are lots of...

Training was easy conducted by a knowledgeable team. In addition, support there are lots of resources on YouTube with step-by-step short tutorials. Very helpful. Technicians are available online and you have a response in matter of minutes. They make it easy for you.
I highly recommend Surpass Software!

Pros

Surpass program itself is very good, modern, complex and easy to use. Covers all areas of a school library, easy to access, to use and self-explanatory. Truely I cannot say enough good things about Surpass program. Also Surpass software comes with a price tag that small private schools can afford.

Cons

I really cannot think of anything negative about it.

Response from Surpass Software

Hi Ana,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're happy to hear that your start-up process went smoothly and that you found our tutorials helpful! We're continually striving to make this process as easy as possible, so we are thrilled to hear about your experience!

Lawrence
Overall rating
  • Industry: Nonprofit Organization Management
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Daily for 6-12 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Great for Small Libraries Run by Volunteers

Reviewed on 2024/03/03

It was great. They made a challenging project manageable.

It was great. They made a challenging project manageable.

Pros

We received excellent support as we implemented Surpass. From little questions to big queries, we received prompt, knowledgeable responses that made our work easier. The staff was very patient with us. They were good listeners and helped us clarify and solve our problems. Jeremy was terrific in helping us at every stage. It is the best software support that I have ever received.

Cons

None. There was no downside. I don't want to create problems where none exist.

Response from Surpass Software

Hi Lawrence,
We're so pleased to hear that you are happy with both the software and our support team! We understand that implementing a new software can be stressful, so we do our best to make that process as easy as possible.
Thank you for your kind words and don't hesitate to reach out if needed.

Stephanie
Overall rating
  • Industry: Religious Institutions
  • Company size: 11–50 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Valuable Resource for small libraries

Reviewed on 2024/03/16

Pros

Easy to use and great support system when needed.

Cons

Not much to not like. Can’t think of anything else.

Response from Surpass Software

Thanks for your review, Stephanie! Our support folks are definitely a likable bunch!

Ashley
Overall rating
  • Industry: Libraries
  • Company size: 201–500 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1-5 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

First time experience with Surpass

Reviewed on 2024/08/28

This is my first experience with the Surpass library management system. I have used quite a few...

This is my first experience with the Surpass library management system. I have used quite a few other systems in my long career as a librarian. So far I have been really impressed with the customer service whenever I have a question and the system is really intuitive and easy to use!

Pros

The customer service has been astounding. Everyone has been super responsive and quick to answer all my questions!

Cons

So far my experience has been excellent with Surpass, nothing bad to report.

Response from Surpass Software

Hello Ashley,
Thank you kindly for taking the time out of your day to leave a review of our software. I'm thrilled to hear that you are enjoying your experience with Surpass and our support team. We've done our best to make the system as intuitive and user friendly as possible, so hearing your excellent review is encouraging! Welcome to the Surpass family and please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything. We look forward to serving you.

Kristen
Overall rating
  • Industry: Education Management
  • Company size: 501–1,000 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1-5 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Media Aide

Reviewed on 2024/08/28

Great. system, user friendly, many option for assistance with program \.

Great. system, user friendly, many option for assistance with program \.

Pros

Able to import entire class list into the system, [sensitive content hidden] from technical support was a big help.

Cons

Still learning the system and wish there was a new user training already set up.

Response from Surpass Software

Hi Kristen,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I'm happy to hear that you are enjoying the program and that you are finding it user friendly. We certainly do our best to make it so!
You mentioned that you wish there was a new user training. There is a Getting Started section available in our documentation that I think you will find quite helpful! As always, let our team know if you need anything and welcome to the Surpass family!

Brandi
Overall rating
  • Industry: Education Management
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Surpass Cloud

Reviewed on 2023/12/08

I have had amazing customer service with Surpass. I took over my library with zero training and the...

I have had amazing customer service with Surpass. I took over my library with zero training and the fast and easy chat button is a life saver.

Pros

Ease of use, amazing fast customer service

Cons

I haven't found anything that I did not like about it.

Response from Surpass Software

Thanks for your review, Brandi! We take a lot of pride in our friendly and personal customer service. It's so nice to hear that we're on the right track!

victoria
Overall rating
  • Industry: Education Management
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Surpass is huge a value

Reviewed on 2023/07/21

The overall experience has been wonderful. We could not function to the highly organized level...

The overall experience has been wonderful. We could not function to the highly organized level without Surpass. It saves us time & money. The reporting options are extremely helpful, finding what information Is needed so quickly has added positive productivity.

Pros

That I can use it from other devices.The reporting systemFinding students quickly

Cons

Training, I have not taken the time needed to fully understand all that Surpass does or how it all works. I would like a training map, that shows me how to train and in what order, from the basics and on.

Response from Surpass Software

Thanks for your review, Victoria! We're happy that Surpass is helping you keep your library organized and serving your patrons. For training, you might want to check out the videos on the Surpass YouTube channel. The Getting Started with Surpass Cloud, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzgbAvFdgzY, is a great place to jump in. Of course, Surpass Support is always here for you if you need guidance!

Natalia
Overall rating
  • Industry: Education Management
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 8.0 /10

Help with patrons import

Reviewed on 2024/02/09

I think our Theatre Department is happy with Surpass.

I think our Theatre Department is happy with Surpass.

Pros

I loved Naomi's customer service. She is very professional, responded in a timely manner and was very helpful.

Cons

Minor thing: excel file import specifics

Response from Surpass Software

Thanks for the positive feedback, Natalia! Our support folks are the best!

Pat
Overall rating
  • Industry: Hospital & Health Care
  • Company size: 201–500 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Surpass for Retirement Centers

Reviewed on 2023/05/20

Surpass was implemented with employees at a Retirement Village but the library volunteer residents...

Surpass was implemented with employees at a Retirement Village but the library volunteer residents have learned the parts of it they need to on a day to day basis quite easily. Since it's based on the Cloud it can be accessed anywhere at any time.

Pros

Surpass has many layers to it but can also be used very simply. The online and live chat help is critical for any database and the support is superb for Surpass.

Cons

Missing all the great features that are sometimes buried until you have a question and then Support helps you find the answers

Response from Surpass Software

Thanks for the review, Pat! One of our goals in designing Surpass Cloud was to make it powerful yet unintimidating for new users, so we love hearing that you've noticed that! We're always happy to help you find and learn how to use those more advanced features. 🙂

Rachelle
Overall rating
  • Industry: Libraries
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 9.0 /10

Surpass has amazing support

Reviewed on 2023/03/10

Overall, I am very happy with Surpass. It's flexible and allows our school to enter the data into...

Overall, I am very happy with Surpass. It's flexible and allows our school to enter the data into the system the way that works best for us.

Pros

The Surpass system is super easy to work with and learn. I'm not savvy with computers but the Surpass system is easy to navigate. Whenever I do need a helping hand, the support team is available to help. No waiting around for a call back or being put on hold. And the support team is super kind and easy to talk to. They understand what I am trying to ask, sometimes even when I don't. If there is a feature that would be nice to have, they are always making changes to fit the needs of the users. They truly do listen.

Cons

The hardest part to Surpass for me, is updating all the new students at the beginning of the school year. I wish it were easier. But the support team is always there to help me figure out any mistakes I've made and get it my information merged into the system.

Response from Surpass Software

Thanks for your review! We're so happy that you're happy! :-)

We have some new features for connecting Surpass Cloud to your school's student management system, making manual updating of adding new student records and updating existing records easy and automatic? Get in touch with us and we'll tell you all about it.

Kristy
Overall rating
  • Industry: Libraries
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Stellar Service/Outstanding Product

Reviewed on 2022/05/20

Top-notch customer service! I’m always amazed at all quickly they adjust or correct any issues that...

Top-notch customer service! I’m always amazed at all quickly they adjust or correct any issues that I bring to them.

Pros

I think I appreciate most about Surpass Cloud is how easy it is for my volunteers and students to sit down and be able to navigate the system with very little, if any, training at all. It is the most user-driven system I’ve ever used.

Cons

The only feature that could be improved is the patron import. We have had a bit of difficulty with students who are in a grade that is not designated within their categories. This means hand keying in few of them after the upload.

Alternatives Considered

Follett Destiny Library Manager

Reasons for Choosing Surpass

Cost/Design/Ease of Use

Reasons for Switching to Surpass

Customer service and design.

Response from Surpass Software

Thanks for your review, Kristy! We're delighted that your volunteers and patrons are finding Surpass Cloud easy to use. Please let us know if we can help with your patron import.

Ronald
Overall rating
  • Industry: Education Management
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Surpass Cloud is wonderful, as is Surpass Support.

Reviewed on 2021/08/20

Surpass Support has always treated me well. [SENSITIVE CONTENT] and the tech department are easy...

Surpass Support has always treated me well. [SENSITIVE CONTENT] and the tech department are easy to talk with, and they have implemented suggestions I have made the same day. For example, I asked for the ability to print receipts when students pay a fine. This was implemented by D[SENSITIVE CONTENT]the same day. This ability to make suggestions, and have the suggestions implemented, is one of the best features of Surpass Cloud.

Pros

The software is easy for me to use, and easy for my assistants to use. [SENSITIVE CONTENT] are always happy to help me when I email or call.

Cons

There is nothing about Surpass Cloud I do not like!

Response from Surpass Software

We are thrilled that you're enjoying using Surpass Cloud in your library. Since it's humble beginnings 36 years ago, the most important "software designers" on our team have been the people who use it everyday in managing their libraries. Keep those great ideas and suggestions coming! We listen!

Mary
Overall rating
  • Industry: Libraries
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Surpass

Reviewed on 2022/02/16

Whenever I have a problem or issue the staff at Surpass is wonderful! Always friendly and...

Whenever I have a problem or issue the staff at Surpass is wonderful! Always friendly and professional.

Pros

Very user friendly and if you happen to have an issue their customer service is a call away!

Cons

There is nothing I can think of that I'd change.

Response from Surpass Software

Thanks for your glowing review, Mary! You're making us blush!

lucy
Overall rating
  • Industry: Government Administration
  • Company size: 11–50 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Small government library

Reviewed on 2021/07/23

We've used Surpass software products in our small government library for over 15 years and have...

We've used Surpass software products in our small government library for over 15 years and have been very satisfied with its tools, customer support, functionality and ease of use.

Pros

We like this product because it's inexpensive, easy to use, and can be installed on a secured shared local server.

Cons

I have no complaints about any aspects of the software.

Response from Surpass Software

Fifteen years! Thanks for being such a loyal Surpass user and thanks for your kind words.

Kendra
Overall rating
  • Industry: Libraries
  • Company size: 201–500 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

KHMS-Librarian

Reviewed on 2022/04/13

Very satisfied.

Very satisfied.

Pros

When submitting the problem, very helpful support.

Cons

Sometimes it is slow, but that can happen with any software.

Response from Surpass Software

Thank you Kendra! We take great pride in providing fast and friendly support.

Charlotte
Overall rating
  • Industry: Religious Institutions
  • Company size: 11–50 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 7.0 /10

Great service for their product.

Reviewed on 2022/02/03

Pros

The support is fantastic. We just upgraded to the Cloud version and of course have many questions. If I contact by phone, text, or email they are always helpful.

Cons

The learning curve is a little difficult, but their support team is always available. So I don't consider that is a downside.

Response from Surpass Software

Thanks for your review, Charlotte! We think our support team is fantastic, too!

Nancy
Overall rating
  • Industry: Education Management
  • Company size: 11–50 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Great customer service!

Reviewed on 2021/10/14

Easy

Easy

Pros

The software did everything we needed and the customer service was quick and helpful. Surpass is so easy to work with.

Cons

I can't think of anyway to improve the software.

Response from Surpass Software

Thanks for your review! We're proud that we have earned a reputation for fast and friendly support!

Jane
Overall rating
  • Used Weekly for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Top Notch Software!

Reviewed on 2016/12/09

I volunteered to help the church move the library and catalog their books into the Surpass system...

I volunteered to help the church move the library and catalog their books into the Surpass system last year. I worked in a school library for over twenty years, so felt I could help them get the job done. My library at the school used the Follett system, therefore, I was able to figure out the Surpass system with a little help from your staff. I feel that your staff is very approachable and easily understands my problems and to helped me to work through them. We opened the library last Sunday morning. We had 89 patrons fill out a registration form for a patron number and many checked out their own books at the self-checkout station. The patrons were very impressed with the Surpass system. We are purchasing the Safari application and I am very excited to show the patrons how the Search for an author or book and enter a book into the Bookbag feature. I feel that Safari is a necessary component for the library to run smoothly, especially when a volunteer staff person is not available.

Pros

The Self-Check feature.

Cons

Waiting for the Marc Record to be found. Some times the search takes a long time.

Pamela
Overall rating
  • Industry: Legal Services
  • Company size: 51–200 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Surpass has never let us down. We enjoy having chosen Surpass years ago.

Reviewed on 2017/08/08

This program brought our library into the 20th/21st Centuries. Before Surpass, we used a crude,...

This program brought our library into the 20th/21st Centuries. Before Surpass, we used a crude, cumbersome program.

Pros

It works. It is always "up" and only when operator error occurs or staff with steep learning curves do we need assistance.

Debby
Overall rating
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support

Surpass is Excellent for Small Church Libraries as well as other types of businesses

Reviewed on 2016/02/02

I recently upgraded our small church library software (it hadn't been upgraded since 2008). Every...

I recently upgraded our small church library software (it hadn't been upgraded since 2008). Every person I talked to was patient, knowledgeable and efficient. The tech guy (Ron) had been with the company since before 2008, so the process seemed easy from his end. He stayed with me on the phone as he upgraded and answered all my questions, as if I was the only customer for the day. I just ordered a scanner from Surpass to make my job easier (I had done the first wave of cataloging without one). The yearly price for tech support was probably used by that ticket alone. The product prices are/were relatively easy to handle, too. This is a great company and I am glad I went with them. I am a retired school librarian, so am familiar with cataloging software. This does everything I need it to do. I wish the scanner was wireless, but then I probably would not be able to afford it. So am just happy to have one I could afford that is 100% compatible with the software out of the box.

They set the bar with Customer Service!

Josh
Overall rating
  • Industry: Religious Institutions
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Great software

Reviewed on 2017/02/20

Support is the best! And it does what its supposed to, and very well. Our church library has been...

Support is the best! And it does what its supposed to, and very well. Our church library has been run off of this software for many years now. Highly recommended!

Pros

Great support. Simple, straightforward functionality.

Cons

If something does go wrong, the error messages are sometimes not very helpful.