Softline, the accounting and payroll software developer, has developed a new browser-based payroll application, which will extend the current range of payroll software offerings of its various group companies across the world.
"The Internet is becoming a de facto standard of normal business practice and the most effective delivery mechanism available, so deploying payroll over the Internet is the obvious next move for us." comments Steven Cohen, chief operating officer of Softline.
The new technology provides businesses the option and flexibility to manage their payroll in the way most suited to them, either on the Internet, a network or on a PC.
"We have taken a practical and realistic view of the Internet and how it integrates into daily business processes. This new technology will allow users to dynamically update and validate their payroll information on a field by field basis, in the same way as a traditional desktop application," adds Cohen. "This makes for much quicker processing without forcing the user to first download bits of software onto a PC before processing can begin."
"This is the first browser-based payroll offering for smaller and medium-sized businesses," adds Cohen. "For small business this means greater manageability of their payroll as employees will be able to update their personal data whenever and wherever, via the Internet. Employees in large organisations will be able to access HR and payroll information in their own time, thus simplifying and streamlining processes like leave applications, pay-slips and the updating of personal data."
The new option of online payroll will also benefit payroll bureaus as it will facilitate smoother and easier communication processes between the client and bureau.
Softline's new technology is built on a three-tier model, which includes Microsoft SQL server database technology, HTML and ASP-based application frameworks. This means that businesses will be able to install the product in a standalone environment, on their company network or through an application solution provider (ASP).
"This engine provides us with our first fully-fledged payroll ASP offering and the opportunity to deploy this technology to other Softline companies across the globe," adds Cohen. "The technology has been designed generically and will be integrated into all our payroll offerings in Australia, North America and SA.
Delivery of a tested ASP version of the software is expected in the second quarter of 2002. Pastel Software will be the first Softline group company to adopt the new technology, after which it will be introduced to other Softline companies around the globe.
"This is one of the many recent products developed by Softline research and development experts, that will leverage intellectual capital and expertise across the entire group," says Cohen. "Pastel users, who will be the first to migrate to the new software, will find it easy to use and integrate with their existing Pastel Payroll software."
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Softline (JSE: SFT) is a developer of accounting and payroll software applications. Operations provide accounting, payroll and e-commerce software and related services to small and mid-size businesses. Softline has a well-established market position in SA, Australia, the US and Canada. More than 335 000 businesses, encompassing approximately 5.2 million individual users, utilise its applications.
Research and development is core to Softline's business ensuring that Softline is able to further its position in an increasingly competitive global software environment. The group maintains sole ownership of its software, which is continuously being developed to deliver optimum functionality to the user. For more information about Softline and its operations, visit http://www.softline.co.za.
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