Without a doubt, the most valuable resources on my computer are my translation memories and my business accounting system (BaccS), home to an exhaustive record of clients, jobs, invoices and payments. Over a decade of a thriving freelance business in a single database file.
I’ve used BaccS as my business management software for the last two years. (Read here why I switched to BaccS.) In April this year, SDL acquired the program and reassured current BaccS users that we’d be able to transition seamlessly into the rebranded tool. Here’s a brief report of that experience.
Six weeks after receiving SDL’s email announcement back in April, BaccS users were sent a flurry of automated emails with details of our new SDL BaccS account, a new maintenance agreement and a new license number. But no friendly explanation about how to migrate an existing database or other practicalities. Just a link to some SDL licensing videos (not relevant in this case).
After digging around, I found and skim read these three resources:
- Licensing and installation instructions: SDL BaccS wiki.
- General comments and discussions: SDL Community BaccS forum.
- Help files (also accessible by clicking F1 in BaccS): SDL BaccS help.
Switching to version 5
Getting up and running with the new version was quick and easy.
I backed up the database in my old version 4 (Tools>Create Backup), downloaded and installed version 5 from my new BaccS SDL account, and then closed the new app. I then copied the database (baccsdb.sdf) from the database folder in version 4 to the same path in version 5, and did the same for the settings file (settings.bin) in the main BaccS folder. Finally, I activated version 5 (Support>Product Activation).
A few points of interest
- Users of legacy versions can install BaccS v. 5 on two computers (same license, two activations).
- Users who purchased a legacy license are entitled to free upgrades to the current version 5, and the next version, whenever that is released.
- Customised window layouts and invoice templates are preserved and migrate correctly to version 5 (in my case, at least).
- Version 4 will run side by side with the new version if you install v. 5 in a different folder, which is default behaviour.
- The old BaccS forum is accessible in a read-only format – useful for looking up old but still relevant discussions.
- Eugene Kuchynski, the sole creator of BaccS, has joined the SDL team and will continue to develop BaccS. Excellent news for BaccS users!
- ProZ plus BaccS users have yet to hear how their free bundled package will fit in the picture.
- Users of other CAT tools have no reason to worry: BaccS desktop still functions as a standalone tool and data import from other tools works as before.
- BaccS prices have shot up: the standalone desktop version for freelancers costs €295, more than double the old price, but now in line with other comparable tools. For a tool I use every day, the price is still reasonable.
Most importantly, the new business model is reassuring for users. We no longer depend on a sole developer for support, but can still count on Eugene’s superb coding skills and contagious enthusiasm. I look forward to future developments!
Signs & Symptoms of Translation 
Thanks, Emma. I have a legacy Baccs but I am not able to find the license code. What do I do?
Hi Gan, I see you’ve posted this question over on the SDL Community Forum too. I’m sure you’ll get an answer soon!
I hope so.
Hi Emma and Gan
I have just been through the same process and I found my license code by logging into my SDL Account and choosing the account number for BaccS. Then I found the ‘label’ with the name ‘Licenses’ and here is your licence code.
I hope this helped you.
Hi SMLamprecht,
Where do I find the account number for Baccs?
Hi Gan
First, you log in to your account at SDL.com and choose the BaccS Account in the pop-up window ‘Your Accounts’. Then you click the ‘label’ LICENSES’ and you will see license code for BaccS.
Best regards
Susan
Hi Susan,
I am having trouble to find it. I have logged in to my account at SDL.com but I don’t see any pop-up window. Can we Skype so that I can share my screen with you? My Skype ID is ganerdene.gantumur
Gan, if you don’t see a pop-up window, it’s likely you’ve got a licensing glitch. SDL community forum (where you also asked this question) is the best place to solve your issue. Another option is to use the SDL live chat (see pop-out tab in right margin): https://www.sdltrados.com/support/installation-licensing.html
Hi Emma
Thank you for replying Gan. Great that you have so much more technical knowledge in connection with Trados Studio than me who has ‘only’ used the software since the summer of 2016.
Despite having using BACCS for several years, I never received these emails. I only found out from a Facebook announcement yesterday. It is precisely because BACCS was owned and run by a human being, who responded instantly and helped resolve problems that I felt confident with it. Conversely, one of several reasons why I ditched Trados was the appalling SDL help desk, for which I was charged a ridiculous sum each year, but whicih took forever to respond and did not provide useful help when I did log a problem.
Since I do not intend to use SDL products ever again, BACCS being swallowed by SDL is really bad news for me. The upside is that I have spent this afternoon devising my own invoicing system in Word, which while only based on an invoice template and client list takes no longer to generate invoices than BACCS or Translation Office ever did. Since none of the other functions of these programs ever interested me, I am not losing out and am happy to be totally self-sufficient now.
Hi Krys, I agree the switch over from BaccS to SDL could have been handled better. But personally, I’m happy now with the combination. Eugene (the “human being”) is still very much on board and SDL have improved their support system exponentially over the past few years, with immediate help now available through forums, live chats and real “human-being” contact. All for free.
But it’s important for everyone to find what suits them best and if you’re happy with your customised invoicing system in Word, then that’s brilliant! Now you don’t need to rely on any company’s support or even on other human beings!