Sage Insights Conference Twitter List – 2010
March 31, 2010
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Are you attending the Sage Software Insights Conference in Denver May 17-20, 2010?
Insights is Sage’s annual conference for resellers and consultants (Accountants can attend Sage Insights 2010 too) , This three day event features technical sessions, keynote addresses and plenty of time for networking.
Because upwards of 2,000 are expected at Insights it can be tough to find people in the midst of all the sessions and keynotes.
This year I’ve created a Twitter list for anyone who is attending Insights. This list will make it simple to quickly review Twitter messages from those people attending the conference. These messages could be short summaries of sessions they’ve attended or vendors that they’ve just met.
It will include Sage employees, consultants, vars, etc
This list is small – but growing – and if you’re going I’d like to add your name – to make it even easier for other people to listen to what you have to say during the conference.
The benefit of Twitter lists is that when you log into Twitter (or use many third party Twitter clients) you can click on a specific list and view only the “tweets” from those people on the list.
Insights 2010 will be a busy time. People attending will be sending Twitter messages – which can be a great way to find out about good sessions, special activities and even hear opinions about keynotes, etc.
It can be challenging to zero in on just those specific messages without something like a Twitter list.
Think of Twitter lists as a way to filter out the noise on Twitter and temporarily zero in on specific information — in this case Twitter messages from people attending the Insights conference.
I already have a list of Sage related Twitterers:
http://twitter.com/mas90guru/sage
I’ve created an Insights 2010 list so everyone at the conference can quickly view the Twitter activity of people who are there.
Interested in joining the list? All you need do is Tweet out the following message (just copy and paste it into your Twitter stream – be sure you include the “#insights10″ hash).
I’ll keep looking for messages that include this text — and as I find them I’ll add your Twitter ID to the list.
Then when you get to Insights 2010 you’ll be able to easily view the Twitter messages of those who are also attending Insights.
Here’s the message to copy/paste into your Twitter feed:
I’m attending Sage Software’s Insights 2010 Conference in Denver – http://bit.ly/insights2010 #insights10
Sage Insights 2010 Twitter List (Unofficial – Not Affiliated With Sage)
Sage Posts Updated PA-DSS Credit Card Implementation Guide for MAS 90 & MAS 200
March 30, 2010
Sage has just updated their 27 page PA-DSS Credit Card Processing Guide. As scheduled, Sage released updates to version 4.3 and 4.4 of Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 which bring both products up to compliance when the rules in their guide are followed.
From the guide:
The purpose of this PA-DSS Implementation Guide is to instruct merchants, resellers and integrators on how to implement Sage MAS 90 and 200 ERP and Sage MAS 90 and 200 Extended Enterprise Suite into their environment in a PA-DSS compliant manner. It is not intended to be a complete installation guide. The software, if installed according to the guidelines documented here, should facilitate and support a merchant’s PCI compliance. This guide applies to Sage MAS 90 and 200 ERP and Sage MAS 90 and 200 Extended Enterprise Suite as released by Sage. Any modifications to the application, for example Customizer, Web Services, Extended Solutions and other Master Developer enhancements, must be reviewed to determine their impact to the PA-DSS requirements.
The Payment Application Data Security Standard (PA-DSS) is a set of security standards that were created by the PCI SSC to guide payment application vendors to implement secure payment applications.
Implementation Guide_MAS90v43018__44001.pdf
LinkedIn for BlackBerry 1.0 Connects
March 30, 2010
LinkedIn has just released version 1.0 of their new application for BlackBerry smartphones.
Users of the BlackBerry Tour, Curve and Bold can download the application from BlackBerry App World. Unfortunately there is not (yet) any support for the popular BlackBerry Storm though I suspect that will be added pretty quickly.
From the LinkedIn Blog:
LinkedIn for BlackBerry is a continuation of our efforts to help you leverage the power of your professional network anywhere, anytime. Now, you can walk into any interview, any customer engagement or client meeting with the ability to look up the details on over 60 million professionals worldwide, in real-time.
LinkedIn for BlackBerry includes a full, rich feature set designed to bring the most useful features of LinkedIn to your business smartphone. The application features six modules, each with a user experience designed from the ground up for BlackBerry devices:
* Network Updates. View and share crucial business intelligence and updates with your network. Perfect for those spare moments between meetings.
* Search. Search across over 60 million global professionals, and get the answer back in seconds. We’ve implemented a unified search across both your direct connections and the entire LinkedIn network.
* Connections. LinkedIn is your address book in the cloud. Get quick access to any of your connections to get their up-to-date profile information, and the ability to send them a message immediately.
* Invitations. Why wait to get back to your desk? Accept outstanding invitations immediately.
* Messages. Messaging is one of the reasons that BlackBerry owners love their devices, and we’ve worked hard to integrate your LinkedIn Inbox.
* Reconnect. You can’t leverage your network if you don’t build it. This module brings suggestions for new connections to you anytime. Now you can build your network from anywhere, in seconds.
While the interface of the BlackBerry LinkedIn application is not as pretty as that of the iPhone version – the deep integration to the BlackBerry inbox is a key feature.
When you receive emails from anyone you can quickly use the BlackBerry shortcut menu to lookup their LinkedIn profile – quite a handy feature for those of us who spend most of our time on the road.
For more information -
LinkedIn for BlackBerry Curve, Bold and Tour – Now Available
Connect:
Wayne Schulz on LinkedIn
Sage MAS 90 Extended Solutions Incorporation Plan Updated
March 24, 2010
Sage Software today released an updated Business Partner FAQ to clarify how they’re dealing with the 56 solutions that are being incorporated into MAS 90 and MAS 200 4.4x – as well as to explain whether anyone can buy a solution at a level earlier than 4.3 (In a word – no).
What Are Sage Extended Solutions?
Sage MAS 90 and 200 Extended Solutions were originally developed by one of Sage’s leading development partners to meet the specialized needs of the Sage MAS 90 or 200 customer base. Sage acquired this library of over 1,000 titles in January 2004. Because they are so specialized, most of the individual Extended Solutions titles are currently owned by only one or two customers. The more popular titles with broader appeal, such as Paperless Office, contain features and functionality that have high market value. Those titles were evaluated and many of those features began to be incorporated into Sage MAS 90 and 200 4.3.
What is the go-forward plan for Extended Solutions?
Sage has made the decision to focus on continuing to build value into the base product, simplify our product portfolio, and begin phasing out Sage MAS 90 and 200 Extended Solutions. This phase-out process includes incorporating the main features and functionality of many of the top Extended Solution titles, adding market-driven features to the base product. All customers will receive the benefit of many new features with the new release and product updates as part of being on a current maintenance or support plan without the additional expense of each Extended Solution title. We’ll begin delivering that additional functionality over the next several releases and product updates. Those select titles will continue to be sold until the time they are included in the base product. Since the incorporation will be our focus, we will not be bringing Extended Solutions titles up to compatibility with the 4.4 release. The remaining titles will be provided to Source Code Development Partners so they can utilize their expertise to provide the specialized solutions for Sage MAS 90 and 200 customers. Combined, the above actions cover 96% of all titles and 75% of all customers. We hope you will support us by carrying through messaging that this is a great start to Sage’s goal of continuing to build value into the base product and simplifying our product portfolio
How do I know which of the Extended Solutions title(s)’ main features and functionality will be included in the core Sage MAS 90 and 200 products over the next few releases or product updates, and which will be available to customers only through me, working with Development Partners?
The main features and functionality of the titles that have broad market value, such as ACH Electronic Payment for Accounts Payable, will be incorporated into the core product over the next few releases and product updates. Please refer to the most current Extended Solutions information published on SageMAS.com to see the titles that have been selected for incorporation:
http://www.sagemas.com/products/sagemas90_mas200/extended_solutions
What about Extended Solutions titles that are no longer shown on the SageMAS.com Sage MAS 90 and 200 Extended Solutions Web page?
Extended Solutions titles that are no longer shown on the Extended Solutions page on SageMAS.com have been retired. You have several options that you’ll be able to use to meet specialized needs of Sage MAS 90 and 200 customers. You may determine that their needs can be met using the enhanced customization and scripting tools built into Sage MAS 90 and 200 4.4 Customizer. These tools can be used to provide customers with customizations that survive upgrades, so the customizations do not have to be reapplied to or recreated in a new release. In many cases, you’ll be able to create the modifications at your office, export them, and e-mail them to the customer to import. This will help streamline your deployment, reduce the time spent on this type of custom work, and allow you to do more with your development staff. If their needs surpass the abilities of those tools, you may decide that the best solution is to engage a Sage Development Partner, who can design product modifications outside of those parameters.
Customers not currently on version 4.3, but who have plans to upgrade, will be able to request their retired Extended Solutions 4.3 title updates through the Sage Sales Advisor team until 11/1/2010. Sage will no longer correct defects, or provide year end payroll changes for any retired Extended Solutions titles after 11/1/2010.
Listed below is the current schedule for when a solution is slated to be incorporated (at no cost) into a future release of MAS 90 or MAS 200.
Extended Solution titles are listed on the left, the part number is in the middle and on the right is the product update and estimated ship date when that solution should first appear.
If you are using a solution that isn’t slated for incorporation until 2012 — say for example SO-1530 Enhanced Sales Order Integration with Job Cost — you have the option of paying a developer to upgrade the solution earlier.
In the majority of situations customers using an Extended Solution slated for incorporation but not until 2011 or 2012 won’t have much of an option but to sit and wait for an upgrade to arrive.
Charts shown below are tentative and preliminary – as per Sage’s 3/24/2010 Extended Solution FAQ.
MAS90 Roadmap Updated To Show Extended Solutions Incorporation Schedule
March 24, 2010
Sage North America has just published a March 2010 update to their MAS 90 and MAS 200 product roadmap. New to this roadmap are the expected incorporation dates for the 56 kept Extended Solutions.
Sage previously announced that they would exit the Extended Solutions (customizations for MAS 90 and MAS 200) business and turn over the bulk of their solutions to developers for future enhancement while retaining 56 of the most used parts.
These 56 parts are being gradually incorporated into future MAS90 and MAS200 product updates over the next two years.
This roadmap shows the expected date that each solution is expected to be added.
As always, the roadmap is tentative and subject to change by Sage.
Sage MAS 90 and 200 Roadmap – PUBLIC 2-1-10
MAS90 Payroll 941 Form Updated For Q1 2010 Changes
March 23, 2010
MAS 90 users can download the latest form 941 for use with Sage MAS 90 version 4.30.
New to this version:
Quarterly 941 Printing has been updated for the 2010 IRS changes to the 941 Form. The changes are only applicable to the Report Format ‘Entire Form’ and ‘Worksheet’ since the changes are in the text of the 941 Form.
Also the year has changed on the ‘Entire Form’.
The IRS has not made any changes to the Schedule B for 2010.
NOTE: The “Pre-printed Form” format has been designed based on the downloaded 941.pdf from the IRS website. If you use the “Pre-printed Form” format the alignment may need to be adjusted or the form may need to be modified.
To obtain the latest payroll form – log into your Sage online account (free to all users active under a Sage maintenance agreement) and download the update from the link below.
Sage MAS 90 updated Form 941 (3/2010)
MAS 500 7.3 Gets Native Avalara Sales Tax Processing Code – Eases Upgrade Process
March 23, 2010
Avalara announced yesterday that their Sales Tax for MAS 500 (aka Sage Sales Tax) now has the code embedded into the MAS 500 version 7.3 release.
Sales tax processing embedded in MAS 500 allows for the user to receive accurate tax computations on each order that’s processed through the system. The monthly or quarterly sales tax returns can also be processed for any state – with resulting forms transmitted to the appropriate state.
Sales tax processing is the type of procedure that most companies take for granted — until challenged on an audit. With states increasingly under pressure to raise revenues it’s increasingly likely that more audit resources will be deployed to verify that companies are charging and collecting proper amounts of sales tax.
According to Sage,
Sage MAS 500 and Sage Sales Tax developers worked together and added code (hooks) specifically for Sage Sales Tax in the base MAS 500 code for 7.3. This was done so users who installed Sage Sales Tax for MAS 500 7.3 would not have to obtain updates from Avalara each time MAS 500 released a Monthly Update.
Avalara (www.avalara.com), the leading provider of Web-based sales tax automation and compliance solutions, announced today that Sage Sales Tax, Powered by AvaTax™, is now embedded within the code base of Sage MAS 500, beginning with version 7.3. Sage’s award winning research and development team led the integration effort to address significant customer demand and to enhance customer experience.
“This is a major endorsement from one of the industry’s most highly regarded providers of ERP and other business applications”
“Sage Sales Tax, Powered by AvaTax, is a great example of how Sage is executing on our strategy to deliver hosted services that make the most sense for our customers,” said Alan Bryant, Sage senior vice president. “Integrating key hosted, SaaS, and other cloud-based service offerings into Sage’s on-premise business applications gives our customers the best of both worlds.”
Sage Insights 2010 Conference Mini Brochure (PDF)
March 22, 2010
Sage just tweeted out a link to their Insights 2010 conference brochure.
Insights is Sage’s annual conference for resellers and consultants. This year it’s happening May 17-20, 2010 in Denver Colorado. They’ve expanded the guest list to include accountants from their Sage Accountants Network (first time SAN attendees can score a fantastic registration cost of only $495) – Request your Insights discount code from Sage here.
There’s not a whole lot new in here though it does give some added information about the keynote addresses.
For example, on Tuesday May 18, 2010 the Business Opportunity Ahead will feature a trifecta of speakers:
Jodi Uecker-Rust, President Sage Business Solutions gives a talk titled “How We Will Win”, followed by Himanshu Palsule, EVP Product Strategy & Marketing speaking about “The Right Business Model for Sage Business Solutions” and finally Tom Miller, VP Channel Management, speaking about “How Our Partners Will Thrive”.
There’s no word on who the entertainment is (I keep voting for Journey but Sage looks at me as if I’m crazy) so I’m guessing that it’s a no namer.
Here’s a copy of the Insights 2010 brochure:
Insights 2010 Sage Conference Guide
Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) – Explained
March 20, 2010
There are two new tax benefits available to employers who hire previously unemployed (60 days or more – and these employees must file an affidavit). Please consult your tax adviser prior to implementing any changes. As with all tax legislation the rules may apply differently to your company or there may have been additional guidelines issued since we first posted this information.
The first benefit provides an employer who hires a previously unemployed person (some terms apply – for example it looks like hiring your relatives is a no-no) with a tax incentive for the employer’s share of Social Security taxes.
While the implementation guidelines appear to still be in the works – we think you’ll claim the credit on your employment tax forms. Check with your tax professional on whether the new HIRE act applies to your company and for the exact steps you’ll need to take to implement the act.
The second benefit will provide a general business tax credit for each eligible worker retained for at least a year. The credit amount may be up to $1,000 per employee and would be claimed on the 2011 employer tax returns.
Sage Software’s Explanation of The HIRE Act
Synopsis of the portion of the legislation impacting the payroll:
Social Security tax exemption
The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) imposes two taxes on employers, employees, and self-employed workers—one for Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI, commonly known as the Social Security tax), and the other for Hospital Insurance (HI, commonly known as the Medicare tax). The FICA tax rate for employees and employers is 7.65% each—6.2% for OASDI and 1.45% for HI. There is a maximum amount of compensation subject to the OASDI tax (i.e., $106,800 in 2010), but no maximum for HI.
The HIRE Act provides certain employers with relief from their share of the OASDI taxes on wages paid to a “qualified individual.” A qualified individual is anyone who:
- begins work for a qualified employer after Feb. 3, 2010 and before Jan. 1, 2011;
- certifies by signed affidavit (under penalties of perjury) that he was employed for a total of 40 hours or less during the 60-day period ending on the date the employment begins;
- is not employed to replace another employee of the employer unless that former employee separated from employment voluntarily, or for cause; and
- is not related to the employer (under rules similar to those in IRC §51(i).
- The exemption would be available to any employer, other than a federal, state, or local employer (or government instrumentality). However, an employer that is a public higher education institution could claim the exemption. An employer could elect not to receive this payroll tax benefit.
The bill also provides a similar payroll tax benefit to railroad employers.
It is expected that the Social Security tax exemption would be reported on Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return. The first quarter return (January 1 to March 31, 2010) must be filed by April 30, 2010. However, the bill does not allow the Social Security tax exemption to be claimed with respect to wages paid in the first quarter of 2010. The tax benefit that employers would have received in the first quarter of 2010 will be claimed in the second quarter of 2010 instead.
An IRS representative has stated that the IRS will be ready to make changes to Form 941 shortly after the bill is enacted.
The legislation calls for the employer Social Security tax exemption for qualified employers, as applicable, for wages paid to the qualified individual during the period beginning on the day after the date of the enactment and ending on December 31, 2010.
The full IRS release:
WASHINGTON — Two new tax benefits are now available to employers hiring workers who were previously unemployed or only working part time. These provisions are part of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act enacted into law today.
Employers who hire unemployed workers this year (after Feb. 3, 2010 and before Jan. 1, 2011) may qualify for a 6.2-percent payroll tax incentive, in effect exempting them from their share of Social Security taxes on wages paid to these workers after March 18, 2010. This reduced tax withholding will have no effect on the employee’s future Social Security benefits, and employers would still need to withhold the employee’s 6.2-percent share of Social Security taxes, as well as income taxes. The employer and employee’s shares of Medicare taxes would also still apply to these wages.
In addition, for each worker retained for at least a year, businesses may claim an additional general business tax credit, up to $1,000 per worker, when they file their 2011 income tax returns.
“These tax breaks offer a much-needed boost to employers willing to expand their payrolls, and businesses and nonprofits should keep these benefits in mind as they plan for the year ahead,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman.
The two tax benefits are especially helpful to employers who are adding positions to their payrolls. New hires filling existing positions also qualify but only if the workers they are replacing left voluntarily or for cause. Family members and other relatives do not qualify.
In addition, the new law requires that the employer get a statement from each eligible new hire certifying that he or she was unemployed during the 60 days before beginning work or, alternatively, worked fewer than a total of 40 hours for someone else during the 60-day period. The IRS is currently developing a form employees can use to make the required statement.
Businesses, agricultural employers, tax-exempt organizations and public colleges and universities all qualify to claim the payroll tax benefit for eligible newly-hired employees. Household employers cannot claim this new tax benefit.
Employers claim the payroll tax benefit on the federal employment tax return they file, usually quarterly, with the IRS. Eligible employers will be able to claim the new tax incentive on their revised employment tax form for the second quarter of 2010. Revised forms and further details on these two new tax provisions will be posted on IRS.gov during the next few weeks.
Disclaimer: We are not in the business of providing tax or accounting advice. Consult with your tax or accounting advisor prior to implementing this information. Always check for the latest rules and regulations as changes may have occurred after our initial post on this topic.
via: IRS and Journal of Accountantcy
Sage Insights 2010 Collaboration via Google Wave
March 20, 2010
The Sage North America Insights 2010 Conference takes place May 17 to 20, 2010 in Denver Colorado. As usual the three days of sessions and networking promise to provide lots of value for Sage partners, CPAs and Vendors.
We’ll be there in the audience for all the major keynotes as well as the all new 1.5 hour Insights 2010 Sage Executive Question and Answer session.
Each year though it’s nearly impossible to sit in on all the major sessions, so this year we’re going to collaborate on note taking – sharing our notes with any others who care to join us. This will help ensure that nothing is missed during product sessions – and also allows those collaborating to make comments or share their own opinions on the happenings.
This year we’ll be using Google Wave which is a free collaborative tool from Google that you access via the Internet and your web browser. It will allow for anyone to update our notes at sessions — as well as to catch up on notes for sessions that they may have missed or want to know more about.
If you’ve never used Google Wave (or if you’ve tried it and given up) it’s a free collaboration tool in open preview from Google. Most of the use of Wave seems to be to jointly take notes or share bits of information — something that we think makes it an ideal tool to use for Sage Insights 2010.
Here’s a short video that explains and demonstrates Google Wave
During the keynotes and other sessions you’ll be able to search for and participate in the live creation of notes – provided that you’re a member of our conference Google Group (which is the only way Google Wave allows for easy sharing with a group of users).
If you’re not attending Insights you can still join the Google Group and participate in viewing the group Waves as well as providing feedback or asking questions. Google Wave’s are updated in real time so you’ll see people creating notes as the sessions are happening.
Here’s how we’ll use Google Wave for Insights 2010 – and you’re invited to join us
First, if you don’t have a Google Wave account — apply for one right now. You won’t be able to read or reply to any of our conference Waves without an account. The approval process for those appying with their Gmail accounts appears to be 3 to 5 days — so you’ll need to apply well in advance of stepping off the plane in Denver.
Secondly, after you’ve applied for the Google Wave invitation – join our Google Group. By being a member in the group you’ll be able to view and edit any of the Wave’s we create at Sage Insights.
Because of the way that Google implements group sharing – these Waves will only be visible and shared with the group.
When you join the Google Group – be sure you join with the same email address you used to sign up for Wave (Do NOT join with your @googlewave.com address).
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A few things to keep in mind:
This group has nothing to do with Sage.
They’re not sponsoring it – though they’re welcome to participate if they wish.
Once you are active with both Google Wave and a member of our Sage Insights Conference Google Group you’ll be able to search for Wave’s that are directed to anyone in the group.
It’s important to note that until you’re a member of our Google Group that any Google Wave search for Insights Conference notes won’t work.
Within Google Wave – simply search for:
group:insightsconference@googlegroups.com
If you’re already on Wave and have questions – contact us at wayne.schulz@googlewave.com or email wayne@s-consult.com.
MAS 90 4.4 Upgrade Tips Page Now Live on Sage Support Site
March 20, 2010
Sage North America have just updated their internal support pages to add in several links that contain tips for a smooth upgrade to their latest version of MAS 90 and MAS 200 – version 4.4.
The new section contains links to the Sage Supported Platform Matrix and Integrated Solutions Compatibility Matrix. Both of these important documents show which operating systems and third party applications have been reviewed and deemed compatible with MAS90 4.4.
Users of Windows 7 and Novell either have a short wait or face the uncertainty of running on an as-yet unsupported platform as outlined by the following announcement on Sage’s support site.
Support for Windows 7 is expected within a short time while the Novell platform has been removed as one that Sage will support for MAS90 and MAS200 version 4.4+.
Sage (login required)
Should I Install MAS 90 4.4 Upgrades?
March 15, 2010
Version 4.4 of Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 is now shipping!
Modules enhanced include: Inventory, Purchase Order and Bill of Materials. Both the accounts receivable customer number and inventory item number receive expanded field sizing.
Curious about the new features?
Here’s an in-depth guide that talks about the changes with some additional screenshots and examples.
Sage MAS 90 and 200 4.4 Pre-Release Guide
We’ve had many clients call asking when would be a good time to install the upgrade.
Starting in early April we’ll be in touch with our clients to offer assistance. You’ll have the option of installing the upgrade yourself (which we typically don’t recommend unless you have some experience) or we will provide you with a fixed price cost for us to install the upgrade.
Business Insights Intelligence for MAS 90 & MAS 200 – First Look
March 15, 2010
Last week the Alchemex folks shared an hour long demonstration of the new Business Insights Intelligence module for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200. As you may remember back in January 2010 we picked up on a semi-official announcement from Sage that Alchemex was MAS 90’s FRX replacement.
Microsoft, the owner of FRX, had previously announced that as of the end of 2010 all sales of FRX would cease. As of the end of 2012 all support for the MAS 90 or MAS 200 version of FRX will stop as well.
Here’s the recorded session. No firm word yet on exactly when this will release though it seems likely you’ll see the first release in the second half of 2010.
Sage Business Intelligence from Wayne Schulz on Vimeo.
Can’t Make Insights 2010? Here’s a Way To Leave Questions for The Executive Q&A
March 4, 2010
Sage have announced that at Insights 2010 their final session will be a 1.5 hour open microphone Q&A with Sage Excutives led by Jodi Uecker-Rust, President Sage Business Solutions.
Since not everyone can make the open Q&A — I’ve started an online spot to leave questions.
This is strictly unofficial – Sage has nothing to do with it.
While we’re not certain of the exact makeup of the panel we think it will be:
Sue Swenson, President and CEO Sage North America
Himanshu Palsule, Executive VP, Product Strategy/Marketing, Sage Business Solutions
Jodi Uecker-Rust, President, Sage Business Solutions
Tom Miller, Sage VP Channel Operations
Paul Johnson, Executive Vice President, Sage Business Solutions
At Insights I’ll take the most popular questions and try to ask Sage before the event – and report on the answers when I return. No promises that I’ll be able to get through all the questions (or even any) but I will do my best.
Sage Executive Q&A Insights 2010 – Leave A Question
Image of Ace Frehley via Flickr
Tom Miller, Sage VP Channel Operations, Named As 2010 Channel Chief by CRN
March 4, 2010
I had a chance to sit with Tom Miller (in the photo above on the left – that’s me on the right) who has recently taken on the role of Channel Operations for Sage. He comes to Sage from Microsoft (and previously Great Plains). Tom reports to Jodi Uecker-Rust and is charged with developing policy for Sage’s extensive US channel.
During my discussions I was impressed by Tom’s understanding that the Sage Channel is, in effect, a customer of Sage and that plans are in place to developer even better programs.
Certainly we’ve already seen some effect from the programs.
In New York City recently we attended a free two day SQL training class sponsored by Sage and directed at the channel. In April we’ll be in New York City for two days of back to back training by Ed Kless on consulting skills and Rob Johnson on sales skills.
Standing by themselves free classes aren’t impressive. Lots of companies sponsor free training.
What’s impressive is that Rob and Ed are able to take mundane subjects and turn them into highly participatory sessions – with little restriction on content. If the class wants to talk about an issue of importance – both Ed and Rob are allowed to facilitate the discussion but there doesn’t seem to be any mandate that they tout a particular Sage policy. The result is far greater collaboration and idea sharing that you typically see at a channel event.
Here’s the press release announcing Tom Miller ad Channel Chief from CRN (Computer Reseller New):
Sage today announced that Tom Miller has been named a 2010 Channel Chief by Everything Channel’s CRN. Channel Chiefs are leaders in creating effective channel programs for solution providers. Everything Channel describes Channel Chiefs as those who consistently defend, promote and execute effective channel partner programs and strategies.
Miller’s selection as a 2010 Channel Chief recognizes his accomplishments in creating and developing programs that foster greater success within the Sage channel. Miller spearheads the Sage Business Solutions channel management team, which was created to focus Sage resources on driving effective business partner programs. Recently created under Miller’s guidance is the Sage Partner Advantage Competitive Series where partners receive education, training and tools to more effectively compete against specific competitors. Also created, the new Sage Partner Advantage Field Based Sales and Consulting Skills Workshops offer business partners more flexible options for education and training and complement existing programs with newly developed content and skills refresher courses.
Miller also has brought focused methodologies to the forefront of Sage’s efforts to capitalize on business opportunities. The Partner Distribution Optimization Tool and the New Customer Market Opportunity Tool leverage methodologies that pinpoint growth opportunities for Sage business partners. These tools help identify unrealized market opportunities from a geographic coverage and product-specific point of view and assist Sage partners to identify more specifically the business opportunities that exist market by market.
For the eighth consecutive year the Channel Chiefs were chosen based on Everything Channel’s editorial criteria including policy and program innovations made during the past year, the amount of revenue their company generates through partners, their willingness to speak out publicly on behalf of the channel, and the number of years they have dedicated to channel activities.
“Our whole focus is on understanding our partners and learning what we can do to make them more effective,” said Sage Vice President, Channel Operations Tom Miller. “Sage is successful when our partners are successful, and I’m very pleased to be recognized by CRN for our efforts at achieving mutual success.”
“Being named a Channel Chief is one of the most prestigious honors in the IT industry. This year’s Channel Chiefs offer tremendous insight into the who’s who of the Channel,” said Kelley Damore, VP, Editorial Director, Everything Channel. “Top channel executives consistently ensure that the Channel’s voice is heard when strategic decisions are being made and continually nurture mutually profitable relationships. We applaud the 2010 Channel Chiefs for their successful partner programs and strategies.”
For additional information on the CRN Channel Chief list, visit www.channelweb.com. The Channel Chief list was published in the February 22, 2010 issue.
About Sage North America
Sage North America is part of The Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of business management software and services. Sage North America employs more than 4,100 people and supports nearly 2.9 million small and medium-size business customers. The Sage Group plc, formed in 1981, was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and now employs 14,500 people and supports 5.8 million customers worldwide. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.sagenorthamerica.com or call 866-308-2378.
About Everything Channel (www.everythingchannel.com, www.channelweb.com)
Everything Channel, headquartered in Framingham, MA, is a technology marketing and sales solutions company. Through its “Complete Technology Channel Solution,” Everything Channel offers the right business tools to accelerate technology sales. From branding and recruiting to marketing and sales, Everything Channel offers technology marketers the unmatched breadth and depth of global brands and market intelligence combined with unparalleled audience loyalty and credibility serving all technology sales channels through an extensive database. Everything Channel provides innovative field sales and marketing solutions to the sellers of technology to achieve measurable and significant results.
About United Business Media Limited
The parent company of Everything Channel, UBM (UBM.L) focuses on two principal activities: worldwide information distribution, targeting and monitoring; and, the development and monetisation of B2B communities and markets. UBM’s businesses inform markets and serve professional commercial communities—from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewelry traders, from farmers to pharmacists—with integrated events, online, print and business information products. Our 6,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organised into specialist teams that serve these communities, bringing buyers and sellers together, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently. For more information, go to www.ubm.com.
Via: Sage
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Custom SearchAbout Schulz Consulting, LLC
We are a Glastonbury CT consulting firm specializing in Sage MAS90, MAS200 and related software (FRX, Crystal Reports, Starship, F9, SQL Mirroring, etc).
We provide nationwide consulting services via on-site, telephone or remote connection. Our clients range in size from start-up to $200 million and are located as far away as Alaska, Hawaii, California, Florida, Texas, Montana, Michigan and many other states.
Since 1986 we've provided support for all versions of Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 under an unlimited client support agreement.
You may contact us via email or review our full support agreement here.
Our phone number is 860-657-8544
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