SalesLogix 7.5 embraces the Web

Issued by Watt Communications & G Watt Design for Softline Enterprise
Johannesburg, 16 Oct 2008

Sage CRM Solutions, part of the Sage Group plc and locally represented by Softline, has announced the new Sage SalesLogix v7.5 CRM suite. Johann Engelbrecht, Product Manager, SalesLogix, Softline Enterprise, says that this upgraded version delivers a comprehensive connected and disconnected Web-user experience, as well as integration with Web 2.0 technologies.

“SalesLogix 7.5 leverages modern Internet capabilities to give users the richest and most interactive CRM experience possible from a wide range of client devices. For example, SalesLogix can 'mash up' contextual information from the Web to provide users with a more complete picture of their customers,” Engelbrecht says.

The senior vice-president and general manager of Sage CRM Solutions: North America, David van Toor, says SalesLogix 7.5 delivers on the comprehensive technology and “anywhere workforce” commitments of the Sage CRM Solutions 2010 product strategy and vision, first announced in March this year.

“We collected an enormous amount of product feedback this year, and the most important theme which emerged was that users want to be able to work anywhere on a variety of devices to improve their productivity. SalesLogix 7.5 is squarely focused on these advanced Web interface capabilities that we believe users and competing CRM providers alike will find impressive.”

SalesLogix 7.5 features include:

* Comprehensive Web CRM: Users can access SalesLogix anywhere via a Web browser without sacrificing usability or functionality. The Web client works with an Internet connection or while disconnected. In addition to sales force automation and marketing campaigns, customer support capabilities for assets, contracts, returns, and defects are now available through the Web client.
* Simplified data access: The Web client allows rapid creation and viewing of highly targeted lists. New group tabs, data filters, and the ability to select multiple records at once simplify data access, sorting and organisation. Users can see at-a-glance details with a new summary view and drill down for additional details.
* Enhanced lead management: A Web wizard simplifies lead import, allows de-duplication upon import, and enables rule-based lead routing. Users can log interactions and activities with leads before converting them to contacts, and perform actions en masse such as adding notes to groups of contacts.
* Personalised data views: A customisable welcome page shows each user's priority activities, notes, opportunities and more with drill-down links for more information. Timeline visualisation gives users a graphical and chronological account view with all associated opportunities, tickets, and news items, among other details. Process orchestration provides advanced automation capabilities to build conditional processes within common and more sophisticated tasks.
* Integrated Web 2.0 technology: “Mash up” capabilities, powered by “RESTful” Web services that request data via embedded URL-style addresses, enable Web applications including Google Maps, Jigsaw, LinkedIn, Zillow and others to display relevant real-time data in SalesLogix. Graphic controls enable “sparkline” snapshots of historical data, such as sales pipeline amount over time.
* Productivity improvements: An enhanced Web interface improves screen resizing and limits scrolling. The toolbar expands or collapses to obtain a desired data view. A new title bar indicates where a user is in the application, such as the accounts view. Users can also view data in multiple middle panes and associate attachments with specific activities.

Find all the features of SalesLogix 7.5 on www.sagecrmsolutions.com/whatsnewslx.

Softline Enterprise

Softline Enterprise is a leading supplier of business management solutions, delivering performance and Web capability that is essential for success in today's competitive business environment. Addressing finance, construction, distribution, manufacturing, services, retail requirements, CRM and e-business, the product offering also supports and consolidates activity across expanding business needs. Available on a wide range of operating systems and compatible with a host of industry leading databases, it gives mid-range and larger organisations the reliability and scalability required to keep ahead of competitors.

Softline Enterprise products are supported through a network of accredited partners which bring together the individual product and service components to deliver a complete and tailored solution.

Softline Enterprise products include:

Sage 1000 - a new, single business management software application designed to span operations across mid-sized businesses, integrating front office CRM and back office ERP systems. By sharing information between functional areas, businesses can enjoy greater efficiency, experience fewer errors from re-keying of data, and increase service levels by making it easier to give accurate, timely information from across the business to customers. Sage Line 500 - offering all the advantages of a traditional ERP solution, Sage Line 500 provides tight financial control with full visibility of costs and powerful reporting tools. In addition it includes an evaluation of market trends to assist customers to make informed strategic decisions. The product also manages cash flow through close budget control and efficient purchase requisitioning and supports international business with multi-language, multi-currency, multi-company features. It includes vertical solutions such as manufacturing, construction and retail.

Sage SalesLogix - an affordable, fully scaleable and powerful CRM solution that is easily customised for medium-sized and divisions of large corporate businesses. Sage SalesLogix is designed to integrate seamlessly with other business software and back office applications, providing businesses with a holistic view of each customer.

Sage X3 Enterprise - Sage X3 Enterprise covers all of the planning, operational and administrative functional areas required by mid-sized business, all integrated into a single enterprise solution. All functional areas are managed via one common database - updated on a real-time-basis - ensuring data integrity and accuracy while enabling all departments to share information efficiently.

Softline

Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions to small, medium-sized and large 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 Enterprise, Softline Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group's product offerings provide Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions. In November 2003, Softline was acquired by the Sage Group plc, 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-sized and large 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.

Sage

The Sage Group plc 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 and now employs over 14 800 people worldwide. For more information go to www.sage.co.uk.

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