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Next era of cloud computing is all about the customer


Johannesburg, 03 Sep 2010

While first generation software as a service generated a lot of interest, people will look back on this period as an era of iron-clad, centralised operations that restricted the ability to customise the solutions, explains Keith Fenner, vice-president - sales, Softline Accpac.

The next wave of cloud computing, he says, will benefit customers by providing a highly distributed and flexible deployment model that shifts control of the service to their favour, rather than SaaS vendors, so they can better tailor their ERP and CRM experience in a way that optimally suits their business.

Fenner says a true cloud service is not necessarily a fully hosted ERP or CRM, but more likely a suite of services that complement an in-house ERP system. "These are typically elastic utility services such as payment services, e-marketing, procurement and Web stores. These are either offered as an integrated solution to a fully hosted ERP or delivered a needed on premise."

Earlier this year, Softline Accpac re-launched Accpac Online, its managed service and SaaS offering, which combines the power of Softline Accpac's ERP and CRM software with the flexibility of a virtualised environment. Fenner says this gives customers more freedom of choice when it comes to the management of their data and business applications. He says that while multi-tenancy may have worked 10 years ago, it is simply not suited to meet the business challenges companies face today in the mid-market. "This traditional method of SaaS is outdated and does not suit the needs of our business partners as we believe in giving them, and our customers' full access and control of their own environment."

Locally, Fenner says the interest in cloud computing is there, however, it will only spike once Internet access is more accessible and affordable. He says a full-featured suite of SaaS and data centre services should offer businesses:

Data ownership: Businesses retain ownership of all their data and processes with full the ability to move services online and on-premise as needed.

Upgrade control: Businesses can choose when to trigger an upgrade, rather than be unable to take advantage of latest features as other hosted companies are unable to upgrade.

Deployment flexibility: Businesses receive the benefits of a hosted, on-demand solution with the flexibility to migrate to an on-premise deployment should their needs change. Likewise, on-premises customers can transition to the cloud edition.

Customisation flexibility: Businesses can adapt to suit their own unique needs without the common customisation restrictions of multi-tenant SaaS offerings; or use industry-specific versions built by business partners.

Gartner estimates the current market for cloud services at $46.4 billion, and forecasts $150.1 billion by 2013, representing a 26.5% compound annual growth rate. "The flexibility provided in the cloud will greatly benefit customers seeking an on-demand solution," concludes Fenner.

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Softline Accpac

Softline Accpac is a provider of business management solutions including financial, distribution, service management, retail, warehouse management, manufacturing and CRM to the mid-range market. Accpac solutions are delivered to 130 countries exclusively through a global network of solution providers, including over 150 throughout Africa. Softline Accpac's product line includes: Sage ERP Accpac, Sage CRM, Sage RMS, Service Manager and Accpac Insight. Softline Accpac also distributes Sage SalesLogix, Sage Geode and Sage ERP X3, a full-service enterprise management software system for mid-to-large businesses. With a choice of languages, currencies, enterprises, locations and legislations, Sage ERP X3 offers an efficient, multi-company solution.

Softline

Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions to small, medium and large sized companies. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the software industry and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa in February 1997. Softline expanded to establish a strong position within its area of focus in South Africa and Australia. Focused on the development of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions, Softline has a 20-year track record as a market leader. The group has a broad range of products offering users a variety of software solutions to run their businesses efficiently. Softline's leading brands include Softline Accpac, Softline Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group's product offerings provides Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions. In November 2003, Softline was acquired by the Sage Group, a FTSE 100 company. The software group includes market-leading businesses throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium and large sized business community. Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.

The Sage Group

The Sage Group is a leading global supplier of business management software solutions and related products and services, principally for small to medium-sized enterprises. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989. Sage has 6.1 million customers and more than 13 400 employees worldwide. We operate in over 24 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information, please visit http://www.sage.com.

Editorial contacts

Samantha Watt
Watt Communications