Maximizer Software propels SMEs ahead of market with launch of 10th version of its CRM software

Maximizer Software (TSX: MAX), the leading provider of simple, accessible customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, today announced the availability of the milestone 10th version of its CRM solution designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) - Maximizer CRM 10.

Continuing the 20-year product success with SMEs, the newly re-branded solution is offered in three editions to meet the varied needs of this market segment.

"Never a company to rely on past success, Maximizer is once again taking the SME marketplace to the next level of CRM efficiency with Maximizer CRM 10," said William Anderson, executive vice-president of technology at Maximizer Software.

"SMEs - a relatively untapped segment of the CRM market - can now get enterprise-level applications such as BlackBerry mobile access, increased business intelligence, and on-demand sales and professional coaching, all from a simplified SME-designed solution."

"SMEs are a tremendously important component of the southern African economy. Maximizer CRM 10 raises the bar to what an SME should expect from its CRM system - comprehensive features, ease of use, intuitive configuration, quick deployment, accessible anytime, anywhere with a rapid ROI," said Vivek Thomas, managing director EMEA of Maximizer Software.

Commenting on the Maximizer solution, Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa), who are in the process of implementing 263 users across its game lodges in Africa, said: "We felt that Maximizer`s off-the-shelf product would cater for most of our requirements, keeping our development costs down," said Brian Wewege, Group IT Manager. "We did not want to buy a system that could not be easily modified and adapted to changing and growing business needs. We also looked for a system that would provide a long-term solution."

Marcus van Niekerk, Cyber Wiz CRM specialist and implementation partner responsible for providing the CRM solution to CC Africa, said: "Maximizer CRM 10 is a perfect fit for CC Africa. The rapid implementation methodology and the highly customisable interface, along with powerful extensible modules allow this product to be tailored exactly to meet CC Africa`s needs."

Having sold more than one million licences, the company developed Maximizer CRM 10 to reflect the growing sophistication of SMEs - competing globally and with large enterprises. MaxMobile for BlackBerry offers increased mobility and provides BlackBerry smartphone users with access to their customers, leads, schedules, sales deals and forecasts, and service cases directly on their handset, through wired or wireless synchronisation.

"The availability of Maximizer CRM 10 on our BlackBerry devices provides a significant boost in productivity for our sales team when working away from the office," said Faron Thompson, managing director of US-based commercial and residential mortgage lender, Primary Capital. "Instant access to account information and scheduling through Maximizer`s MaxMobile application will make my sales team`s job much easier, and ultimately help win more deals."

Also added are enhancements to Windows Mobile devices, which support various Windows Mobile Pocket PC and smartphone devices, including Motorola Q and Samsung BlackJack, among others. "With predictions of the number of mobile subscribers worldwide crossing the three billion mark by year`s end, mobile devices are becoming an integral part of CRM solutions. Maximizer`s MaxMobile offerings are bringing CRM mobile to the fastest growing segment of the market, SMEs," said Barton Goldenberg, president, ISM, strategic CRM advisors. "Along with expanded Web and business intelligence (BI) capabilities, Maximizer CRM 10 is delivering a CRM offering that is in-tune with SMEs` needs."

Allowing for increased visibility into valuable business data, Maximizer CRM 10 provides enhanced reporting, including more than 175 out-of-the-box reports, improved dashboards, Vista Gadget desktop dashboards, and a key partnership with 90 Degree Software.

Through the 90 Degree Radius90 collaborative reporting platform and Microsoft SQL Reporting Services, Maximizer CRM 10 business users are now more easily able to search, share, collaborate and create reporting assets with an easy Office-like interface.

Accessing on-demand expert advice immediately, Maximizer CRM 10 now includes sales and professional coaching from CanDoGo. With the exclusive CRM partnership, Maximizer customers can access advice via the Web from leading experts on business or professional topics such as sales coaching, power proposals, leadership skills and motivation.

Users will have advice and coaching from more than 150 authors, speakers and professional trainers, including Zig Ziglar, Tom Hopkins and Tony Parinello, delivered directly through the Maximizer CRM 10 interface.

Additional Maximizer CRM 10 new and improved features include:

* More robust Web access such as improved e-mail integration with Microsoft Exchange and remote Web-based administration;
* Out-of-the-box accounting integration with Microsoft Dynamics GP;
* Overall productivity enhancements; for sales territories, time and task management; and
* New Web services architecture for faster integration.

Availability and pricing: Formerly called Maximizer Enterprise, the milestone 10th version of the software has been renamed Maximizer CRM and is available in three editions to suit different company sizes and needs: Enterprise, Professional and Group. Maximizer CRM 10 is available through a global network of business partners. Maximizer CRM 10 Group Edition has an entry level price of R5 000, including both Windows and Web access.