Reminder: Sage Maintenance Discounts Available For 2, 3, 5 Year Renewals
December 30, 2009
I received this notice yesterday from a client who received an offer from Sage to renew their MAS90 Basic Maintenance on a multi-year contract at a discount.
First noted in August, this promotion apparently is perpetual and continues to allow Sage users to obtain 5, 10 or 15% discounts on Basic Maintenance or Support renewals.
The stipulations we noted in our post on August 28:
1. Does not apply to individual support cases
2. Cannot use any payment plan (aka Easy Pay) to get the discount – must pay the whole amount in advance.
3. Can be used on either Basic of Basic plus Phone Support (prepaid plan).
Contact your Sage Business Partner for more information about how you can save with a multi-year Basic Maintenance renewal.
Sage MAS90 and MAS200 Multi-Year Maintenance Discounts
Data for company XXX will be converted to 4.40 after installing 2010 tax table updates
December 30, 2009
If you’re receiving a message about version 4.30 data being converted to 4.4 (which has not yet been released) after you’ve loaded the latest Sage tax table update (TTU) – it’s safe to ignore the message.
According to Sage this is a cautionary message and your data will only be updated for the latest tax table update and no conversion to 4.40 will occur.
The message occurs because during conversion the highest module level is shown (as stored in SY_Module.M4T) and the 2010 Tax Table Update is 4.40 – therefore producing the somewhat confusing “The data for company XXX will be converted to version 4.40″.
How to create fiscal years and calendar years in Sage MAS 90 and 200
December 30, 2009
Has this happened to you? You aren’t quite ready to close the year in MAS90 or MAS200 but you would like to start entering transactions in the next fiscal or calendar year.
In most situations you can enter future transactions without encountering problems either in General Ledger or another module (provided of course that you have allowed for this in your security preferences).
Where you may run into an issue is printing reports.
If you have not formally created the new fiscal year in MAS 90 or MAS 200′s General Ledger when you go to print a report for the future year you will be unable to select that period as it has yet to be create in the fiscal period file (even though there are transactions posted against it).
The solution?
A. Close the year in MAS 90 General Ledger
or (more likely solution)
B. Create the fiscal period in General Ledger – Setup – Fiscal Year Maintenance by entering in the new fiscal year. Allow MAS 90 or MAS 200 to populate the periods and accept the new year.
Now you will be able to select that year as an option in report printing.
How to create fiscal and calendar years (Sage)
FRX Not Being Updated for 64 Bit OS Compatibility in SP 11
December 29, 2009
I’m unsure whether the feedback on FRX Buzz indicates that FRX will never be updated for a 64 bit OS (that’s my guess) or whether that compatibility just won’t appear in service update 11.
According to a post on FRxBuzz.com the service pack 11 for FRX has been released with these highlights:
Windows 2008 and Windows 7 support
FRX WebPort support for Windows 2008 and Windows 7
NO Office 2010 support (this cycle) – however unofficial limited testing seems to indicate it works with FRX.
64-bit version of Windows will not be supported. Instead customers must make use of Virtual Machines (a kludgy workaround).
Read the full post at FRxBuzz
Via: Bottomline Software, Inc. – Jeff Schwenk
Service Update 17 for MAS 90 and 200 v4.3 Breaks Printing of 2009 W2 Forms
December 29, 2009
We’ve just received a hot tip from consultant Myron Stevenson who experienced a W2 printing issue after applying Service Update 17 to MAS 90 or MAS 200 version 4.3. [UPDATE: Read below for fix ]
He say’s that if you apply service update 17 for MAS 90 and MAS200 version 4.3 that the W2 form printing for breaks printing of 941. Appears the Data Dictionary loses the Cobra fields. Sage is working on a high priority fix. For the time being hold off on applying Service Update 17.
Update: This appears to be a fix for the issue – PR4030-T – downloading the 2009 941 update will correct the issue. You do not have to rename any files just download and install the PR4030-T to the MAS 90 directory.
PROGRAM ISSUE
“Crystal print error: Error in …\MAS90\Reports\###-###\PR941A.rpt. Failed to open a rowset”, occurs when printing 941 form after installing service update 17 for version 4.30 in Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200.
Entry Type: Program Issue
Product: Sage MAS 90 ERP, Sage MAS 200 ERP
Application: Payroll
Version Reported: 4.30.0.17
Status:
For current information on this issue, please click the Engineering Status link above. To record the occurrence of this issue, respond Yes to the question, “Did this answer help you?”
Subject:
“Crystal print error: Error in …\MAS90\Reports\###-###\PR941A.rpt. Failed to open a rowset”, occurs when printing 941 form after installing service update 17 for version 4.30 in Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200.
Steps to Duplicate:
In ABC company:
1. Install service update 17 for version 4.30 (v 4.30.0.17)
2. Expand Payroll, Period End and double click Quarterly 941 Printing.
3. Click on print or preview
Expected Behavior:
941 form should print without error.
Possible Workaround:
Reinstall PR4030-t.
Service Update 17 for Sage MAS 90 and 200 4.30 (4.30.17) released 12/24/09
December 29, 2009
Sage issued Service Update 17 for MAS 90 and MAS 200 on Christmas Eve. This new update for version 4.3 includes fixes for the 1099 Electronic Reporting module required by IRS Publication 1220.
Service Updates are cumulative fixes which do not rely upon prior updates being installed. Be sure that you consider any existing enhancements that are installed on your system PRIOR to installing these updates (Review our list of MAS90 Extended Solutions that need to be upgraded when you load Service Update 17). In certain instances installing a service update may “break” custom programming so please use caution when installing over any enhancements and always check with your Sage Business Partner prior to installing updates such as this.
Users of earlier versions of Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 will need to download the Interim Release Disk (IRD) in order to resolve any last minute payroll issues as there has not been an updated service update for any release earlier than 4.3.
Payroll Updates
New In Service Update 4.30.0.17
New local Aatrix Tax Types have been added.
A Direct Deposit stubs no longer prints when employee is setup for Electronic Delivery.
Employee W2 Box 14 amounts automatically populate when using eFiling & Reporting. Note:
Before printing W-2 forms, ensure that the desired description appears in the Box 14 column in the State/Federal eFiling and Reporting W2/1099 Preparer window.
In W2 Form Printing a new field FLI Private Plan No. has been added and only available when the State Data check box is selected.
A line for the FLI Private Plan No and Description has been added to the W2 Form Detail for W2 Form Types Laser 2 per page, Single Wide and Laser 4 per page.
NOTE: The FLI private plan number prints only for the state of New Jersey.
Note: If the new the new FLI Private Plan No line is not present on the W2 Form Detail select:
File/Run
Type in SYZCON
Type in run “PRWX04″
Click Yes to Prompt to add the Family Leave Insurance to the W2 forms.
2009 W2 and other End of Year changes (2009 IRD) are incorporated into this release.
Bill of Materials Updates
New In Service Update 4.30.0.17
The Inventory Merge Utility will now abort the merge when the items are a parent item for a Bill of Material.
If a item merge has been performed before this service update, there is also included a new utility to remove duplicate components when BM Options Allow Duplicate Components = No.
Before running tne utility, use Library Master Analyze and Relink for the BM Detail table and then Rebuild Sorts for Bill of Materials.
To run the utility, in MAS90/200, choose File/Run and type *Utl. Choose from the list the BM – Duplicate Component Fix.
Note: Once the Utility has been removed the duplicate components, Analyze and Relink and
Rebuild Sorts must run again.
Inventory Management Updates
New In Service Update 4.30.0.17
In Delete/Renumber/Merge, the Extended Description check box can now be selected.
Material Requirements Planning Updates
New In Service Update 4.30.0.17
The Maximum On Hand quantity is now recognized when the Reorder Method is set toMaximum Stock Level.
DE 88148 PER 106412 Resolution ID 509113
The MRP report will now calculate the Projected On Hand column when a work order is created for the component item on a bill instead of the parent item.
DE 89842 PER 107812 Resolution ID 515127
Auto Generate Work Orders no longer creates a Qty Chg Action for Firm Planned Work Orders (created for Sales Order) every time MRP Generation is run.
DE 89464 PER 107508 Resolution ID 513797
Phantom Component with non-integer units of measure no longer round required quantities resulting from yield calculations.
DE 89056 PER 107483
Magnetic Media aka Electronic Reporting Updates
New In Service Update 4.30.0.17
1099 Electronic Reporting has been modified according to the IRS Publication 1220.
Service Update 17 for MAS90 and MAS200 Version 4.30 and List of MAS90 Extended Solutions requiring upgrade prior to applying Service Update 17
Image via Flickr
Sue Swenson CEO of Sage To Keynote UC Irvine Distinguished Speaker Series January 21, 2010
December 26, 2009
Sue Swenson, CEO of Sage North America, will keynote a session at The Paul Merage School of Business – University of California Irvine on January 21, 2010 at 6:30 pm.
Sue Swenson is President and CEO of Sage North America, part of the Sage Group plc.
She has over 20 years’ experience in both the fixed line and wireless telecommunications industry and almost 10 years in start-up companies where she managed periods of rapid growth and industry change. She spent part of her career with Pacific Telesis (Pacific Bell) where she held a number of senior management positions in all parts of the business and was the President and Chief Operating Officer of PacTel Cellular (which became AirTouch Communications). She subsequently became President & CEO of Cellular One, the mobile telephone joint venture with Vodafone AirTouch and AT&T Wireless, followed by positions as Chief Operating Officer with Leap Wireless International and T-Mobile (Deutsche Telecom). She was most recently Chief Operating Officer of New Motion, Inc. (now Atrinsic, Inc.), one of the largest digital media entertainment content providers.
Ms Swenson previously sat on the Board of T–Mobile International and currently serves on the Board of Wells Fargo. Ms Swenson is a member of Sage’s Executive Management Committee.
The Distinguished Speaker Series brings together executives from different industries to share leadership perspectives, ethical frameworks, decision making processes and insights.
The event draws approximately 350 corporate professionals, community leaders, MBA students, faculty members and campus staff.
Tickets are $50 per event. UCI Students and Employees are free (proper identification and secret University handshake knowledge required).
Business attire is required. For more information call Shaheen Husain at 949-824-7311.
UC Irvine Distinguished Speakers 2009 – 2010
Sage IRD 2009 for MAS90/MAS200 Re-Released to Fix W-2 Form Glitch
December 25, 2009
Sage has just re-released their IRD for 2009 which is a patch file users load to make minor changes to their form printing at year end in lieu of a full system upgrade.
Apparently the IRD that was first issued caused the W-2 boxes for:
- Social Security Number
- Control Number
- Voice Indicator
To be incorrectly printed on the W-2 2009 forms. You only need update your system if you previously downloaded and applied the 2009 IRD that was previously available.
Sage has also posted a workaround for manually completing the changes in the W-2 layout.
Visit the Sage Online site to download the 12/23/09 IRD or view RES ID 518461 which has instructions on manually fixing the W-2 layout
MAS90 and MAS200 Payroll Tax Withholding Tables Updated 12/23/09
December 25, 2009
Sage has issued another update for their MAS90 and MAS200 payroll tax tables. This update is dated 12/23/09 and contains tables effective for payroll checks dated in 2010.
The primary changes appear to be the addition of state taxes for Kentucky, Oklahoma and Virgin Islands.
As with all tax table changes we strongly recommend that you manually calculate that the withholding is proper on the first check run (2010 New IRS Withholding Rates – Circular E) . We further recommend that any changes to deductions also be calculated and that the proper taxability (before tax / after tax) be verified with your tax professional.
Below is a list of the latest changes that Sage made to the 12/23/09 payroll tax tables. You may obtain a copy of the tables for Sage MAS90 or MAS 200 (including Extended Enterprise Suite aka EES) versions 3.71+ by logging into Sage and downloading the Sage Payroll Tax Tables.
Extended Solutions Preferred Development Partner List
December 23, 2009
Sage MAS 90 and 200 Development Partners are an important member of the Sage partner community, providing valued specialized solutions for Sage MAS 90 and 200 ERP customers.
The library of over 1000 Sage MAS 90 and 200 Extended Solutions titles have been made available to Sage Development Partners so that they can apply their expertise and provide Sage MAS 90 and 200 customers the specialized solutions that they need. The Sage MAS 90 and 200 Development Partners shown below have expressed interest in the Extended Solutions business, and have made a commitment to provide Extended Solutions customers with a high standard of service.
If you are not already working with a Sage Development Partner, please consider one of these Development Partners.
IRS Releases Tax Tables for 2010 – Circular E (Publication 15)
December 22, 2009
The IRS just released their Publication 15 (Circular E) Employer’s Tax Guide dated December 17, 2009. [UPDATE: We've updated the guide for an IRS revision dated January 8, 2010 ] This free download contains important payroll tax due dates, reminders, forms instructions as well as supplemental wage rates.
UPDATE January 11, 2011: The 2011 IRS Government Tax Tables are now available on the IRS Site — more information including link to download Sage ERP MAS 90 and MAS 200 tax tables for 2011. Remember to first check with your tax adviser before implementing any changes and to verify you are using the proper rates for the year which you are processing payroll.
Also included are the complete income tax withholding tables for 2010 as well both percentage and bracket method withholding rates.
This guide is especially handy for anyone wanting to calculate the first payroll run taxes to verify their accounting software tax table updates are working properly.
Important Note: Always verify that you have the latest tax tables by visiting the IRS.GOV site. While we strive to present the most current tables and publications we advise you check with your tax advisor and/or the IRS site for the latest updates.
Schulz Consulting LLC is not in the business of providing tax or accounting services. Contact your tax or accounting professional prior to implementing any changes. Always verify that you are using the most current tax tables.
Wayne Schulz Named 2009 Sage Spirit Award Winner
December 18, 2009
When Paul Johnson (Executive Vice President – Sage Business Solutions) called me late last night my first instinct was to check the Schulz Consulting web site.
Usually when I get calls from executives at odd hours of the day (or weekend) it’s to “point out” something on the site that I’ve written earlier in the week. The conversation starts out with admiration for “that little blog you run” and the “support for those who blog”.
And oh, by the way, could you remove that item about __.
This happens about once per quarter, and truthfully except for that little mis-understanding about Sage MAS 200 SQL, Sage doesn’t call that much. It’s usually other publishers or consultants who catch their name in a Google Keyword Alert and confuse the term blog with free advertisement.
I quickly scanned for potential issues on the web site. Except for an innocent announcement about MAS90 payroll tax tables there didn’t seem to be anything that would warrant a late night call.
So I call Paul Johnson back.
I’m braced for questions about something on the site – though I’m unsure exactly what questions there could be.
Surprisingly I learned that I’d been awarded one of the two Sage Spirit Awards. This is a new award category that Sage created this year. It’s meant to honor those who don’t sell bazillions of dollars worth of Sage product but who perhaps still should be recognized at the annual Sage President Circle.
Paul was calling to tell me I was one of the winners. (I guess that stuff on TV where people show up with a big check on your doorstep and a bouquet of balloons isn’t how it all happens in real life).
Out of 140 people nominated (I did not nominate myself -honest), the Sage team narrowed the selection to two Sage Spirit Award Winners.
While admittedly stunned I’m thankful and grateful for the award.
The presentation is January 25-27 in Arizona where I’ll presumably take the stage wedged between the men and women who’ve sold millions and millions of dollars of Sage Software and I’ll gladly accept the Sage Spirit Award.
I can’t wait to give my acceptance speech.
ISM and 7 Others Named Sage Preferred Development Partners
December 16, 2009
Angela Goldsmith from Information Systems Management (ISM) just emailed to let me know that their consulting firm, ISM, has been named a Sage Preferred Development Partner. These are partners that Sage is recommending for upgrading Extended Solutions that have not been incorporated to versions 4.4+ of their MAS 90 or MAS 200 software.
A Preferred Development Partner is a firm that has gone through the application process and have 15 positive references on their Providex programming work. They must have 5 partner and 10 client references that Sage checks. If the development partner is already a Gold or Endorsed Partner they get to skip the reference check and are considered a preferred development partner.
The idea behind Preferred Development Partners was that some ISVs might want to help their own customers upgrade their solutions but might not want to be in the general business of supporting & upgrading the ES titles for the Business Partners in general.
ISM is a developer for Sage and one of the leaders in the community with respect to the eBusiness Module. Based in Oregon they work with Sage MAS90, MAS200, MAS500, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft CRM.
Newly added Sage Preferred Developers:
Exeplex – http://www.exeplex.com
ISM – http://www.goism.com
Steward Consulting – http://www.stewardconsulting.com
Accounting Systems – http://www.asifocus.com
xKZero – http://www.xkzero.com
Midwest Commerce – http://www.mcsresults.com
TAIRAQ Systems – http://www.tairaq.com
Innovative Consulting Systems – http://www.innovativeconsultingservices.net
Via: ISM – Information Systems Management- Portland Oregon
MAS90 & MAS200 2009 IRD Available – Updates Electronic Reporting
December 16, 2009
Sage have just issued their MAS90 & MAS200 2009 IRD (Interim Release Disk) which updates their software for:
1099 layout changes for Electronic Reporting (formerly Magnetic Media)
Enables printing of W2s for New Jersey Family Leave Insurance Disability Insurance Private Plan Number
Read the full MAS 90 Year End FAQ below:
Download the 2009 MAS90 IRD
MAS90 & MAS200 Tax Table Update for 2010 Available Now
December 16, 2009
The Sage MAS90 & MAS200 Tax Table Update is now available for download.
The update can be used on the following MAS 90 and MAS 200 accounting software versions: 3.71, 3.72, 3.73, 3.74, 4.00, 4.05, 4.10, 4.20, 4.30 and Sage Extended Enterprise Suite for MAS90 and MAS200 Versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.
This initial tax table update (always check to be sure you’re using the latest version since Sage will issue new tables as the state or federal government issues updates) presents the changes for federal withholding tax tables as well as the following states:
Alaska
California
Delaware
Florida
Hawaii
Iowa
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Louisiana
Maryland
Maine
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
North Carolina
North Dakota
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Nevada
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Utah
Vermont
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Tax tables must be downloaded from the Sage Software Site (none are sent on CD or Disk) and only those customers current on a Sage Basic Maintenance plan have access to the download area.
If you are not active on a Sage plan and need to update tables this can still be done manually since Sage does not lock down the access to the table maintenance.
Here is a detailed list of what’s been updated in the latest tax table dated 12/11/2009:
Link: MAS90 & MAS200 Payroll Tax Table Update – 2010
Sage Holiday Card Game
December 15, 2009
Sage has come out with a pretty interesting holiday card. Rather than the boring static “Happy Holidays” their card is an online game that allows you to waste a few hours catch snowflakes and stars to earn points.
No prizes – just good fun. Next year maybe we can convince them to issue a competitive game where score is kept and prizes awarded.
Sage Holiday Card 2009 (Catch The Falling Snowflake Game)
QuickBooks Payroll Alive And Well
December 14, 2009
This morning I received a somewhat confusing email from my local Paychex representative. The subject line of “QuickBooks May Be Discontinued” caught my attention.
There was no message in the body of the email, however, attached was a graphic (see below) that stated QuickPayroll was being discontinued.
Sensing that something wasn’t right and that there’s no way that QuickBooks was going to be discontinued I contacted Intuit for their feedback.
As it turns out the notification, sent by my local Paychex representative, was only partially correct.
QuickBooks Payroll is not being phased out.
An older low-end version product called QuickPayroll is being discontinued in favor of any of Intuit’s other three payroll processing options.
With over 1.2 million payroll customers there’s a slim chance that Intuit’s going to turn their back on the payroll market. In July of 2009 Intuit actually increased their presence in the payroll market with a $170 million acquisition of Paycycle which also brought 85,000 additional small business payrolls under their arm.
Here is Intuit’s response:
Discontinuation of QuickPayroll
As of December 31, 2009, Intuit will discontinue its stand-alone QuickPayroll, a very basic payroll service that did not require the use of QuickBooks. We have notified the QuickPayroll customers (http://payroll.intuit.com/support/kb/kbitem/1012532.html) and have provided them with two offerings so that customers can continue their payroll services with Intuit. With its advertising,
- QuickBooks Basic and Enhanced Payroll – payroll services that link to QuickBooks desktop
- Intuit QuickBooks Assisted Payroll – payroll service in which Intuit handles the tax forms and payments; payroll integrates with QuickBooks desktop
- Intuit Online Payroll – cloud-computing payroll service that runs stand-alone or integrates with QuickBooks desktop and QuickBooks Online.
So rest assured that QuickBooks and QuickBooks Payroll are both alive and well. While we don’t offer services on the Intuit product we wanted to provide this update for any users who might have received the same type of email with mis-information about the status of QuickBooks Payroll.
A full comparison of each option:
http://payroll.intuit.com/compare/compare-quickbooks-payroll.jsp
MAS90 and MAS200 Year End FAQ – 2009
December 11, 2009
Sage have just posted their annual MAS 90 and MAS 200 Year End Frequently Asked Questions guide. This 6 page report outlines the date when an IRD (Interim Release Disk) will be available (12/18) as well as the day you’ll be able to go online to download next years’ tax table update (aka TTU – 12/14/09).
If you use the Payroll module you can install the Q1 2010 TTU and 2009 IRD with Sage MAS 90 or 200, versions 3.71, 4.0, 4.05, 4.10, 4.2 and 4.3, and with Sage MAS 200 for SQL versions 3.71, 3.72, 3.73 and 3.74.
One interesting note from the FAQ – The Federal W-3 is not required to be printed on the official form. Sage incorporated an approved substitute that can be printed on plain paper with an inkjet or laser printer. It should not be printed in Red. You can identify the approved form by looking for the numbers 0000/1048 under “year” on the form.
Sage MAS 90 and 200 ERP 2009 Year End FAQs
Payroll Tax Table Update, Electronic Reporting, & Accounts Payable
Revised December 7, 2009
MAS90 and MAS200 Year End 2009 Payroll Tax News
December 11, 2009
MAS90 and MAS200 Year End News (aka No news Is Good News)
Here’s the latest on changes for your 2009 FYE
Sage MAS 90 and 200 Year-End Updates
Sage MAS 90 and 200, 2009 year-end changes are limited to the 1099 portion of Electronic Reporting (formerly Magnetic Media Reporting) and form printing of W2s for New Jersey Family Leave Insurance Disability Insurance Private Plan Numbers.
When using Sage MAS 90 and 200 version 4.3 Federal and State eFiling and Reporting, you will no longer need to apply the IRD for 1099 or W2 printing, or Electronic Reporting. However, you will still need to download and install the Q1 2010 Tax Table Update.
We expect that on December 18 you will be able to access Federal and State eFiling and Reporting within the Payroll module to update W-2s or 1099s, and for updates to 1099s from the Accounts Payable module. Simply accessing eFiling and Reporting within Sage MAS 90 and 200 will prompt you to apply the online automated update.
Sage Summit and Insights Conferences Combined Starting 2011
December 10, 2009
Sage North America have just announced that their annual business partner conference (Insights) will occur just before their annual customer conference (Summit) beginning with the combining of the two conferences in July 2011 at the Gaylord Convention Center in Washington DC.
As both conferences merge, the new name going forward will be Sage Summit.
Sage Summit 2011 will be held July 10 – 15, 2011 at the Gaylord National in Washington, D.C. Partner focused tracks will be held July 10 – 13, and customer tracks will be conducted July 13 – 15.
The final Sage Insights conference will be held this May in Denver, CO.
Full Press Release From Sage:
Sage Summit, our annual North America customer conference, wrapped up a month ago in Atlanta and was a hit with customers. For the first time all parts of our business participated: Sage Business Solutions, Sage Payment Solutions, and our healthcare customers.
Many customers and partners have been asking what our plan is for the next Sage Summit. I’m happy to tell you that planning for the next Summit is already well underway, and we’re making changes to add even more value to our customers. We’re also shifting the event to July, which customers tell us works better for their business cycles. For the first time, we’re also linking Insights, our business partner conference, to Summit to create even more opportunity for our entire business community to work together.
To support those changes, our final standalone Insights partner conference will occur in May 2010 in Denver. Our first combined Sage Summit will be held July 10-15, 2011, at the Gaylord National in Washington, D.C., with partner-focused tracks July 10-13, and customer tracks July 13-15.
Between now and the first combined Summit, Sage will continue to help our customers learn and network through our support of customer communities, our participation in local customer events, and our emphasis on learning through Sage University. Summit, and all of these other opportunities we’re building to support our customers, continues our commitment to delivering a great customer experience.
Thanks again for all you do to deliver a great experience for our customers. I look forward to your support in making our next Summit a tremendous success.
MAS90 and MAS200 4.4 Pre-Release Guide
December 10, 2009
Have you been unable to sleep at night wondering exactly what Sage will put into MAS90 and MAS200 version 4.4 when it officially appears in the first quarter of 2010?
While I can’t guarantee that every single feature listed will make it to the final release, I can give you some light reading (40 pages worth) that should help you sleep better.
This Pre-Release Guide for MAS90 and MAS200 4.4 has lots of screen shots and information on what to expect in the new release.
MAS90 Upgrade: A Guaranteed Failure Action Plan
December 9, 2009
You know how a picture is supposed to be worth a thousand words? To this existing user it’s worth only about half that. Someone in the company has posted a bid request to find a “an expert in Sage MAS 90 accounting system who can help us migrate from version 3.71 to version 4.30. Only MAS 90 experts need apply. Need to get this done urgently. ”
Please, only experts (with billing rates equal to half of minimum wage) should apply.
Click the image below – and please don’t let this disaster in the making happen to you…
tx to Mark Chinsky – Clients First Business Solutions – a New Jersey MAS90 Consultant who won’t be bidding
Sage Extended Solutions Original Site Link
December 8, 2009
Many of the original Sage Software Extended Solutions have been incorporated into the later 4.4 (and higher) releases of MAS90 and MAS200. However if you’d like to access the old catalog, for example to download a manual or reference some other data, do you know the link to use?
Sage have just posted their entire legacy catalog which can be accessed at Sage Extended Solutions Catalog.
via Brett Zimmerman – The Fitzgerald Group
MAS90 Version 4.4 Pre-Release Guide
December 6, 2009
Sage Software have just released their “Version 4.4 Pre-Release Guide” to MAS 90 and MAS 200.
The document contains the latest expected features and outlines the overall enhancements to the version 4.4 release of Sage MAS 90 & M AS200 which is expected to ship in the first calendar quarter of 2010.
Among the highlights:
- New direct “suggest a feature” – spot something you’d like to see added into MAS 90? Send a suggestion directly to Sage.
- Customer number expands From 7 to 20 characters
- Inventory item numbers expand from 15 to 30 characters
- Batch entry for inventory transactions
- Batch entry for purchase order receipts, returns and issues
- Parallel data migration
- Act Link retired suspended
- Data migrator retired in favor of Sage’s conversion service for QuickBooks, and Visual Integrator for all other conversions (BusinessWorks, Peachtree)
The Extended Solutions shown below will be rendered obsolete by the new features and functionality of the 4.4 release, and therefore retired.
More from the Sage
Focusing on workflow and business processes, the 4.4 release will apply the power of the Business FrameworkTM standards to Purchase Order, Inventory Management, Bill of Materials, and Bar Code.
These add to the modules already in the Business Framework: General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Sales Order, Return Merchandise Authorization, and Bank Reconciliation.
The Business Framework also provides many usability features that will allow an easy upgrade to new releases and will lower customers’ TCO by providing simple tools they can use to create and modify existing reports, and add user defined fields.
The Business Framework also provides the functionality for features and functionality such as: Business Insight Explorer, Memo Manager, wizard-based report creation, personalized data grids, and maintenance task hyperlinks. Following 4.4, our next Sage MAS 90 and 200 release will focus on adding features and functionality throughout the system, in some cases incorporating many of the features from popular Extended Solutions titles.
Version 4.4 will continue to build on the vast number of predefined Business Insights Explorer (BIE) views that are shipped in Sage MAS 90 and 200, and provided to every customer.
Our powerful ad-hoc reporting tool will continue to provide visibility into every customers business; additional BIE views will include Item Quantities by Warehouse View, Vendor History Purchases View, Open PO by Vendor Name View, Bill of Materials View and Component Where-used View. Quick-click charts, introduced in 4.3, and related tasks will also be available for the new views. The PO views will include drop ship information for more visibility into the details of that business process.
Parallel Migration will provide the ability to migrate from previous versions of Sage MAS 90 or 200 (version 3.71, 4.0, 4.05, 4.10, 4.2 or 4.3), to version 4.4 with more freedom and control over the upgrade process, and remove some of the time constraints previously experienced. While continuing normal business operations on the current software installations, customers will be able to work with their Business Partner to begin their upgrade by installing the new software in a separate (parallel) location on the same server or on a different server.
On this second location, the new system can be prepared and tested until it is ready to be adopted by the customer’s business. When ready, the current operational data is re-migrated to the new system. Customers may reduce the overall cost of their upgrades by minimizing the impact on their business and the amount of time that their system is down, especially since the entire upgrade will not need to occur outside of normal business hours. Built-in pre-migration utilities will be included to prepare data prior to the upgrade and migration.
Sage MAS 90 and 200 Extended Solutions Preferred Development Partners
December 6, 2009
As you may already know Sage have announced the future of their Extended Solutions catalog will fall into one of two categories:
1. Extended Solutions incorporated to future releases
2. Extended Solutions with source code made available to Preferred Development Partners
Preferred Development Partners are those taught the secret handshake and certified by Sage and trusted with the source code for Extended Solutions.
The image below will display in full size when you click it.
The developers that are listed above can assist with upgrading your existing Extended Solutions (meaning those which were not chosen to be incorporated to version 4.4).
UPDATE: Sage has added more developer names to their list. We’ve posted the additional Preferred Development Partner names and web sites here.
Each individual developer will quote their own fee for this upgrade. In some instances the developers may have comparable enhancements to offer in lieu of upgrading the Extended Solutions that you’re using.
Verizon Droid and Eris Buy One Get One Free This Weekend
December 3, 2009
If you are in the market for a new smartphone keep an eye on your local Verizon store this weekend (December 4 to December 7). If rumors are true they’ll be having a BOGO (aka Buy One Get One Free) sale that will allow anyone purchasing either the Droid or Eris to also get a free device.
Update: The BOGO offer is only allowing a free Droid Eris and not a buy one Droid and get one Droid – you can only buy a Droid and get an Eris free.
Naturally they expect you to enter into a 2 year service agreement for each line. And data costs add $30 per smartphone to any family plan.
Still, this is not a bad overall deal. Presently the Verizon stores sell the Droid for $299 less a $100 rebate and the Eris is $199 less a $100 rebate.
Droid and Eris Buy One Get One
Sage Announces 2009 Earnings
December 2, 2009
The numbers are just arriving overnight from UK and it’s really tough to tell whether they mean a heck of a lot given this crappy economy.
The US had a 10% revenue decline (net earnings seem ok and have been kept afloat via cost cuts) with a 20% EBITA.
Most interesting is the commentary in Sage’s regulatory filing which indicates they’ll be going after the support area with renewed vigor. This is something VARS who’d been paying attention already figured out in August when Sage appeared to outsource nearly their entire maintenance and support area.
The company taking over the North America support and renewal effort, ServiceSource, appears by their web site to be largely a commission based services (support/maintenance) renewal company raising speculation from multiple partners that Sage’s renewal efforts could become increasingly aggressive.
Since most VARS make the lions share of their money from service and support, any move by a vendor to cut off this revenue stream would likely not be greeted with open arms by the VAR consulting channel.
My read on this (between the lines) is that we will see Sage re-doubling their efforts almost immediately to sign users to added telephone support agreements in addition to software maintenance agreements.
Personally I think that’s a tougher road for Sage US to travel as their marketing of support puts them directly into competition with their channel.
I LOVE the part about re-invigorating the channel….selling support against them certainly would do that!
Here’s the wording from the Sage UK site:
http://www.investors.sage.com/news/regulatory_announcements/?id=55685
North America
Total revenues in North America contracted 10%* to £576.4m (2008: £637.3m*), reflecting the difficult economic conditions. Organic revenue contracted 8%*. Organic subscription revenues declined 2%*, while organic software and software-related services revenues declined 23%*.
Phase 1 of the changes to our North American business has been successfully completed with the new management team in place and an appropriate reduction of the cost base. Operational improvements planned in Phase 2 are underway including reinvigoration of the channel, growth in premium support offers and several product launches. We are making good progress in these areas and have seen increases in customer satisfaction scores across our product lines.
Sage North America is organised into 3 divisions, Sage Business Solutions Division (“SBS”), Sage Payment Solutions Division and Sage Healthcare Division. SBS declined organically 11%*, the downturn particularly impacting our mid-market accounting products, CRM products and Sage Timberline Office which serves the construction industry. Our entry-level accounting products (Peachtree and Simply) delivered resilient performances with continued growth of Peachtree Quantum. Non-Profit Solutions performed well in the challenging market conditions and grew modestly. Sage Payment Solutions Division saw a 15% increase in the number of merchants served but lower volume per merchant leading to a fall in revenue of 4%*. Payments revenue from cross-sell to our existing customers grew, from a small base, by over 100%* in the year and we regard this as a substantial future opportunity for Sage.
Sage Healthcare Division has improved its EBITA† margin in the year to 17% (2008: 8%*). We have improved customer service levels and so reduced customer losses in our Medical Manager base. Although Healthcare revenues declined overall by 5%*, revenue from the Intergy product line, including Electronic Health Records (“EHR”) capability, grew by 13%* to £71.2m. Intergy, with its accredited, market-leading EHR solution, is well positioned to benefit from incentives within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the adoption of EHR.
The EBITA† margin of Sage North America, including restructuring charges of £10.7m incurred in the year, was 18% (2008:18%*). Excluding restructuring charges, it was 20%.
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