Macro Scheduler Seamlessly Blends Older GUIs with Newer APIs and Effortlessly Runs Repetitive Volume-Driven Rules
"Cloud2T is a UK-based technology company with a goal to teach computers how to interact with the real world," says Colin Rogers, managing director at Cloud2T. "We do this by creating client-facing software solutions that combine machine learning, automation, and sensors."
Cloud2T's Software Automation Requirements
The tech services company needed a robotic process automation (RPA) product to handle its large volume, rules-based automation needs. They started by looking at six RPA products.
Immediately, they eliminated three companies for at least one of the following reasons:
- Would not communicate with Cloud2T.
- Did not demonstrate functionality.
- Too expensive.
Cloud2T needed automation software that interacts with Windows-based applications in a mature, flexible, and affordable way. It was essential to have high-quality technical support available and the ability to speak directly with an experienced support team. Moreover, they needed a product with a proven track record that works in secure environments via browsers, Citrix, and standard desktop applications.
They wanted automation software that has developer-friendly capabilities with support for REST APIs and allows the creation of standalone Windows executables. And finally, they preferred to pay for it on a subscription basis.
Macro Scheduler fits the bill.
Why Cloud2T Selects Macro Scheduler for Automation
Cloud2T chose Macro Scheduler for multiple reasons. For one, Cloud2T asked a technical question upfront and none other than the CTO himself answered with an explanatory video. They found it reassuring to know that Macro Scheduler had a solid 20-year history in automation.
They liked that Macro Scheduler offered several purchasing options including affordable monthly subscriptions as well as annual licensing. The IT consulting company explored the Macro Scheduler forums and watched videos to confirm that it could handle all its use cases.
The company's niche is blending older style GUIs and file handling with newer style APIs and taking on repetitive and volume-driven rules-based work. Macro Scheduler delivered on all of the requirements.
"Being able to move between GUI and API methods to handle our automation needs is priceless," Rogers says.
How the Decision to Use Macro Scheduler Pays off
The software helps bridge the legacy desktop world with the modern online API-driven environment. Macro Scheduler allows Cloud2T to be more agile and efficient in delivering what the client needs. It lets them change and test automation code on the target Windows machine itself.
Since making the decision, Cloud2T has explored all the available Windows UI automation functions in the product and now heavily relies on them. They also depend on the software's ability to interact with REST APIs.
Cloud2T started with a single license. Two years later, it expanded to 15 licenses. They continue to have complete trust in Macro Scheduler.
For instance, the company detected an issue in handling certain types of APIs from within Macro Scheduler. They opened a ticket on Friday afternoon and began investigating it with Macro Scheduler's tech lead the same day. Cloud2T submitted diagnostics on Saturday. By Monday, the fix appeared in the new Macro Scheduler Version 15 released that day.
"That is simply astonishing," Rogers says. "We are also excited by the latest Chrome, Edge, and Excel functions in Version 15. This shows that Macro Scheduler has a roadmap and we expect to keep it in our toolset for many years to come."