For 25 years, the name Accpac has been synonymous with the highest quality ERP and accounting software. With its acquisition by Sage, the Softline Accpac has expanded and extended its product range of Accpac and Accpac CRM to include Sage's other global products, namely Sage ERP X3 and Sage SalesLogix, proving Accpac's understanding of the markets it serves.
At the recent Insights Conference, hosting 280 partners at the Champagne Sports Resort, in the Drakensberg, Softline Accpac treated its channel to an international panel of speakers, highlighting the legacy of excellence the company is continuing into its third decade.
According to Jeremy Waterman, MD of Softline Accpac, the company remains ideally positioned to continue servicing the unique requirements of the mid-market. “We have proven our understanding of the complexities of the mid-market for over two decades, and are continually innovating to ensure that we remain appreciative of our customers' needs. That this is no idle boast is evidenced by the fact that we grew our revenue and product footprint last year - a year that proved itself exceptionally difficult for software vendors worldwide.”
This message was underscored by many of the international speakers, who referenced Accpac's success in South Africa and on the continent. Scott Zandbergen, VP of product management for mid-market ERP in North America, reiterated the company's strong focus on understanding the global marketplace, adding that Sage holds the number one position worldwide, partly as a result of its “global reach, local expertise” approach. “We have customers for life,” he says, “because we are market-driven, and because we are able to grow and scale along with the businesses we serve.”
The rollout of Sage Accpac's version 6 over the next 18 months, a technology update that will leapfrog Accpac from the desktop world to the Internet, Web-based world, emphasises Accpac's commitment to remaining the “future of better business”. Lorcan Malone, general manager, Sage CRM, emphasised the company's commitment to integration excellence with Sage's global ERP products in the imminent release of Sage CRM version 7.0.
The annual conference was also the springboard for the launch of Sage ERP X3 version 6 by Emmanuel Obadia, Senior Vice-President of Sage ERP X3. “The timing of the Africa Insights conference was particularly good because Sage France had only in January 2010 presented the global launch of Sage ERP X3,” says Waterman.
In educating the partners about the benefits of the company's latest release, Obadia further underscored the global footprint that Sage can leverage. “Recognising that the needs of customers are changing, with an increasing demand for solutions to manage businesses on a global basis, Sage has created an international team to support the development of the Sage ERP X3 business,” he says. “This team includes key people from Sage's worldwide businesses, bringing together Sage's local expertise and global resources to ensure Sage ERP X3 is highly relevant to today's customers. The team will work closely with Sage's local operations to ensure the product is complementary to Accpac and includes international pre-sales and professional services, training, global R&D and global marketing and communications.”
The creation of the global organisation is another way the company is focusing on its customers' needs, featuring representatives from around the world. “Our biggest strength is our ability to provide expertise and people who really understand their business. Our local knowledge sets us apart, and leveraging our global strength will ensure we will continue to provide user-centric products to our partners and customers,” Waterman concludes.
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Softline Accpac
Softline Accpac is a provider of business management solutions, including financial, distribution, service management, retail, warehouse management, manufacturing and CRM to the mid-range market. Accpac solutions are delivered to 130 countries exclusively through a global network of solution providers, including over 150 throughout Africa. Softline Accpac's product line includes: Accpac ERP, Accpac CRM, Accpac RMS, Service Manager and Accpac Insight. Softline Accpac also distributes Sage SalesLogix, Sage Geode and Sage ERP X3, a full-service enterprise management software system for mid-to-large businesses. With a choice of languages, currencies, enterprises, locations and legislations, Sage ERP X3 offers an efficient, multi-company solution.
Softline
Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions to small, medium and large sized 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 Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group's product offerings provides 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 and large sized 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.
The Sage Group
The Sage Group 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. Sage has 6.1 million customers and more than 13 400 employees worldwide. We operate in over 24 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information please visit http://www.sage.com.
Sage ERP X3
Sage ERP X3 is a solution designed specifically for midsize and large businesses. With over 2 300 customers worldwide, Sage ERP X3 is a mature solution specifically targeted at companies with 50 to 2 000 employees working in the fields of manufacturing, services and distribution. Sage ERP X3, which is based on the SAFE X3 (Sage Application Framework for the Enterprise) development and integration platform, common to the other Sage solutions (CRM, FRP, WMS, HR), enables automation of business processes and skills specificities, in compliance with legal and normative aspects. This modular and preconfigured powerful solution allows for advanced customisations and embeds several interactive Sage visual processes (TM). Sage ERP X3 is a solution that is easy to use, fast to implement and cost effective.
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