Infoman - Accpac

Good cash flow buoys the bottom line

Cyndia Zwahlen — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 04:00:00 GMT

You probably didn't start your small business because you wanted the chance to master accounts receivable.

Yet as any business owner knows, keeping the doors open requires getting paid for the work done or product sold.

It's more important than ever, given the state of the economy. So why are so many small-business owners behind on sending out invoices or collecting what they are owed?

"People starting a business don't realize what they are really getting into," said Mike Culver, principal of H.L. Mike Culver CPA in San Diego. "It's not just doing the job you like to do. It's also all the rest of the ancillary stuff like billing and collecting the money."

The fact that too many small businesses are undercapitalized -- often from the start -- makes the situation worse, he said.

"That's why the failure rate of small businesses is so high," said Culver, who started his two-person firm in ...[Read Full Article]

Sage Extends Accpac

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Sage Software has introduced Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suite, combining the company's enterprise resource planning with customer relationship management software. The product consists of Sage Accpac ERP 5.5 integrated with SageCRM. The CRM software includes sales, marketing and customer service features. Workflow is supported through tighter integration with Sage's human resources management system, Sage Accpac HRMS, and Sage FAS Fixed Assets. Analytical dashboards provide an extended view of the enterprise to help analyze, predict and manage business performance. Key performance indicators, such as age of accounts, offer alerts that can be turned into actions through collections, payables and other tasks. The latest version of Accpac also includes a new account rollup feature that supports account consolidation in the general ledger, multi-currency revaluation options and streamlined processes for managing job tracking. Pricing starts at $695 per module. For more information, visit www.sageaccpac.com.

Capabilities critical in selecting the right accounting package

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

While choosing the right software package depends to a large extent on the industry you're in and the challenges you want to address, the capabilities of the software solution you're investing in should be the ultimate driver of your choice.

Keith Fenner, strategic sales director, Softline ACCPAC, uses the example of an ERP solution in the context of mining to demonstrate this.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) for mining has to be about far more than financial information alone. It has to improve a mine's productivity. This is the advantage an ERP solution specifically tailored for mining should offer the industry - bridging the gap between financial information and production information through a configurable set of workflow and business intelligence tools, providing management with the information they need anywhere anytime.

The efficiency of any mine has to do with the visibility your software affords you. It has to give you both a bird's eye view of overall exploration and production, while simultaneously allowing you to drill down to the minutest detail: what equipment is where, for example. This means it has to incorporate both the financial and the operational.

This is thus one of the key features offered by Accpac ERP for Mining. By including a wide range of modules from development to exploration through to production and sales, it ensures visibility; enabling accurate data capture and giving management complete control over budgets - that can be analysed to shaft, process, sub-process and equipment.

While this visibility is one of the aspects driving the product's popularity in the small and mid-market mining industry, it is ultimately the capturing of production and exploration data which Accpac ERP for Mining enables that differentiates it in the market. By incorporating this information, mines now have access to configurable tools to produce cost per ounce and cost per metre reporting.

They are thus kept fully aware of workflows and process capabilities. This provides the links and integration needed between the mine's head office and its investors. Data required to make significant decisions is available to managers and directors when and where they need it.

The production data capture module allows users to set up an area or operation that costs need to be tracked against, such as shafts, open pit or tailings. Beneath this layer of costs lies a lower level of processing such as shaft sinking, development waste or stopping, depending on the environment, which is then linked back to the top level.

This means that the plant can track the processing of material from all areas, and then link this through to the sub-component of a general ledger account for reporting purposes. The module additionally allows users to specify units of measure for the production data captured such as metres advanced, surveyed tons, hoisted tons, treated tons and carats recovered. They can then capture this as needed - daily, weekly or monthly - and link it to the business intelligence suite.

When it comes to selecting the right application for the job then, I would encourage CIOs to look at what the solution will enable in your company - how it has been designed with the challenges of your industry in mind. A product that goes beyond your straightforward accounting expectations and meets your real needs, is probably a product worth investing in.

Software Suite combines ERP, CRM, and analytical dashboards

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Comprised of Sage Accpac ERP v5.5 with SageCRM v6.1, Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suite supports integrated front and back office business processes and workflow to improve decision making ability by providing insight into business happenings. It also promotes inter-department collaboration and customer relationship improvement by providing all employees with one complete and consistent customer view. Analytical dashboards help analyze, predict, and manage business performance.

Sage Adds CRM to Accpac ERP Suite

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Customers that license Accpac ERP from Sage Software now get SageCRM as part of the deal, Sage announced last week. Sage calls the combination of SageCRM with the new Accpac version 5.5, which run on Windows and i OS (formerly i5/OS), the new Extended Enterprise suite offering, and claims it gives customers the tools needed to automate their back-office as well as their front-office operations.

The Canadian software company has integrated SageCRM's sales, marketing, and customer service functionality into its Accpac ERP suite with the release of Accpac version 5.5. The integration will improve the decision making capabilities of Accpac ERP users by providing a single, consistent view of customers and enhancing collaboration among departments, the company says.

The new Extended Enterprise suite offering gives small and mid size businesses simple and integrated business processes and workflows, says Laurie Schultz, general manager of Accpac for Sage.

"With simplicity in product and pricing, new, improved support offerings, and better synchronization of complementary application availability, the convenience and value offered by our new Sage Accpac Extended Enterprise Suite is our next step in that direction, and you'll see more of this approach from Sage Software in the future," she says.

Accpac 5.5 brings several other new capabilities, including new business performance dashboards for the accounts receivable, accounts payable, and sales analysis; new multicurrency capabilities; tighter integration with Accpac HRMS (human resource management system) and Sage FAS Fixed Assets; a new general ledger account roll up feature (available only in the 500 series); better integration with Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Vista; an increased number of account segments and number of years of history; and the inclusion of popular options products (such as general ledger security and lot-tracking with serialized inventory) at no additional charge, the company says.

Sage, which ranks among the five largest ERP software vendors in the world, has also launched a new online community at www.sageaccpac.com/community where Accpac users, Sage representatives, and Sage business partners will be able to communicate and help each other solve common problems.

Sage will flesh out the Extended Enterprise suite by delivering versions of complementary applications that are compatible with Accpac version 5.5, such as Sage Accpac HRMS, Sage FAS Fixed Assets, and Sage Accpac Insight. Sage has committed to delivering these by the end of July. In the meantime, Sage is offering special per-user pricing for Accpac 5.5 users that should make the software more affordable for smaller organizations. The pricing is good through June 18. After that, the pricing returns to its standard price of $695 per module ($795 Canadian) for Accpac 100 ERP 5.5. The company also offers two other editions of Accpac, the 200 and 500 series. Sage Accpac runs on Windows Server and IBM i, while Sage CRM runs entirely on Windows. For more information visit www.sageaccpac.com.

All about Enterprise Resource Planning

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

What is ERP?

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tries to integrate all departments and functions across an organization onto a single computer system, which serves all different departments' specific needs. In other words, ERP is a set of software programs that integrate an organization s various business processes like human resource, marketing, finance, sales, manufacturing, logistics, operations etc. This also enables a comprehensive analysis of the data to plan production, predict sales and analyze quality matrix. The term, however, is most commonly perceived as commercial software system.

ERP encompasses organization' s business processes to drive system requirements and capabilities. It supports and facilitates the organization's transformation with the help of best practice deployment. Best practice transformation of companies can be achieved by deploying a Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) approach. CPI strategically develops a culture of continuous development in areas like quality, consumption and productivity. While reducing waste and cycle time, it augments productivity and quality standard.

India and ERP

Industry analyst ARC Advisory states that the ERP market was $83 million in 2004, and is forecast to be over $250 million in 2009. According to a study from International Data Corporation (IDC), in the next four years the ERP market is expected to touch Rs. 1,550 crore ($341 million). It states, SMB potential in India is expected to be Rs 728 crore ($160 million), which stands at 47% of the total market. ARC Advisory estimates that Indian ERP will be growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25.2% for over the next 5 years.

Access Market International's (AMI) India Small Business Market Overview and Comprehensive Market Opportunity Assessment (2006-2007) and India Medium Business Market Overview and Comprehensive Market Opportunity Assessment studies (2006-2007)highlight 5 factors that determine the purchasing decision of Indian SMBs. They are: (a) purchase and installation price, (b) ease of implementation and ROI, (c) product flexibility and scalability, (d) functional fit with the SMB's business process, and (e)long-term support.

Advantages of ERP

*Elimination of manual re-entry of data
*Minimal Paperwork *Modular and open in nature
*Improved work process
*Increased access to available data for decision making
*Tracking of the product, consignment on move
*Timely and accurate information
*Improved coordination between departments and functions
*Increased customer response time
*Quick response to changing business operations and market conditions resulting in improved competitive advantage *Integrated address book for customers, vendors and employees

ERP vendors

* SAP: To achieve excellence and innovation in business processes, SAP ERP is considered ideal bet for the small, midsize and large organizations across all industries and sectors.

* Oracle Applications: ERP services from Oracle on different business verticals (like financials, manufacturing, HR, CRM etc.) are set of application software products specific to the concerned area.

* PeopleSoft: Oracle acquired PeopleSoft in June 2005. Oracle's PeopleSoft Enterprise applications address complex business issues and help them perk up performance.

* JD Edwards: JD Edwards was bought by PeopleSoft in 2003, and later merged with Oracle. Flexible and scalable, JD Edwards EnterpriseOne is an integrated applications suite of dynamic ERP software that combines business value, standards-based technology, and deep industry experience into a business solution.

* The Sage Group: The group has The Sage Accpac (Enterprise Resource Planning) ERP solution for India, an accounting operating system for SMBs.

* Microsoft Dynamics: Broadly designed for midsized and large companies, 4 Microsoft Dynamics products for business management and ERP are: (a) Microsoft Dynamics AX, (b) Microsoft Dynamics GP, (c) Microsoft Dynamics (New) and (d) Microsoft Dynamics SL.

* SSA Global Technologies (now Infor Global Solutions): Renowned for ERP solutions for manufacturing industry, the company was acquired by Infor Global Solutions in 2006. The solutions are built on an open, flexible, service-oriented architecture (SOA) with modern, web-based user interfaces. In 2003, SSA Global technologies bought Baan Corporation for US$ 135 million.

* Baan: Baan was created in 1979, and over the years became real market threat to SAP. After being acquired and re-acquired a couple of times, now, Baan belongs to Infor Global Solutions. Infor ERP Baan is an advanced ERP solution that supports the critical manufacturing requirements of industrial equipment and machinery, commercial aerospace, component producers, high-tech electronics, shipbuilding and other companies.

* IBM: ERP solutions from IBM deliver a roadmap, based on the best industry processes,integrating critical data for a single view of customer information,inventory levels, shipping details and more.

* abas Software: abas ERP/abas Trade is a flexible standard ERP software application,which optimizes business processes - from warehouse management,financial accounting, purchasing and sales to production.

* Ramco Systems: Ramco's ERP solution for SMB series is service oriented Architecture (SOA) based and built by using business assets, rather than individual software modules. It can be migrated later to a bigger platform.It also has on-demand ERP solutions for fast growing businesses.

Open source ERP

Open source software application is always good, as it can realize any small organization's ERP dream possible without much investment. Generally, for non-proprietary technologies no license fees have to be paid. Also, organizations can implement only need-based solutions instead of going broad. However, before you decide to implement an open source ERP, please take note of the fact that, during critical circumstances and breakdown moments, you won't be serviced by a battery of qualified and experienced engineers.

Let's take a look at some open source ERP software:

* ADempiere: ADempiere is a commons-based peer-production of Open Source ERP Applications.
* Compiere: The application and source code is provided on the basis of the GNU General Public License version 2. A commercial license, documentation and support contracts are available for a fee.
* ERP5: ERP5 is a complete high-end Open Source/Libre Software solution delivered under GPL license, and used for mission critical ERP / CRM / MRP / SCM / PDM applications by industrial organizations and government agencies.
* GNU Enterprise: GNU Enterprise (GNUe) is a meta-project and can be regarded as a sub-project of the GNU Project. GNU's goal is to create free enterprise-class data-aware applications.
* JFire: JFire is open-source software. It uses the technologies like J2EE 1.4, JDO 2.0, Eclipse RCP 3.3 and is designed to be customizable. * LedgerSMB: It is a free double entry software accounting system. Accounting data is stored in an SQL Database Server and a standard web browser can be used as its user interface.
* OpenBlueLab: An open source ERP published as per the model-driven software development (MDSD) paradigm. It is derived from model driven architecture (MDA).
* Openbravo: It's an open source web-based ERP business solution for small and medium sized companies. It is released under the Openbravo Public License, based on the Mozilla Public License.
* Opentaps: It's is a web based ERP and CRM for small to medium sized businesses. It's functions include eCommerce, Point-of-Sales, inventory, warehouse, order, customer management and general ledger.
* Postbooks: PostBooks is a full-featured, well-integrated accounting, ERP, and CRM system. It's based on the OpenMFG ERP Suite.
* Tiny ERP: It's an ERP/CRM system with separate client and server components.
* SQL-Ledger: SQL-Ledger ERP is a double entry accounting/ERP system.
* webERP: webERP is a multi-inventory location, multi-language, multi-currency web based accounting/ERP software.

Industry practice

For different industries ERP deliver different operations and applications. Each industry is dynamically unique in its own way, and deals with enterprise applications services with its share of drawbacks and advantages. Industries mostly benefited from deployment of ERP are:

* Manufacturing:

One of the maximum IT deployments in the manufacturing industry has happened in the enterprise applications. Over last few years, ERP has successfully augmented the efficiency, and quality of manufacturing processes across the world. ERP solutions broadly have eliminated or minimized issues like improper communication, wrong or lack of communication. ERP solutions while coordinating the actions of supply chain, logistics and warehousing deliver robust solutions to these issues.

Industries in manufacturing:

1.Aerospace and Defense: Not SAP, but Oracle is the leader in this space. Top 11 global aerospace and defense organizations run Oracle's integrated enterprise solutions.
2.Automobile: Greater control over automotive sales and distribution, warranty claims, spare parts, accessory stock and supply, productivity of staff, while delivering all these and more, ERP solutions improve efficiency, speed-to-market and product quality for the automobile companies.
3.Chemical: From managing chemical formulas to manufacturing and shipping out the order in accordance with regulatory requirements, ERP solutions enable chemical manufacturers efficiently manage record formulation, customer, quality matrix, production and financial reporting.
4.Consumer Goods: From improving electronic collaboration with distributors and customers to manage product promotions and complex pricing, ERP solutions help FMCG businesses optimize the use of existing assets.
5.Oil & Gas: SAP has select set of ERP functions for this industry enabling the core business processes are most critical to its success. The software provides a solid software foundation and enables a modular approach to deploying additional functions as needed.
6.Electronics: ERP model for this rapidly growing industry can control product design changes, improve collaboration, communication and integration with the supply chain, plan for and manage seasonal demand, monitor safety compliance for hazardous goods disposal etc.
7.Biotechnology/Life Science: Biotech companies deploy heavy duty ERP for better operational efficiencies, procurement procedure, transaction management, full tracking of all scientific processes, real time revenue forecasts and more. It also should speed up regulatory approval process as success in this sector often requires an enormous amount of up-front investment.
8.Food & Beverage: ERP system complies with food safety regulations, manage capacity and different units of measure for al levels of product recipes, ensure quality and traceability of raw materials and manufactured products and more.
9.Plastics: For companies in the plastics industry, ERP provides capabilities that accommodate variable ingredients, recipes and routings, manage volume constrained resources, track lots, batches and work in progress, reduce costs of everyday small production runs and more.

* Logistics and Supply Chain

From purchasing to pay roll, ERP can successfully manage end-to-end procurement and logistics business processes, for complete business cycles. From self-service requisition to custom invoicing and ensuring payment while maximizing the flow of materials all are possible through ERP. There are applications that deliver inventory management, material movement and processing, accounting support capabilities, production outflow etc. ERP also helps in tracking down the status of a product on the move. Consumers can check the status of the product on the web. In a nutshell, for logistics and supply chain ERP can manage processes from purchasing to pay roll. * Software After manufacturing and logistics, it's software industry that reaps most benefits of leveraging ERP. As far as implementation is concerned, compared to other industries, spoilage is less here. It s easier to deploy and run the application, as people are apt with functional and technical expertise. ERP's usage in the software industry has reached a new high in the recent years, because with the software it becomes easy to manage the deadline. ERP software also have been used to coordinate and execute turnkey software projects, at quicker turn around time. * Insurance Enterprise Resource Planning broadly covers 3 core areas. Firstly, it creates a common platform for insurers and agents, thus making the transaction process easy between both the agents and the insurers. Secondly, it curbs down the procedural delays. Other than analyzing different matrix of the market it also helps in checking out performance of agents, as every product moved by the agent gets placed on the central database. IBM ERP insurance is an ideal example here. * Healthcare Like Insurance, Healthcare is another hot industry with immense scopes. ERP implementation has made segregating bills and patient records much easier. Database of patient records are kept in a common reservoir, which can be shared by hospitals. A critical patient's records can instantly be checked by a doctor and lives can be saved without much ado. * Retail Small retail companies deploy ERP software broadly for inventory management and demand forecasting functions, which capture and report POS (Point-of-Sale) data in number of combinations. For bigger players, more advanced integrated ERP applications play an important role in managing every facet of retail operations, from POS solutions, inventory reporting, cashier with integrated accounting billing, product database to back-end inventory management and financials. * Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceutical is a highly regulated industry, and from time to time receives instructions on how to process and control products. ERP solutions while refining the compliance factors increase the effectiveness, improve efficiency of organization's process and streamlines internal operations. The solution broadly tracks lot numbers based on criteria such as machine, manufacturing date, sequence, prefix, class, repackaging, renumbering etc. * Telecommunication ERP solutions for telecommunication industries deliver capabilities that support and enhance processes associated with producing and delivering telecommunication products and services. On the basis of requirements, ERP can deliver solutions on contract accounting (receivables and collection capabilities), collections management (handling receivables and prioritizing accounts by risk), dispute management (processing receivable related disputes), partner and vendor management (managing relationships with partners and dealers), regulatory compliance and corporate governance (centralizing documentation of internal controls to help manage compliance) and, data and application integration (for changing business processes and strategies flexibly and quickly). SAP offers plethora of ERP solutions for telecommunication businesses. ERP implementation *On-demand model 1.SAP Business ByDesign 2.NetSuite 3.Ramco OnDemand ERP *Traditional Model 1.Implementation Tool Kits (with roadmaps and documentation) 2.Packaged, produced services (fixed price, time and scope) 3.Pre-configured systems (tools, documentation, methodology) ERP functions Functions derived from an ERP project can be direct or indirect. Indirect functions are difficult to value, while it is easy to measure direct benefits. From delivering role-based access to crucial data, applications, and analytical tools, a robust ERP can redefine enterprise resource planning for an organization. 1.End user service delivery: Employees get access to critical data and analytical tools to perform everyday functions effectively. Through shared services they can also bring value to other inter-departmental processes. 2.Financial insight: Compliance and predictability of business performance can be attained from a right ERP solution. It not only tightens control of finances, but also gives a deeper financial insight across the organization. 3.Human capital management: It optimizes organization s HR processes. While enabling growth, innovation and elasticity, it can maximize the potential of complete workforce. 4.Performance management: While delivering real time metrics and personalized measurements, an ERP leverages the entire life cycle of performance management. 5.Purchase: Dealing with critical multi-sourcing purchase orders to scheduling, suggestions about stock level etc. are provided by an ERP model. 6.Customer relationship management: Broadly, the CRM module in an average ERP software system gives a hand in generating leads, customer support, and order placement. 7.Sales: Subset of CRM, the ERP software can help trend forecasting, sales development, sales territory management, performance tracking and customer segmentation. 8.Materials management: Protecting cost effective provisioning of the organization. 9.Scheduling: ERP enables adequate material and production capacity to process orders on time. 10.Costing: Product and order related costing for the strict valuation of the operating result. 11.Compliance: Comply with local and international environmental and safety regulations. 12.Manage: Manage large inventories, material yields, distribution, raw material quality, by-products, seasonal demand etc.

A Visit to Sage Software

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

On April 3rd I had a chance to visit the new Sage Software facility in Richmond. Their old facility is now the Microsoft campus, and Sage is in a new bigger building - giving their existing 400 employees more room while giving them room to expand up to 650 staff.

For those who don't know, Sage Software makes AccPac and Simply Accounting - products that are now sold in 160 countries - right here in BC. What I was curious about was why they were staying in Canada - specifically Richmond when offshore development costs are so much lower, what new capabilities the new facility gave them, and what made them different.

I spoke with Laurie Schultz, VP and GM of Sage AccPac and Simply Accounting, and she said they are here because their customers are here. They have opened a new user centered design facility that allows them to observe and record customer interactions with their software, which helps them build better and easier to use software, and they couldn't do that if they weren't here. They have all their staff in one building - the sales, support and developers - which helps focus everyone on meeting customer expectations.

A recent study by KPMG found Vancouver to be the most expensive city in Canada to do business in, but being based in Vancouver is where they have critical mass and it's where the staff want to be - so here they will stay. I was surprised to learn they had 5+ staff that had been working there for over 30 years, and over 100 people that had been working there for 15 years - which would indicate a sane work / life balance. I asked if they had trouble with staffing, and Laurie admitted it was difficult finding support staff with an accounting background that were bilingual. With employee retention like that, I am not surprised.

After chatting with Laurie, I was given a tour of the facility. Unfortunately, the most compelling part of the facility - the user centered design lab - wasn't finished - so I wasn't able to view that. However I got to enjoy live jazz in the lobby, taste a vanilla mocha cappuccino from an automated coffee machine in the staff lunch room, and a walk through the open concept work areas. The coders had their heads down coding quietly, while the sales and marketing guys were up walking around making noise. As I left the office, I called my wife to tell her it looked like a great place to work - the only downside being I was stuck in traffic trying to get back to Vancouver.

Sage Software Again Ranked As #1 SMB Enterprise Application Vendor In Canada

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:57:01 GMT

Sage Software announced that IDC Canada has for the second consecutive year ranked the company as the leading provider of enterprise application software to small and mid-sized businesses (SMB's)(1) throughout Canada, based on revenue figures researched by IDC for calendar 2006. The report, entitled "Canadian Enterprise Applications 2006 Vendor Shares(2)," confirms that Sage Software maintains its position as the leading provider of Enterprise Resource Management (ERM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Supply Chain Management (SCM) applications to SMB's in Canada, exceeding Microsoft, Intuit, Infor, Lawson, Epicor, and others. Sage Software was previously ranked number one in a similar report published in October 2006, based on revenue figures researched by IDC Canada for calendar 2005.

According to the IDC report, "Sage is the leading vendor in the Canadian small and medium-sized customer (SMB) segment." It continues, "Sage's Canadian operations have maintained their SMB market leadership with its strong [Sage] Accpac and Simply Accounting financial applications. Investments in CRM, both SageCRM and [Sage] SalesLogix, are also beginning to have a positive impact on the vendor's market presence in Canada. Sage targets industries such as accounting (professional services based), as well as a broad spectrum of small businesses including hospitality, construction, manufacturing, and real estate. Sage promotes its long term relationship with charter accountants and usage of its products in colleges and university courses. In the SMB space, Sage has strong presence amongst customers via its presence in education and with professional organizations, such as the Canadian Management Association. The success of Sage Accpac can be attributed to on-going customer and user familiarity with the product."

"This report is further, strong proof of our ongoing market leadership and continued strong growth in Canada," said Laurie Schultz, Sage Software general manager for the Sage Accpac and Simply Accounting by Sage business unit. "In a very competitive marketplace, this #1 ranking from an independent third party is clearly a testament to the strength of our solutions, well-established business partner channel, and loyal client base, and certainly bodes well for our continued market leadership with SMB's across Canada."

1-Source : IDC Canada 2008 ? Small business ( 1-99 employees ) and Medium-sized organizations ( 100-499 employees)
2-Source IDC Canada 2008 ? Canadian Enterprise Applications 2006 Vendor Shares, (IDC Doc #CA9EA7)

Update: Sage Software Strengthens Ties Between Accountants' Network and Business Partners

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:04:05 GMT

When accountants are asked by clients where they can get technology advice, larger firms may be able to dial to their consulting arm at the other end of the building, but many small firms are left in the lurch. What smaller firms need is a support network to turn to when technology consulting is needed. In support of that effort, Sage Software today announced new program details for resellers in the company's Business Partner Alliance program designed to improve their working partnerships with accountants.

The Business Partner Alliance is comprised of Sage Business Partners who agree to work on a referral basis with Accountants' Network members. Under new program guidelines, Business Partner Alliance members will provide 8 complimentary hours of accounting technology consulting services within a 12 month period to their newly aligned Accountants' Network members. During that time, Business Partners can illustrate the value of their consulting services, cultivating a solid relationship that can benefit both parties. Accountants gain the support of a technology consulting partner, and technology consultants gain a better working relationship with accountants that can lead to referrals.

"Small businesses usually get advice about accounting software from their accountant, a technology reseller, or another business owner," said Heather Scarpero, director, Sage Software Accountants' Network. "As a software vendor, we want to simplify that process as much as possible. Bringing accountants and resellers together in an even stronger working partnership helps our customers as well as our reseller and accountant partners because it creates better service for business owners."

Business Partner Alliance consulting services are available to Accountants' Network members who subscribe to Sage MAS ERP, Sage Accpac ERP, Sage Businessworks, Sage FAS Fixed Assets, Sage Abra HRMS, Sage Timberline Office, Sage Master Builder, and Sage MIP Fund Accounting.

"Nearly all of my best and most loyal clients found me through accountant referrals," said Wayne Schulz, a specialist in MAS 90 and MAS 200 and principal of Schulz Consulting, Glastonbury, CT. "This is an excellent opportunity for business partners to build profitable referral relationships with accounting firms in their area. The 8 hours is a great way for the Accountants' Network members to 'try' us out at no cost to them, and really see the value of the service we provide. It helps build trust and dramatically increases their comfort at referring us to their client base. A CPA referral is the highest level and most closeable type of lead and one that every Business Partner should strive to earn."