Where is the business software meltdown? This is the question being posed by leading UK accounts software provider Access Accounting Ltd, products marketed and supported in SA by Asyst International SA.
A leading UK-based IT Consultant Dennis Keeling is running seminars proclaiming that accounts software businesses are in a serious state of decline, yet Access Accounting is claiming record sales of its software over the past few months. While many software houses are allegedly going into a "maintenance only" mode, Access continues to release new products and features, all utilising the latest technology available.
"There has been no reduction in Access` R&D expenditure and there are no plans to do so," commented Access` Development Director, Richard Hibbler. "Over the last six months we have introduced a whole range of new features and our release plans for the next six months will bring even more business benefits to the users of Access."
In the last six months Access has launched:
-- A brand new entry-level product, FoundationsXP, which capitalises on Microsoft`s new Smart Tag technology;
-- Dimensions.NET which makes the flagship client/server software accessible to post transactions over the Internet using no more than a standard web browser;
-- A range of "add-ins" that puts Access Accounts on the Microsoft Office menu making the two-way exchange of data between accounts and Microsoft Office extremely easy; and
-- An upgrade utility that automates transferring data from DOS software into Access Accounts. Also, the Pegasus Opera upgrade utility was released in August and the Sage Line50/Line 100 upgrade utility is scheduled for imminent release.
In itself, this is ample evidence of Access` continuing commitment to, and investment in, R&D. Yet it is in addition to enhancements such as complying with BASDA e-BIS XML standards, adding seamless integration between Access Accounts and fax and e-mail, developing integration with Iris final accounts software and GoldMine CRM. In October, another new module will be announced providing Access users with the quickest access to executive information in an off-the-shelf solution.
"Undoubtedly Keeling is correct in his general analysis of the market and certainly the financial software industry is far more competitive today," commented Paul Marketos, MD of Asyst International SA. "There are a large number of software houses "reining in" their investments in development in order to control costs and keep their shareholders happy. Access is a private limited company and has always had a policy of re-investing all of its profits into R&D. They continue to add value to users` annual contracts and their resellers` businesses."
For further information, please contact Justine de Vos, Marketing Manager, Asyst International SA (Pty) Ltd: tel (011) 622-0112, fax (011) 622-0124, e-mail jdv@asyst.co.za
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Asyst International SA is a subsidiary of UK-based ASYST International, providing experienced Consultancy, specialising in the provision and improvement of Business Information Systems. Asyst International is an established expert in financial and business intelligence software systems, providing solutions to improve business efficiency, reduce operating costs and increase profits, and believes in a hands-on approach, from a tailored proposal, through to the best software design and systems configuration, to providing on-going training and support. It is also the sole distributor of Access Accounts in SA and Mauritius.
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