Softline Pastel has been awarded the Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Software Partner of the Year award by Microsoft.
The annual Microsoft Partner Network Awards cover nearly 30 categories and recognise Microsoft partners that deliver outstanding solutions for their customers. This year's finalists were chosen from hundreds of entries submitted by partners nationally, and an adjudication panel identified the winners based on their use of Microsoft technologies and a number of other criteria.
The ISV category recognises software developers that create standalone applications using Microsoft technologies. The judges take into consideration the innovation of the software programs, how these programs have grown both the developer's and Microsoft's businesses through winning new customers, and also the after-sales customer experience and overall product satisfaction.
Following a written submission, finalists proceed through a rigorous two-round process, including a panel presentation.
The Pastel submission incorporated a range of programs, including the SME-focused My Business online and desktop offerings and its ERP offering - Evolution - with its municipal billing module and retail point-of-sale solution.
“Pastel has been using Microsoft products as part of its solution stack for over 20 years, but this is the first time we've participated in the Microsoft Partner Network Awards,” says Daryl Blundell, sales director at Softline Pastel. “We were not expecting to win against such tough competition in our first year, but this award is testament to the strong, cohesive relationship we have with Microsoft.”
“The high standards of entries received for the awards showed that our partners are delivering unmatched innovation and value to customers,” said Mteto Nyati, managing director of Microsoft SA.
With over 200 000 businesses using Pastel products, and Microsoft being core to the company's product development strategy, Pastel will continue to rollout innovative accounting and business management solutions. Blundell remarks that the 2012 pipeline already has some exciting products for local businesses with an emphasis on cloud applications, and that Pastel is working closely with Microsoft to ensure successful product integration on the cloud.
“Accounting in the cloud will not fundamentally change how the core business process is conducted, but it will make it easier for businesses to manage their accounting needs,” he says, while emphasising that working online is about far more than just accessibility; the cloud will make the lives of users considerably easier, which is a key consideration in Microsoft's judging criteria for this competition.
Share
Pastel Accounting
Pastel Accounting is South Africa's leading developer of accounting, payroll and business management software for the small, medium and large enterprise market. Since inception, Pastel has developed an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the industry, establishing itself as a market leader and the preferred choice of South African business. The numbers speak for themselves; daily, 200 000 businesses use Pastel Accounting to run their businesses, and nine out of 10 accountants recommend Pastel Accounting.
Softline
Softline is a leading provider of business software and related services. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the business software industry. While Softline's heritage is in the SME market, the group also offers expertise and solutions that meet the needs of specific industries and larger organisations. In 2003, Softline was acquired by The Sage Group, a FTSE 100 company. Softline has a solid track record offering customers local expertise backed by the global Sage brand. The group delivers quality software solutions to make customers' business lives easier.
The Sage Group
The Sage Group is a leading global supplier of business management software 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 6.3 million customers and 13 600 employees worldwide. It operates in over 24 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information, please visit www.sage.com.
Editorial contacts