Foreword:
As the first manufacturer of HD data recovery tool aimed at firmware repair, so far ACE lab already released 3 versions: PC3000ISA, PC3000PCI and PC3000UDMA. ACE Lab has a large number of clients since its first PCI version till latest UDMA. However, to thousands people, the product called PC3000 from ACE lab is like a sealed book which is not readable nor understood by common users. Now, being a client of ACE lab from its ISA, PCI and UDMA, I would like to unveil the mask of ACE lab and restore the truth of PC3000.
I have clients from enterprises and they often ask me, which is the right data recovery device? Or directly, how do you think of PC30000? Well, it is not a secret any more that PC3000 is the most well known device in this field. Hereby, I would love to tell my point of view on the product from Ace Lab.
Through many years development, it seems that PC3000 has perfect image in this field: powerful functions, stable work performance and user script edition and etc. That’s right, PC3000 appears as industrial dominant. You will be recognized as expert if you have original latest version ( PC3000 UDMA), and also you can master of all the functions. But which country has the most clients of PC3000? Ironically, the most clients are not in US nor Canada, Germany, India but in China. The pirated versions spread widely and are abused. For example, you can buy pirated PCI version at 500USD or less, which normal original one costs thousands $. In the way of this, PC3000 gets big fame duo to the pirated users.
Well, it may be a little off topic. I don’t want to discuss why the pirated PC3000 in China. I only want to tell my experience with PC3000 from the very beginning.
I bought PC3000 UDMA with Data Extractor (DE) as the first batch of users in America in 2007, paid by credit card. 3 weeks later before I lost my patience, I got my new toy at last. I have to say, it was not a happy experience for me because I often get my stuff, such as donor drives on Ebay one or two day.
To help more people know the PC3000UDMA, I will explain in detail.
1) The Installation and Operations:
You need a desktop computer to install the PCI card first, then the program, there is a P/N number and the password during the installation, if you make mistake during the process, you have to start from the very beginning. After you install the program, you need an email address to receive your key to activate. Please remember, you can not use it on any other computer even you reinstall the PCI card or program. It is to avoid the pirate version.
Some people think that if you have the UDMA card, then you can recover data. That’s totally wrong! The file recovery tasks are completed by the software Data Extractor. So, if you need PC3000USD and Data Extractor.
In the menu, it has hundreds options and combinations, you need switch between the options and try your best not to make any wrong operations. Otherwise, you may wash data thoroughly. Someone think naively that if they have an original PC3000 UDMA, then they can set up a data recovery company; it is only their wishful-thinking. You need take at least one year to get familiar with all the functions and half known the product. Besides, experience is another key factor for people in this field.
2) Updates and Support
Well, I am a little mad at their cruel update policy. After one month from my purchase date, they announced on their website a new upgrade. I called Deepspar In Canada and asking about the new upgrade. And I said my version was not the latest and wanted a update. A man on that side of phone asked me, “did you pay?” “No, I just bought it a month before.” Then, I was demanded to pay another hundred 1860$ to get the upgrade. Ouch, I only bought it from them one month ago! Even it was a matter of hundred Dollars, but it made me feel uncomfortable.
Okay, after I emailed to them and posted my questions on their forum, my angry to them increased. It seems ACE people disappeared or hired some part-time workers. I waited for their reply weeks and they just ignored my questions. Maybe because I have too many questions or they thought I asked too much about their secret technologies? I was totally confused. So, finally, I learn that the only one you can lean on is yourself. I keep learning and read their thick manual, along with the time, I master this piece of high-tech toy.
3) Functions and their development trend
Since more models of hard drive appear on market soon, ACE lab needs invest more on the new technology. Such as Seagate 7200.11 problem, they released the solution just a few months ago, but after some other companies. Another fact is the RAID, more and more application on today Information Era, I already submitted this advice to them 1 year ago but it seems they haven’t released its official version? Maybe they are going to release after you pay extra fee.
Flash recovery/ NAND chip recovery, a trend of new technology, their Flash Device; I am so sorry that I have not purchased it yet. I hope they can really think about clients and make a capable device. Not only several models.
The data recovery market warms up and it requires not only products but also support and training. More newly data recovery companies will boom, they expect capable products, quality support and overall training. Especially their products are complex and hard to figure all the things out. If they still keep arrogant and ignoring the needs from their clients, they will be replaced. The market is huge and promising, I believe, they will be substituted one day by competitors.
My suggestion to ACE lab,1) build more training and sales channels, don’t keep your clients wait too long, they may change their mind; 2) be nice to your clients and be professional and responsible on Support; if it can be free, it will be better; 3) reset your price, your high price will scare and lose some new beginners; 4) make your tools simper and easier, no one wants to take years to master your products and start business.
Finally, as a friendly advice to all computer users, Backup, Backup and Backup. If unfortunately, data recovery service is required, then good luck to Data Recovery people.