Scala Business Solutions is to add extensive native customer relationship management (CRM) capability to its flagship iScala ERPII platform.
Scala Africa CEO Shamik Sinha reveals that the company has signed a letter of intent with Microsoft Corporation to integrate its Business Solutions CRM software with the iScala Collaborative ERP system.
"While Scala has always offered businesses their choice of a CRM system through our integration engine, there has been strong demand for an integrated native offering. Because Microsoft is increasingly becoming a player in the midrange enterprise software market, it is a strategically sound decision for Scala to partner with the company," explains Sinha.
Both companies will work together on developing Microsoft CRM for commercial release by Scala as iScala CRM, a new product that Scala will offer to its global customers as part of an integrated solution for the enterprise.
With iScala CRM, Scala will leverage the capabilities of its ERP offering with functionality such as multi-currency capability, international tax calculations (VAT) and business intelligence to meet the needs of Scala's customers doing business in over 140 countries.
"As an integral component of the iScala ERP product, which can also integrate with other ERP systems, this will extend the capabilities and Web services architecture of the iScala platform," adds Sinha.
iScala CRM will allow Scala Africa to address growing demand for more business functionality from businesses across the continent and in the Indian Ocean islands, says Sinha. "We expect this new offering to appeal to many of our existing customers; Scala internationally anticipates iScala CRM to contribute an additional 20% to its annual revenue stream," he explains.
Scala also sees opportunities for broadening its reach in other markets and appealing to companies that desire an integrated enterprise offering but have been put off by the high cost of competing offerings. In addition, this new offering will enable the company to provide extended functionality in the vertical industries where the iScala product is especially strong, such as construction equipment, pharmaceuticals and food and beverage.
"This relationship with Scala allows us to broaden the market reach of Microsoft CRM across its strong customer base," says David Thacher, General Manager for Microsoft CRM with Microsoft Business Solutions. "Scala's considerable business solutions expertise is an excellent fit with the heritage we have at Microsoft Business Solutions, and we're excited about its ability to extend Microsoft CRM and deliver it to their ERP customers worldwide."
The enhanced relationship with Microsoft will enable Scala to fulfil its goal of providing an integrated ERP and CRM offering to its customers wherever they do business. As one of the few single-solution mid-market ERP vendors with proven worldwide experience and reach, Scala currently delivers its software and services in more than 30 languages in over 140 countries.
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Scala Business Solutions creates collaborative ERP software - integrating Internet technology and traditional ERP functionality - to make global business simple. With Scala, global companies can fully integrate all their ERP systems anywhere in the world, whether in a subsidiary, division or headquarters, and extending to their partners and suppliers. Scala's collaborative ERP software makes it possible for global companies to meet the requirements for advanced e-business as well as use a standard ERP product for managing traditional business processes. This enables them to gain measurable benefits from trading electronically, building a private exchange or global portal, or optimising the supply chain.
From offices in Europe, North America and the Far East, and through its network of partners and dealers, Scala delivers software and services that are available in over 30 languages in more than 140 countries. Scala is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: SCALA). 2002 revenue was USD 73.4 million (EUR 77.8 million).
Scala Africa
Scala Business Solutions is represented in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands by Scala Africa, which provides sales, consulting and implementation skills to a customer base of 70 companies in South Africa and a further 300 in the rest of Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Headquartered in Johannesburg and with offices in countries including Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, Scala Africa (Pty) Ltd., is a truly pan-African concern that offers integrated, collaborative ERP solutions to businesses across the continent.
Visit Scala's Web site at www.scala.co.za for press information including press releases, information and product information.
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