The Fine Print

Charge Policies and Prices

Charge Policy

1. To use Plod+Pay you need a current User Licence.
   
   
2. Licences are an “Enterprise Licence”. You may operate Plod+Pay for your own purposes on any number of computers at your main office and, if appropriate, at worksites and branches which are part of your normal operations. Unless specifically agreed in writing otherwise, you may not use the system for businesses which are separate activities or are not wholly owned subsidiaries.
   
   
3. Licences are paid for in advance each year. The first year licence fee is dearer than renewal annual fee, partly to cover the cost of installation, and also to recoup your portion of the development costs invested so far.
   
   
4. When calculating Licence Fees:
   
   
   1. Rigs: is the number of Rigs you own or control. Rigs that are parked-up or idle at the time should be included.
      
      
   2. Employees: Is the total number of non-terminated part –time, full-time or casual employees on file. Employees on stand-down or leave should be included.
      
      
5. Licence fees are non-refundable.
   
   
6. Licence fees vary depending on the size of your business, measured by Rigs and Employees. Larger firms pay more because the system is worth more to them in absolute terms.
   
   
7. Licence Fees are calculated based on Rig and Employee counts agreed to at the time a Licence is taken out or renewed. Your Renewal Licence Fee will vary from year to year as your Rig and Employee counts vary.
   
   
8. A specified amount of support is embedded in the Licence Fees. Beyond this Support is chargeable at the hourly rate specified below. (See Support Policy)
   
   
9. Note that the amount of Embedded Support has been deliberately set to what we see as a minimum level. You should expect that, from time to time, support charges will apply over and above your Licence Fees.
   
   
10. All travel and accommodation by us necessary to install and support your site is at your cost. (See Travel Policy).
    
    
11. In the unlikely case that we are making external purchases on your behalf, we prefer this be done on your account. If it is necessary for us to process payment via our account then we will charge you cost plus 25%.
    
    
12. We do not charge you for ongoing development – this is included in your Licence Fees. (See Development Policy).
    
    
13. Licence Fees and charge rates may vary from time to time. The rate in force at any point in time is that published on our website at the time.
    
    

Prices

• First Year Plod+Pay User Licence: $3,500 + ($800 per Rig) + ($100 per Employee) + GST
  
  
• Annual Renewal Plod+Pay User Licence: $1,000 + ($75 per Rig) + ($30 per Employee) + GST
  
  
• Support charge rate: $100 per hour +GST
  
  
• Plod in the Cloud charges:
  
  
  • Per User Login – Terminal Services or RemoteApp client: $50 + GST per month.
    
    
  • Per Virtual Desktop (with MS-Office) - $110 + GST per month.
    
    
• Travel and Accommodation: At cost (MV Km rate is deemed to be $0.75/Km).
  
  
• Other outgoings: Cost + 25%.
  
  

Licence Fee Calculator:

Enter your Rig and Employee counts below to determine Licence Fees.

Development Policy

Our objective is that Plod+Pay should be regarded as the industry standard system for Drilling Companies. To this end we have adopted the following policy:

1. Plod+Pay is a “single version” system. We will not develop a special version or model for you or any other client. It is a one-size-fits-all system. Having said this, there are parameters, features and facilities that can be turned on/off to tailor Plod+Pay to your individual requirements.
2. The cost of updates is included in your Licence Fee. At all times you are entitled to the latest version of Plod+Pay.
3. Our budget allows for ongoing development that will include:

• Changes to meet industry and statutory requirements
• Changes to meet user requirements
• New modules and facilities
• Improvements to existing modules and facilities

1. We use a prioritised Development Schedule. Our developers work on tasks from this schedule. We also maintain a Wish List of items that may be added to the Development Schedule.
2. Our Plod+Pay Management Committee determines which items should be transferred from the Wish List to the Development Schedule, and their priority.
3. Items get onto the Wish List:
   1. By necessity – Statutory changes, discovered bugs, etc.
   2. Determined by us as being potential or desirable changes or additions.
   3. Requested by Clients
4. You may submit items to be included on the Wish List.
   
   
5. Once development of an item has been completed and tested it becomes available to all users (whether they chose to use it or not).
   

Travel Policy

Travel and accommodation are a particular expense we would all like to minimise. To achieve this we have made no allowance for travel or accommodation (T&A) in our Licence Fees or Charge rates and adopted the policy that all travel and accommodation required by us to support you will be at your cost.

The following points apply:

1. We attempt to keep travel to a minimum.
   1. To this end support is usually provided by phone or online.
   2. If we can reasonably arrange a visit to your site to coincide with some other purpose or client we will do than an split the costs.
      
      
2. We do not set out to make a margin or profit on T&A. We simply expect to recover any direct costs involved to us.
   
   
3. Usually you would be in a position to provide/arrange T&A at a lesser cost than we can.
   
   
4. Were a site visit becomes necessary (eg Installation), we will discuss with you the best way to arrange T&A.
   
   
5. Where T&A is arranged or paid for by us we will invoice you to recover our costs.
   
   
6. We do not charge hourly rates for labour while travelling.
   
   
7. When travelling in our vehicles we charge $0.75/Km (as at May 2010, based on rates at http://www.australianbiz.com.au/small-business-tax-rates.aspx)

Last Updated: 20/5/2010

Support Policy

Our intention is to provide ongoing Support on a fair and equitable basis. It is a fact of life that some users will require more Support than others. On the other hand we do not wish to discourage users from using Support where it is applicable. To this end we have embedded a nominal amount of Support into the licence fees and adopted a User-Pays approach as below:

1. Support may be provided onsite, or by telephone, or online.
   
   
2. Support includes time spent on installation, training, general support, problem solving and generally covers any time that we spend specifically on your behalf (as opposed to time spent on development or administration or on behalf of all customers collectively).
   
   
3. Support is usually provided by Dubbo Secretariat (DubSec), but you may request Support provided by Tom Browne Drilling Services Pty. Limited (TBDS), or both.
   
   
   1. You may stipulate that Support not be provided by either of these parties, although the majority of Support is normally provided by DubSec.
      
      
   2. DubSec and TBDS will invoice you separately.
      
      
4. A specified amount of Support is embedded in your User Licence. This is referred to as Embedded Support. We do not charge for Embedded Support. We do charge for Support beyond the limit of Embedded Support.
   
   
5. A 1^st Year Licence includes a set amount of Embedded Support to nominally cover installation and training . After this has been used (for installation or otherwise) then Embedded Support continues at the rate of one hour per calendar month on a use-it-or-lose-it basis. ie: Once you have exhausted your installation support then up to the first hour of Support each month thereafter is not chargeable. This hour per month continues as Embedded Support for Renewal Licences, again on a use-it-or-lose-it basis.
   
   
6. We maintain a Timesheet(s) of Support provided to you. This will show the date, amount of Support and an indication of what was provided.
   
   
7. Support times are recorded in increments of 0.25 hours (15 minutes).
   
   
8. Where the Support provided during a month exceeds the amount of Embedded Support we charge you for the excess and attach a copy of the timesheet to the invoice.
   
   
9. All the computers, routers, printers, and other related hardware and operating systems at your site(s) make up your Local Area Network (LAN).
   
   
   1. We are not responsible for your LAN, we prefer that you have an in-house or local provider who maintains this for you.
      
      
   2. Where we are required to provide assistance in relation to your LAN, or liaise with your provider, then this time will be recorded as Support.
      
      
10. We encourage situations where our customers co-operate with each other on support/user issues. We do not charge for Support not provided by us.
    
    
11. Any travel and accommodation required by us to provide Support is at your expense (see our Travel Policy).
    
    
12. If there are particular features you would like to see included in Plod+Pay then you should approach us to have it included into our Development Schedule. If it is subsequently developed and included in the system then you will not be charged for this – updates are covered by the Licence Fees. See our Development Policy.
    
    
13. If Support provided to you relates to an error in the system (bug) then this time may still be chargeable (at our discretion). Our Terms and Conditions point out that Plod+Pay is a system undergoing continued development and you have accepted the risks and obligations this implies.
    
    
14. We prefer a system whereby we can use RDP and/or TeamViewer to log into your LAN as a means of providing Support.

Last Updated: 20/5/2010

Cloud Policy

As an option for customers TaG Plod+Pay as also available as a Cloud Service where, instead of the system and data being installed on the customer’s computers or network, they are installed and operate on a world-class Datacentre connected to the customer users by the internet. Irrespective of size, customers may choose to use Plod+Pay either in-house or as a Cloud Service.

We offer the Cloud Service on the following basis:

1. The system used as a Cloud Service is the same system that would otherwise be installed in-house. From the user’s point of view it looks and feels the same as the in-house system (we actually use the same executable programs in both cases).
   
   
2. To provide the service we use one or more Virtual Servers at ThinkGrid.
   
   
   1. ThinkGrid is an operator of world-class datacentres with operations in United Kingdom, Europe, USA and Australia. The Australian datacentre, which we use, is located in a purpose built facility at Wyong, north of Sydney.
      
      
   2. A Virtual Server is not a PC as such, but a small portion of the datacentre configured as a dynamically scalable Windows 2008 Server. We can alter the CPU, memory, storage and other resources dedicated to this Virtual Server depending on changing needs from month to month.
      
      
   3. ThinkGrid operates the datacentre. In Australia they have a channel marketing arrangement with Vadis Pty Limited who distribute ThinkGrid Virtual Servers, Virtual Desktops and related services to vertical market operators such as us. Our contract is with Vadis and allows us to use the ThinkGrid resources to provide Cloud services to our customers.
      
      
   4. We are confident that the service from ThinkGrid/Vadis meets world-class standards to the point we expect it represents a solution more reliable and secure than the average in-house installation. We offer the Cloud Service to you on the understanding we are acting as your agent in terms of the services provided by ThinkGrid/Vadis so we have no consequential liability in the event of a failure of the service provided by them.
      
      
3. Our customers connect to the Cloud Service via the internet, which you accept is beyond our control. This particularly applies to your internet connection between your end-user device and your internet service provider (ISP).
   
   
   1. We are not responsible for failures in your internet connection, even though we do apply technology that will provide a better than average service in most conditions.
      
      
   2. We are not responsible for charges to you by your ISP for using this service.
      
      
4. Our Development policy states that all customers are entitled to the latest version of Plod+Pay at all times. In the case of an in-house installation we mutually agree on a timeframe when program updates should be installed. In the case of the Cloud Service the latest version will be installed by us automatically. We will advise you in advance of such updates.
   
   
5. From time to time we will need to undertake various maintenance functions which may involve the Cloud Service being unavailable to you for short periods. We will advise you in advance of such Scheduled Outages and try and time them to cause the least overall disruption.
   
   
6. Despite the levels of security, backup and redundancy provided by ThinkGrid, some customers feel more comfortable if they have a copy of the database(s) in their own physical possession. We offer, at no extra cost, an option whereby we will:
   
   
   1. Make a special overnight backup of your database(s) at the datacentre.
      
      
   2. Use a special FileSync Client to copy this backup to one of your PCs at the next reasonably available opportunity.
      
      
      1. To receive the copy your PC will need to be turned on and connected to the internet.
         
         
      2. If the PC is turned off (eg: overnight), or your internet fails, then when it comes back online the FileSync Client will detect this and make the copy.
         
         
   3. This means that you will always have at the PC a copy of the latest available backup of your database(s).
      
      
   4. This FileSync service is optional. You may elect not to do this.
      
      
   5. You accept that using this FileSync service may result in additional download charges to you by your ISP.
      
      
7. Our optional Cloud Service simply provides you with an alternate means of using Plod+Pay.
   
   
   1. All of our other Terms and Conditions, Policies and Charges that relate to an in-house installation still apply.
      
      
   2. The Licence Fees that allow you to use Plod+Pay still apply (at the same rate as for an in-house installation)
      
      
   3. Licence Fees apply, and are charged, on an annual basis in advance.
      
      
   4. Cloud Service Logins are rented and charged on a monthly basis in advance.
      
      
   5. You may change the number of Logins, up or down, from month to month.
      
      
8. We offer Plod+Pay as a Cloud Service connecting to our Virtual Server either as a Remote Desktop Terminal Services client (RDP), or as a RemoteApp (similar to RDP), or via a Virtual Desktop.
   
   
   1. Customers use the Cloud Service using an RDP type client running on a device connected to ThinkGrid via the internet.
      
      
      1. “The RDP type client” could be the standard Microsoft Windows RDP program, or an equivalent third-party program for Windows, or Mac, or some other device.
         
         
      2. The “device” may be a free-standing Windows, Linux, Mac or other PC; or part of a network; or an Internet Café PC; or an iPad or similar; or even an iPhone – provided it is capable of running an RDP type client that is capable of connecting to our Virtual Servers or Virtual Desktops. (Our Virtual Desktops also allow a “web-based” interface).
         
         
      3. You accept that different devices have different characteristics and that we cannot be held responsible for how these may affect your user experience.
         
         
   2. You will need one or more of these connections (Logins) for each of your staff (Users) who are connected to the system at any one time.
      
      
      1. If you have five different staff who may use Plod+Pay then you may elect to purchase one Login for each. ie: five Logins, each customised in terms of UserName and Password for each staff member.
         
         
      2. If you consider that, at the most, only three of these will need to be using the system at any point in time then you may elect to purchase three logins using generic UserNames and Passwords.
         
         
      3. The monthly charge for Logins is as per our Charge Policies and Prices.
         
         
9. At any stage customers may choose to switch their use of Plod+Pay from in-house to the Cloud Service or vice-versa.
   
   
   1. Such a switch has no impact on Licence Fees but will involve work by our Support staff which will be charged at normal Support charge rates. (Part or all of this may be offset against unused embedded Support entitlements).
      
      
   2. You cannot use both at the same time as Plod+Pay relies on all data being held in a single database for each Company or Ledger. If you operate more than one Ledger you may choose to have some on the Cloud and some in-house.

TAG Plod+Pay Licence Terms and Conditions

1. The TaG Plod+Pay system (Plod+Pay) is a computer system for drilling companies developed by Dubbo Secretariat (DubSec) and Tom Browne Drilling Services Pty Limited (TBDS). DubSec and TBDS have an arrangement whereby DubSec will market Plod+Pay to other drilling companies on a licence basis.
   
   
2. A Licence is valid for 12 months upon payment of the 1^st Year Licence Fee. It will continue for further annual terms of 12 months upon payment of the Annual Licence Fee.
   
   
3. Licence Fees:
   
   
   1. The 1^st Year Licence Fee is calculated as $3,500 + ($800 per Rig) + ($100 per Employee) + GST.
      
      
   2. The Renewal Licence Fee is calculated as $1,000 + ($75 per Rig) + ($30 per Employee) + GST.
      
      
   3. Note that:
      
      
      1. “Rigs” is the number of rigs owned or controlled by the customer at the beginning of the licence period (including those “parked up” or not in use).
         
         
      2. “Employees” is the total number of non-terminated employees at the beginning of the licence period (including those on stand-down or on leave).
         
         
      3. Licence fees are non-refundable and payable in advance for each 12 monthly term.
         
         
      4. Licence Fees may vary from time to time. Renewal Licence Fees will be calculated at the published rate in force at renewal date.
         
         
4. Installation and Support
   1. Each Licence term includes a specified amount of embedded installation and support:
      
      
      1. 1^st Year:
         
         
         • 20 Hours of Installation, Training and ongoing Support (where this is provided on-site then each day is deemed to be 7.5 hours).
           
           
         • Once the 20 hours is exhausted then up to one hour per calendar month telephone based Support, non-cumulative (ie: “use-it-or-lose-it”).
           
           
      2. Annual Renewal:
         
         
         • Up to one hour per calendar month telephone based Support, non-cumulative (ie: “use-it-or-lose-it”).
           
           
   2. Installation and Support will be provided by staff from DubSec and/or TBDS (refer to our Support Policy).
      
      
   3. Installation and Support above the embedded entitlements is chargeable by the provider at DubSec’s published hourly rate in force at the time.
      
      
   4. Any travel and accommodation required in the provision of installation or support will be at the Customer’s expense. (Refer to our Travel & Accommodation Policy).
      
      
5. Licences are an “Enterprise Licence”. The Customer may operate Plod+Pay for their own purposes on any number of computers at their main office and, if appropriate, at worksites and branches which are part of their normal operations. The Customer may not use the system for other businesses which are separate activities or are not wholly owned subsidiaries.
   
   
6. Plod+Pay is a developing, industry standard system for the drilling industry. It is regularly undergoing development to meet changing statutory and industry requirements as well as being extended to meet industry specific applications such as HR, OH&S, etc.
   
   
   1. The Customer is entitled to all updates and enhancements made to Plod+Pay during the licence term.
      
      
   2. The Customer is invited to provide input as to the design and future direction of the system.
      
      
   3. The Customer accepts that, as with all ongoing software development projects, there is a risk that unforeseen circumstances, or errors on behalf of the developers or their advisers, may produce unexpected results from time to time. DubSec and TBDS will make every endeavour to rectify any such issues as they are made aware of them, but the Customer is responsible for auditing/checking that the results produced by the system are what would reasonably be expected.
      
      
   4. There is no charge to the Customer for ongoing development of the system. This is covered by the Licence Fee(s).
      
      
7. The Customer acknowledges that Plod+Pay was initially developed by Dubbo Secretariat (DubSec) for Tom Browne Drilling Services Pty Limited (TBDS), who funded the development. DubSec and TBDS have agreed that:
   
   
   1. DubSec will market the system to other drilling companies.
      
      
   2. TBDS and DubSec have arrangements in place to fund further development of the system to be undertaken by DubSec.
      
      
   3. The system will continue to be a “single version” system in that all enhancements/features will be available to all user companies (whether they choose to use them or not).
      
      
   4. Dubbo Secretariat will not reveal or make available Customer confidential data or procedures to TBDS or vice-versa. However, the Customer acknowledges that general design and operational features and methodologies relating to the system itself may become common knowledge between all users of the system.
      
      
   5. The Licence is an agreement between the Customer and Dubbo Secretariat (a registered trading name of Dubbo Secretarial Services Pty Limited ABN: 44 002 429 941).
      
      
8. These Terms and Conditions are supported by the following policies as published at www.plod.com.au which form part of these Terms and Conditions:
   
   
   1. Charge Policy and Prices
      
      
   2. Travel Policy
      
      
   3. Development Policy
      
      
   4. Support Policy
      
      
   5. Cloud Policy
      
      
9. Terms and Conditions, supporting Policies, Prices, and Charges may vary from time to time on the basis that the current version in force at any time is that as published on the website www.plod.com.au.