Microsoft and GoldMine announce availability of GoldMine FrontOffice 2000 with embedded Microsoft SQL Server 7.0

Microsoft and GoldMine Software Corporation have announced a business alliance that includes an agreement to embed Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 as the standard database available for the recently introduced GoldMine FrontOffice 2000 Customer Relationship Management (CRM) suite. GoldMine will ship its new flagship product pre-packaged with SQL Server 7.0 as the first complete CRM solution for the small- to medium-size business (SMB) industry.

JSE-listed Ixchange Technology Holdings is the majority shareholder in GoldMine Software Corp.

"We`re pleased that GoldMine has chosen SQL Server 7.0 as the database of choice for FrontOffice 2000," says Steve Ballmer, president and CEO of Microsoft. "GoldMine is a strategic partner for Microsoft, and our expanded alliance brings tremendous value to SMB customers by offering a powerful CRM solution that will enable them to manage their customer relationships in an easily deployable and cost-effective way."

GoldMine FrontOffice 2000 users can easily deploy a complete CRM solution with pre-engineered SQL Server optimisation and single-step installation. GoldMine FrontOffice 2000 users, either first-time users or those upgrading from existing GoldMine 4.0 products, will pay significantly less than if they were to acquire the GoldMine and SQL Server applications separately. In addition, current customers of GoldMine 4.0 and HEAT, GoldMine`s helpdesk application, that wish to upgrade to FrontOffice 2000 will benefit from a comprehensive migration plan designed for a smooth implementation.

"With the SMB market contributing over 30 percent to South Africa`s gross national product, this alliance will allow both GoldMine and Microsoft Southern Africa to fuel the phenomenal market growth forecast within this sector," comments Mark Hill, MD of Microsoft Southern Africa. "Microsoft SQL Server, one of the most scalable, reliable and manageable database applications in the market, coupled with GoldMine FrontOffice 2000 can now offer smaller customers a CRM solution that is easy to implement and provides a rapid return on investment."

The licensing agreement is backed by global development and technical support from both companies that will enable existing and new GoldMine customers to quickly deploy a CRM solution. Microsoft and GoldMine have also signed a worldwide marketing and channel readiness agreement targeted at value-added providers and end-users. The campaign will empower GoldMine`s partner channels to successfully deploy and implement FrontOffice 2000 by offering technical and sales training as well as marketing support.

"As GoldMine continues to expand its leadership in the CRM space with comprehensive, customisable and affordable solutions that can be easily and quickly deployed into any growing businesses, SQL Server 7.0 provides the perfect database platform for our customer segment," says Dana Buys, chairman of GoldMine Software Corporation. "SQL Server 7.0 offers the scalability, reliability, and price and performance that SMB customers need to compete and win against their rivals in the most challenging of business environments. Plus, this focus on SQL Server complements the GoldMine Internet product strategy, which is built on Windows 2000 technology."

Organisations that standardise on GoldMine FrontOffice 2000 and SQL Server 7.0 will benefit from the continuing work to enhance and provide seamless integration between GoldMine FrontOffice 2000 applications and the Microsoft BackOffice family of products, including the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system. Further, users of GoldMine`s HEAT will be able to acquire a version of that product later this year with SQL Server 7.0 embedded.