Socialcast As A Tool To Bring Groups Closer
August 26, 2010
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Schulz Consulting is one of the founding members of the 90 Minds Consulting Group. This is a group of 27 Sage Consulting Firms, comprising 415 employees located in 17 different states.
Members of the group initially met at the Sage conferences. Over time we noticed that we’d be sharing a lot of tips and tricks via email. Suddenly what used to be an email to three people had 15 CC: email addresses.
Realizing that this wasn’t a scaleable solution we moved to Yahoo Groups (which we still are using) to automate group emails. Instead of having to be sure that we “reply all” to group messages — Yahoo Groups (free) manages our group and provides one email adress for all members to mail.
In return Yahoo emails out the message to all group members. Or members can elect to read the messages on the web.
This has worked – and continues to work – pretty well for technical emergencies where one of our 27 member companies has a question about an error message.
Where we start to bog down as a group is in the chit chat and off-topic messages. Each month we’re exceeding over 500 messages sent and for individual members that becomes a burden to wade through when all they may want is to see technical tips.
So what we’re now looking at is a free service from Socialcast that is similar in layout to Facebook.
Messaging in Socialcast is private. We are able to form groups for different topics depending upon member (sales, technical, etc).
What’s better about Socialcast is that it also:
Integrates a profile so that any of our 415 individuals can know more about a member they may never have met. This includes phone number, messages the member has sent, a list of specific skills (you can add your own fields – and they are all searchable):
Better applications – while similar services also offered mobile applications – those offered by Socialcast seem to allow for reading threaded messaging with a little less effort. There are also integrations to Microsoft Outlook and Sharepoint for those old school members who don’t yet have smartphones (iPhone, BlackBerry clients are available).
Sadly there’s no Android application (you have to use a mobile optimized web page for Android) – however Socialcast hints that something should be here by the end of 2010.
Socialcast also lets you import almost any of your Social Media feeds (Twitter, Facebook Digg, Flickr) to any of your streams. What I use this for is to setup the group’s technology feed so that any of the items I share in Google Reader go right to the specific group that hosts general technology tips.
By making a separate tech feeds group in Socialcast I don’t over-share with people who may join the group only to learn about the latest technical issues with Sage ERP.
Here’s what the feed setup looks like:
We’re still in the evaluation stage for whether Socialcast will replace our group’s email delivery. Some of the push back we’ve received is that people don’t want “another place to check” or another login and password to remember . The beauty of the email delivery that we were used to is that there was none of the extra place to check or login. Naturally the downside to email is that if you become active enough you start to drown in messages — not all of which are relevant to your interests.
For more information on Socialcast — http://www.socialcast.com
Costs:
Free for unlimited users
Costs start at $299/mo for groups of up to 100 and add primarily support and customization services.
Former Sage Channel Chief Taylor Macdonald Joins SaaS Provider Intacct
July 8, 2010
In what has to be a coup for SaaS (software as a service) provider Intacct, industry veteran Taylor Macdonald today is announced as their new VP of Channels.
Taylor spent 9 years managing and building the reseller channel for Sage North America.
Taylor Macdonald Joins ERP SaaS Provider Intacct As VP Channels
Locked out of LinkedIn?
May 10, 2010
Do you have a LinkedIn account which you access infrequently and might have trouble remembering the password?
Here’s a tip from Dawn Westerberg whose LinkedIN account was linked to her old work email address.
When she left her job she had forgotten her LinkedIN password.
Without access to her old work email address she was unable to perform a standard password reset which would have sent a link to her (old) email enabling her to login to LinkedIn.
It turns out that if you forget your password and cannot access your registered email address (in Dawn’s case this was her old work address) then LinkedIn will not – (a) reset your password, (b) update your account or (c) transfer/merge account information to another account.
Their solution? Create a new account and re-invite your connections.
Seriously. That’s the best solution that LinkedIn has to offer?
Think about the time when you are changing jobs. That’s typically when you need to use LinkedIn the most.
And if for some reason you’re unable to remember the password or gain access to your old work email address – you’ll be potentially shut out of important LinkedIn connections!
To be safe, use a primary email address that YOU own to sign up for LinkedIn – and not an employer email that you would lose access to when changing jobs.
LinkedIn allows you to enter in additional email addresses (such as work) so that people can still send invitations by knowing your work email.
Change your primary email address in: Settings – Personal Information – Email Addresses.
Great Plains Guy vs Netsuite Guy – ERP Cloud Computing Spoof
April 18, 2010
Another humorous take on cloud computing. This version (authored by Netsuite) is obviously slanted to show the cloud computing strength of Netsuite versus Great Plains and SAP.
The product name “Great Plains” is used to poke fun at the product’s Fargo North Dakota roots. Those familiar with the Great Plains software will of course realize that Microsoft now owns the product and has rebranded it under the Microsoft label.
Of course anyone who sat in on Netsuite’s latest earnings call knows that they reported essentially flat license growth. That lead us to proclaim that Netsuite appears to lose customers as fast as they replace them.
Netsuite Earnings Call Summary
SAP Guy v Netsuite Guy – parody
April 18, 2010
I just stumbled across this humorous parody of the Mac v PC commercials that Apple made famous. This version pits SAP versus Netsuite in a spoof of SAP’s cloud computing strategy.
Apple iPad: First Impressions For Business Users
April 4, 2010
The Apple iPad launched this past weekend leading to an overwhelming influx of posts both online and in print media.
Most reviews have gushed over the devices capabilities (here’s a pretty good iPad review from the Washington Post) . There’s a lot to gush about to be sure – with a great looking 9.7″ screen the iPad makes the applications that we loved on the iPhone work even better on the iPad.
The next question to be answered is whether the iPad can replace laptops. While the touch screen device is certainly attractive and simple to use there are a few issues that I noted in my weekend of testing that make me wonder just how quickly businesses might adopt an iPad type device.
Issue #1: The iPad browser won’t run all the sites that your laptop will
In my initial testing I immediately ran into problems running Google Wave which repeatedly crashed the iPad browser. Similarly when trying to use Facebook I was stopped when trying to view videos that friends had posted because the iPad doesn’t (and won’t) support the Flash technology that Facebook uses to embed the video.
Yes there are mobile sites that I probably could have run instead. However to make a fair comparison between an iPad and Laptop I feel you have to test the process of opening the same sites – and not relying on another typically lightweight (and crippled) mobile site for compatibility.
Apple has been steadfast in their refusal to support technology such as Adobe Flash. This is probably irrelevant or uninteresting to most people – unless they rely heavily on a web site that makes use of Adobe Flash technology for displaying content or interacting with users.
Issue #2: The iPad is a closed environment where all applications must be approved by Apple
A closed operating environment is great for home users. It shields them from a lot of complexity and issues with rogue applications that could be attempting to steal data.
For business users though the inability to readily access third party applications that might expand upon Apple’s Safari web browser functionality – say to make it more compatible with all web sites – is troubling.
Apple has essentially stated they aren’t supporting Adobe Flash. While many web sites are working hard to redo their embedded content to avoid Flash – will corporate users want to be at the whim of what Apple states they will and won’t support?
Businesses need to be sure that the applications they require in the future can be loaded to their hardware. With the Apple iTunes policy there’s no way to be certain of that.
Issue #3: The lack of multi-tasking is presently a deal breaker
In my testing over the weekend I found that inability to easily read incoming emails while working in another application to be a deal breaker for business user.
Unless you want to be constantly closing and opening applications so that you can read email as it arrives you’ll probably soon tire of this limitation.
For home use I don’t believe this will be as much of an issue as for businesses where the volume of incoming email is greater and typically of more importance.
Apple is rumored to be working on releasing multi-tasking capabilities in a future revision of their operating system. However as it stands today you can’t multi-task within the iPad – and it’s an annoying problem that you won’t have with a laptop — which might cost less than a new iPad.
Summary
The iPad is a great device that, for now, is best suited for home use. It makes viewing online content much easier primarily because the screen is so much bigger than that of the iPhone or iPod Touch.
Battery life appears to be fully capable of achieving the promised 10 hour life – and then some. Integration with all the existing (over 100k) iPhone applications is wonderful although nearly all applications need to be updated to take advantage of the bigger screen.
Should you buy one?
Yes if you’re an iPhone or iPod Touch fan and would like to see the applications that you use on the iPhone/Touch on a bigger screen with more functionality.
No if you’re solely (or primarily) looking at replacing a laptop and you intend to do more than use iPhone type applications.
Until Apple is more open about accepting apps that they claim “duplicate” the functionality of the built-in programs you’d be better off buying a laptop that allows you to load any applications that are needed for your business.
Via: Apple iPad First Impressions
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
Google Nexus One vs Droid : Pros and Cons
January 7, 2010
Google’s entry into the phone world – the Google Nexus One – is out. I’ve been testing it for the last day since FedEx dropped one on my doorstep. I paid $529 for an unlocked version which means that I am able to use it on my existing T-Mobile account simply by swapping the tiny SIM card that is inside my BlackBerry 9700.
What many people have been asking is whether the Google Nexus One is the best Android phone or whether the much advertised Droid might be a better choice.
Well since I own both phones I’ve taken a few minutes this morning to write up a pros and cons comparison between the two.
You can read my Google Nexus One vs Droid Pros and Cons on my gadget blog for the full details.
In a nutshell I like everything about the Google Nexus One – especially the speed. If you’re comfortable using T-Mobile as the carrier (which is the only carrier supporting the phone for now though Verizon is slated to provide service come Spring 2010) and if you’re a heavy Gmail user (which I am) then you’ll love Android and I think the Google Nexus One.
Based on my repeatedly poor experiences with the Droid voice quality – I don’t recommend you purchase a Droid.
If however you’re company is stoic in its use of Microsoft Exchange Server or you are not on Gmail (and don’t plan to be) then I think either the BlackBerry (for heavy emailers) or iPhone (for those with light email needs but strong desire for third party applications and music/video) are better choices.
Free Turbotax Business 2009
January 4, 2010
Intuit has a special free version of their Turbotax 2009 for Business. Although this version is only for businesses (it will NOT work for individuals or sole proprietors filing a “schedule C” on their 1040) it’s still a relatively hot deal considering Amazon sells the full version for $95.
Prior year data won’t automatically transfer (probably one of the reasons this is free) making this version primarily for new Turbotax users who would like to get a free fully functioning version to test on their current year data.
Free Turbotax Business 2009 via SlickDeals
Schulz Consulting MAS90 Newsletter Signup
January 3, 2010
Interested in tips, tricks and news about Sage MAS90 and MAS200 accounting software?
Sign up here for our twice monthly (first and fifteenth) MAS90 email newsletter. Each edition contains the latest MAS 90 and MAS 200 news as well as technology tips and tricks of interest to MAS90 users. There’s no advertising and you can unsubscribe from the email list yourself at any time.
The cost is free and we presently have over 2,000 members receiving the newsletter every month.
MAS 90 Newsletter Topics Include (but aren’t limited to):
- Instructions on closing the year in MAS 90 and MAS 200
- News of critical software patches
- Links to whitepapers describing new features
- Information about free web seminars
- Reviews of different add-on solutions for MAS 90 and MAS 200
- Technology tips – mobile phones, social media, web site links
Schulz Consulting MAS90 Newsletter Signup
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.
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
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
Wayne Schulz Launches Modeling Career in SCOTTEVEST / SeV Catalog
November 16, 2009
The current issue of the SCOTTEVEST Catalog features Wayne Schulz prominently modeling the Fleece 5.0 Jacket.
Well, ok, that’s a bit of a stretch. Technically Wayne IS in the catalog. But..
Wayne’s not featured. And while he is in the catalog (as a postage stamp image) he’s not exactly prominent.
…but you have to start somewhere, right?
SCOTTEVEST is a manufacturer of activewear jackets and clothing that feature lots of storage space for holding phones, MP3 players, and more. They asked for customers to submit pictures of themselves wearing their clothes. Wayne submitted a picture from a June 2009 trip to the Ridin Hy Dude Ranch which was used in the catalog.
To see Wayne riding Trigger – and modelining his SCOTTEVEST Fleece Jacket – flip to page 9 of the catalog below (upper right corner – second image down).
Google Wave Guide Is Available Online
November 1, 2009
Have you started to explore Google Wave?
Google Wave is a new web-based tool that is still in early testing. Ultimately it’s hoped that Wave will become an easy-to-use tool that enables collaboration between teams of people.
From the Google site:
Google Wave is an online tool for real-time communication and collaboration. A wave can be both a conversation and a document where people can discuss and work together using richly formatted text, photos, videos, maps, and more. If you have spent any amount of time with Google Wave you’ll know that a big part of the initial experience is confusing.
Without any formal user guide to provide information on Google Wave’s unique collaboration features work – most users are initially left to wonder aloud “what do we do next”.
Gina Trapani and Adam Pash have created an online manual titled The Complete Guide to Google Wave. This free manual is available now. You will be able to purchase a PDF copy starting in November.
The Complete Guide To Google Wave
Chapter 1 – Meet Google Wave
Find out what Google Wave is and what problems it solves
Chapter 2 – Get Started With Wave
Set up your Wave account and create your first wave
Chapter 3 – Manage Your Wave Contacts
Find and add people and groups to collaborate with in Wave
Chapter 4 – Find and Organize Waves
Tag, file, search and filter waves
Chapter 5 – Dive Deeper into Wave
Add rich content to your waves like maps and photo slide shows
Chapter 6 – Master Wave’s Interface
Navigate Wave from the keyboard and customize your Wave interface
Chapter 7 – Wave Gadgets
Add interactive content to your waves with gadgets
Chapter 8 – Wave Bots
Automatically update the contents of your waves with bots
Appendix A – What Wave Can’t Do
It’s not just you. See what’s NOT working in the current version of Wave, and what features the Wave team has promised are coming.
Appendix B – Contribute to The Complete Guide to Google Wave
In the spirit of Google Wave, this guide is a collaborative effort. We need you (yes, you) to help revise and expand this guide as Wave evolves.
One observation is the manual itself is in an open sourced MediaWiki online format rather than being created in Google Wave itself – perhaps an indication of how far Google still has to go in order for Google Wave to be truly useful for group collaboration.
[The Complete Guide to Google Wave] via [Download Squad]
Business Card Reader for iPhone is A Must Have – $5.99
November 1, 2009
If you’re like most people you have top desk drawer chock full of business cards that you’ve collected at conferences and other business meetings.
Of course you’ve collected them with the best intentions of manually entering them one-after-another into your computer – but somehow they sit unentered in that top drawer. Someday when you have extra time you’ll sit down and enter them all into your computer.
At last there’s a cheap and easy solution to automatically enter the information on most business cards to your computer.
If you have an iPhone 3GS there’s a new inexpensive software application called Business Card Reader from Shape Services that you should try.
For only $5.99 you can download it to your iPhone 3GS (other versions are supported but because the 3GS has a higher resolution auto-focus camera this is the preferred model).
Use the application to take a picture of a business card.
Here’s a really lousy sample of a business card from a prospective client that I collected about a year ago. I took this picture with my iPhone 3GS in the dim light of my kitchen.
And unbelievably this $5.99 program transcribed the business card perfectly.
In this instance the contact phone, address and email were all exactly as they should have been – despite having been capture off a dimly lit photograph of a business card. Total time from image to transcription? About a minute.
Certainly in many instances you might have to tweak the final address if the program doesn’t read the information perfectly.
Total time from taking the image to having a new contact in my iPhone? About a minute.
Because I use Google Apps for my email and contact management I am also able to use the free iPhone GoogleSync program to automatically synchronize contacts off the iPhone directly to my Google Apps account.
The end result is a business card accurately scanned from any iPhone 3GS into your iPhone contact database. If you are synchronizing that data to Google Apps then the contact information will also synchronize in real time.
Recommended.
[Business Card Reader] (iTunes link)
Sage Twitter List Live – easily follow MAS90, MAS200 and other Sage product discussions
October 31, 2009
Looking to keep up with what other Sage employees, consultants, end users and vendors are saying on Twitter?
Use our new free Twitter list that provides a concise timeline showing only mostly tweets that are relevant to people involved with Sage products.
This is not sponsored by, endorsed or affiliated with Sage.
Rather twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters displayed on the author’s profile page and delivered to the author’s subscribers who are known as followers. Senders can restrict delivery to those in their circle of friends or, by default, allow open access. Users can send and receive tweets via the Twitter website, Short Message Service (SMS) or external applications. While the service itself costs nothing to use, accessing it through SMS may incur phone service provider fees.
One of the frustrating things about Twitter is that it can be difficult to find people to “follow”. Unless you’ve been using the service for a while you can easily become frustrated at trying to find people like:
Himanshu Palsule (twitter) –
Executive VP, Product Strategy/Marketing, Sage Business Solutions, and GM, Specialized Solutions
Bill Kizer (twitter) who worked in sales for years at Blytheco and is instrumental in starting and running the Sage LinkedIn Group.
Alok Tyagi (twitter) – VP of R&D for Sage Software North America
There are many more Sage related twitter feeds on our list. As of now the number of followed accounts is 83 and growing.
To easily follow and read the Twitter feeds of people most likely to be discussing Sage related topics, follow the link below.
Disclaimer About Twitter
Be aware- Twitter is an unfiltered stream of messages. While many of the users are affiliated with different companies – it’s a good idea to assume that their comments reflect their own personal thoughts and not necessarily those of their employer.
This is also not an official Sage feed. They do not endorse, recommend, follow, participate or provide any other approval of the messages or content.
If we’ve missed adding your name to the Sage Twitter list – leave a comment with your Twitter ID and affiliation and we will add your name to the Twitter list.
Schulz Consulting providing MAS 90 and MAS 200 support and collaboration via Google Wave
October 14, 2009
Schulz Consulting is now active on the new Google Wave service that’s presently in a limited preview release.
Google Wave is the next step beyond email. It allows for real time group conversations where every participant can view a complete history of the discussions. Simple email exchanges often omit large parts of conversations to anyone not on the email distribution list.
Future uses of Google Wave may involve collaborating on workarounds for software issues, real time seminars where participants can comment and add to the topics as well as technical support tracking where more than one company contact could have access to a complete history of the items that have been discussed.
Because Google Wave is in a limited testing preview you must first request an invitation from Google to participate (request).
If you are already on Google Wave you may connect to Wayne Schulz via wayneschulzct@googlewave.com
What’s new in MAS 90 3.50 through 4.2?
September 8, 2009
One question that we’ve heard time and time again as MAS 90 upgrades are released is “what’s new?”.
Often this can be a difficult list to remember – especially if the person asking is several release levels back on the software. It’s easy to remember what has been added from version 4.1 to 4.2 — but how about from 3.50 to 4.2?
If you’re curious about all the enhancements that Sage has made to MAS 90 and MAS 200 since version 3.5 then you may wish to review this handy list on their site.
A detailed list of every change is available on a release by release basis. The chronology starts at version 3.5 and extends to 4.2. There is no login required – simply click away at the link below.
What’s New in MAS 90 – Version 3.5 to 4.2
Sage MAS 90 Service Updates Now Quarterly
September 7, 2009
The last service update for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 version 4.3 was issued 6/29/09. According to several consultants who have contacted us – Sage has told them that service updates will be issued on a quarterly basis instead of monthly.
Service updates for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 are released for the most current version of the software only (currently 4.3) and contain a bundle of fixes which are self-installing and correct noted issues.
Users of older supported versions of MAS 90 (prior to the current level) will still need to load program fixes individually as the service update bundles will continue to only be released for the current levels.
Please consult with a competent Sage Business Partner prior to installing any service updates. These fixes contain program changes which could cause any enhancements (including Sage’s Extended Solutions) to stop working.
In general we recommend loading service updates for MAS 90 only if you (or your Sage Business Partner) are in the process of logging a support case with Sage or see that a program patch or service update fixes a specific issue that you are experiencing.
In all instances, we recommend you contact your Sage Business Partner for advise on when and how to load any service updates before trying to install them yourself.
Sage Service Updates – MAS 90 and MAS 200 Version 4.3
VAR 500 member Sysix Technologies closes following CEO’s suicide
August 31, 2009
Online site CRN (Computer Reseller News) is reporting today that one of the members of their VAR 500 list, Sysix Technologies, has closed following the July 2009 suicide death of CEO John Schaeffer. The company had been on CRN’s VAR 500 list since 2002 and was most recently ranked #286 on the 2009 VAR 500.
From the Sysix LinkedIn page:
For over 20 years, Sysix continues to be your single source provider of broad-based integrated business IT solutions. As a national provider of business technology from leading computer hardware and software manufacturers – we can help you to effectively manage your technology solution by combining industry leading products with innovative consulting services and flexible financing options to meet your technology needs, industry focus and budget requirements. via Sysix LinkedIN Company Page
Sysix’s LinkedIN page claimed revenues of over $94 million and 60 employees.
According to a Hoover’s entry:
Sysix Solutions helps firms get their IT act together. Operating through three units — Sysix Financial, Sysix Consulting, and Sysix Technologies — the company designs, leases, and installs IT systems. The value-added reseller carries products from Cisco, Datatel, Dell, EMC, Hitachi Data Systems, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, PlateSpin, PolyServe, Sun Microsystems, and VERITAS, among other vendors. Customers have included Dana, Goodrich, the Moody Bible Institute, Tenneco, and the law firm of Ungaretti & Harris. Founded in 1988, Sysix has offices across the US. CEO John Sheaffer is the majority shareholder.
CRN is reporting that Sysix closed at the end of July idling over 40 employees. This closing appears to have recently been finalized as noted in a story that CRN did on August 25, 2009.
Why So Little CRN Coverage Of A SuddenVAR 500 Closing?
Surprisingly there is not much (if any) follow-up coverage for the sudden closing of one of CRN’s own VAR 500.
In July 2009 when the MIS Group, Sage’s largest business partner, closed abruptly CRN followed up with several posts that spotlighted the type of problems that they felt were indicated by this sudden closing.
Sysix had been a member of CRN’s VAR 500 for the last consecutive 8 years. Yet aside from a story announcing the sudden demise of the firm, there’s very little (if anything) that I was able to find by searching the CRN site.
While Sysix’s closing appears to only have been finalized recently the site notes that the doors were shut at the end of July 2009. Sage business partner MIS Group closed over the July 4th holiday weekend and CRN first posted on their demise here, then followed up with a scathing post on July 24, 2009 which compared MIS Group (not a VAR 500 member) to AIG.
Will there be a similar feature story from CRN on the sudden closing of one of their VAR 500 members?
Bob Scott named Executive Editor of The Progressive Accountant
August 18, 2009
Bob Scott, former Editor in Chief of Accounting Technology, was today named as the new Editor of The Progressive Accountant.
According to the press release, Bob will oversee a portfolio of industry specific web sites, podcasts, email newsletters, Web seminars, live events, video and content/reviews. His primary responsibility will be to develop content for http://www.theprogressiveaccountant.com and the email newsletter of the same name.
Bob is well known within the ERP consulting industry for his wildly popular electronic newsletter called “Consulting Insights” which he penned while at Accounting Technology. This publication highlighted insider news and gossip of importance to mid-market VARS and technology companies. Bob also specialized in his coverage of nearly all the accounting software industry trade shows and user conferences.
It’s too early to tell whether the same focus will apply at The Progressive Accountant or whether the slant may become decidedly more consulting focused. 
A new web site, http://www.bobscottsinsights.com appears to be in the process of going live. It carries the copyright notice of Progressive Media Group and may also host much of Bob’s newsletter content going forward.
Bob has also formed a Facebook group which he has been informally updating on a surprisingly regular basis with the type of content that used to appear in his email newsletters. (Access Bob Scott’s Facebook group here). The group is free to join though there is no telling if it will continue to be updated as Bob assumes his new responsibilities.
The press release is below with more details.
Industry Insider, Bob Scott, Joins Progressive Media Group’s Accounting Team as Executive Editor
Clifton, NJ – Progressive Media Group, Inc. (PMG) (http://www.pmgb2b.com) today announced that Bob Scott, has been named as the new Executive Editor of PMG’s, The Progressive Accountant and its portfolio of digital resources including industry-specific Web sites, email newsletters, Web seminars, live events, video, podcasts, and content/reviews.
Scott, previously Editor in Chief of the former Accounting Technology (SourceMedia), is an industry expert and authority on the use of technology in tax and public accounting practices and will serve as the chief content developer for the www.TheProgressiveAccountant.com website and The Progressive Accountant email newsletter. In addition to providing daily content, he will produce podcasts and Web seminars and will provide strategic guidance on developing video content for the tax and public accounting profession.
“In an era in which electronic communication has emerged as a preferred vehicle for delivering information, The Progressive Accountant is leading the way in delivering valuable knowledge to the members of the tax and accounting community,” Said Scott. ”I am proud to be part of The Progressive Accountant and its fresh approach.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Bob to the growing PMG team,” said Kurt Martin, Group Publisher of Progressive Media Group, Inc. “Having worked with Bob in the past, I am excited about the level of professionalism, authority and recognition he brings to The Progressive Accountant. Bob’s connections and respect in the sector will enable us to continue to serve the information needs of our subscribers and visitors in the tax and public accounting profession.”
Scott has provided information to the tax and accounting community since 1991, first as technology editor of Accounting Today, and from 1997 through 2009 as editor of its sister publication, Accounting Technology. He is known throughout the industry for his depth of knowledge and for his high journalistic standards. Scott has made frequent appearances as a speaker, moderator and panelist at events serving tax and accounting professionals. He has a strong background in computer journalism as an editor with two former trade publications, Computer+Software News and MIS Week and spent several years with weekly and daily newspapers in Morris County New Jersey prior to that. A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in journalism, Bob is a native of Madison, Ind.
Scott will be reaching out to the subscribers and many of the vendors serving the tax and public accounting profession in the near future but he can be reached directly at bob.scott@pmgb2b.com.
via: The Progressive Accountant
WordPress password reset flaw patched in 2.8.4
August 12, 2009
Yesterday my friend Robert Wood reset the administrative password on my site. Rather than be upset – I’m delighted. Robert was notifying me of a flaw in the WordPress software that allowed anyone to reset the administrative password of a blog.
While this did not provide access to the administrative account (the password reset was only sent out via email to the registered account holder) – it did expose a weakness. If someone also had access to the email account affiliated with the administrator they could potentially hijack this password reset and gain access to your WordPress site.
Version 2.8.4 of WordPress is available and I recommend you upgrade immediately.
WordPress via Robert Wood- DDF Consulting – Florida MAS 90 Consultant
What is SaaS, Cloud Computing, PaaS and IaaS?
August 4, 2009
There’s quite a bit of confusion around the definitions of cloud computing.
Some users and consultants use the term to mean any software program that isn’t stored and used directly on site.
Yet others have latched onto a whole laundry list of acronyms that more accurately describe different types of cloud computing.
For example:
SaaS – Software As A Service
Essentially based on the concept of renting application functionality from a service provider rather than buying, installing and running software yourself. Offerings within this range from services such as Salesforce.com at one end, delivering the equivalent of a complete application suite, to players like MessageLabs at the other, whose services are designed to complement your operational infrastructure.
PaaS – Platform As A Service
Platform as a service (PaaS), which is all about providing, a platform in the cloud, upon which applications can be developed and executed. Players like Google, again Salesforce.com (this time with Force.com), and Microsoft (with Azure) exist in this space. Facilities provided include things like database management, security, workflow management, application serving, and so on.
IaaS – Infrastructure As A Service
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS). The proposition here is the offering of compute power and storage space on demand.
The difference between this and the other two categories of cloud is that the software that executes is essentially yours. In practical terms, the model is based on the same principles of virtualisation that we are all familiar with in the context of server partitioning or flexible storage. Rather than running a virtual image on a partition existing on a physical server in your data centre, you spin it up on a virtual machine that you have created in the cloud. Virtual disks can be created in a similar manner, to deal with the storage side of things.
For more details about cloud computing as well as to read an argument about whether this type of computing poses a danger to Internet Service Providers – read the full story at The Register.
How to show country names on forms using older MAS 90 and MAS 200 versions
July 30, 2009
To create country code on MAS90 and MAS 200 forms:
Earlier versions of MAS 90 and MAS 200 (typically prior to version 4.10 or 4.20) did not allow for easy linking of the country code name to the code itself.
While the country code could be placed on forms (Sales Orders, Purchase Orders, Checks) – the name of the country was not as easy to place for a few reasons –mainly that the data file required to pull the name from was not readily linkable.
Below is a workaround solution that you may find useful. It is primarily for MAS90 or MAS200 (it works on both) versions prior to 4.1 – so if you are using a later version you probably don’t need this procedure because Sage has wisely added country name to the tables that your forms are using.
All steps below require using Crystal Report Writer – which is included with your Sage MAS90 or MAS 200 product disks.
These are not beginner instructions – and assume some intermediate level comfort with Crystal Reports. Backup all your
For this example, assume that we are going to create a form for the ship to and bill to codes. The same logic here with slight modification can apply to any form with a bill/ship field.
Note: Technical information on creating a Crystal Sub report that shares variables is available from:
NOTE: Unfortunately links below to Crystal Reports technical documents appear to have been broken since Business Objects was acquired by SAP.
http://support.businessobjects.com/library/kbase/articles/c2007600.asp
1. Create a page header A that is above the main details (Note: It is important that this comes at the top of the page so that the shared variable calculates before the body of the report. If you do not put it at the top the whole thing doesn’t work). You will need to create a new header (Right click in the HEADER section area and select Insert Section Below. Once that section is created, right click on the section area again on the left side and select MOVE – then you can move it up).
2. Create a sub report for each Bill-To/Ship-To code. These will be placed into the page header created above.
a. Cty_ship
b. Cty_bill
c. Note: Link these back to the main table on the report. You’ll probably want to look in the Database – Visual Linking Expert to see what table is being used to hold your address information.
3. Within each of these subreports:
a. Create a formula as follows (Note: Vary the variable name depending on whether you are creating a bill to or ship to)
b. Place the above formula in the body of the subreport in the details section. Once on the report, right click the formula, select format field, then font, change the font to WHITE (or any shade that won’t show on the report)
c. Place the SY_Country.CountryName in the body of the subreport in the details section. Change the font to white so it doesn’t print on the final report.
d. Leave the Details section viewable – all other sections should be suppressed – ie headers/footers. (Note: If you suppress the details section this won’t work – so be sure to leave it viewable. The way to get around seeing the data on the report is to later change the font to white and make the field very tiny).
e. Make sure your subreport is linked from the SO1_SOEntryHeader.ShipToCountry to the SY_Country.CountryCode
f. When you’ve placed both sub reports into the header section you created above, right click on each subreport and de-select the “can grow” checkbox. (Note: If you do not remove the check you may get a “page size exceeded” message)
4. Within the main report create two variables
a. Country_bill
b. Country_ship
5. Now you can put this variable into your main report formula and the value from the subreport is carried over. The following is the example of it being worked into the @ship to address formula which is standard in the Sage SO Order and Invoice form.
6. Sample formula which has been modified with the new variable.
7. Important: Place the new variables onto the report in the main header section (NOT the sub report) – you can make the white fonts so they don’t print. You must make them viewable (Cannot suppress or this does not work).
BACKGROUND NOTES ON THIS ISSUE:
Q: Client wants to display the Country Code in the forms (SO Orders, Invoices, Purchase Orders, Checks).
A: (Prior to version 4.1 and 4.2) There is no simple way to do this in MAS90/MAS200 — though there are two standard approaches.
The first approach to adding MAS90 country names on forms
Use Alias Tables — this would allow for a table to be used in a report more than once. You give each table an “alias” and it would then allow you to link it to separate fields. This would be needed for the Country Code field because it is potentially a different result for either the Bill To or Ship To.
The problem in MAS90 4.x+ with the Alias Tables is that there is a bug of some sort preventing them from linking to the SY_Country field. This is documented in the Sage KB with the workaround to use a subreport (an ok solution but the country name is impossible to properly line up since it is a free floating field).
The better solution is to use shared variables within the report. Basically this involves creating a new section (header) at the top of the report (important because the variable has to be created before the rest of the report). Then you declare the variables as shared and they can be read from the header on down to the main body.
I did this through the SO and it seemed to work.
Here is the link to the Crystal KB article showing how to create shared variables:
http://support.businessobjects.com/library/kbase/articles/c2007600.asp
On the subreport, you have to create a main subreport, a formula (put this on the subreport) and a shared variable (reference this on the main report).
In the main report you have to create a formula, call up the shared variable (see the Crystal KB for syntax) and then use it in the address formula. Do not forget to put the formula itself onto the form or the value won’t compute.
You want to make the font be white on white. Do NOT suppress and printing or the calculation does not work. If you make it very small you can hide it on the form.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is being made available “AS-IS”. Prior to making any changes on your system be sure you have a backup of all forms being modified.
Subsequent upgrades to MAS 90 or MAS 200 table structures may render some (or all) of these instructions obsolete. Sage may also fix bugs that we’ve referred to above. These instructions are meant to serve as a starting point for your own use – and not as a detailed step by step guide to resolving any particular issue. We take no responsibility for updating these instructions. We are not able to provide support (except for our own MAS 90 support clients) on implementing these instructions.
Microsoft goes on permanent diet as result of sales slump – may relocate customer support to countries with cheaper labor
July 29, 2009
As a result of Microsoft’s latest 29% earnings decline (Microsoft Profit Falls 29% as Software Demand Wanes) which was reported July 23, 2009 the company’s Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddel has stated that frugality will be a new way of life.
Speaking to Bloomberg in an article dated July 29, 2009 the company’s finance chief further stated that “this is a new diet regime where you slim down and stay down” adding “this is not a crash diet where you stop eating for a couple of quarters”.
Microsoft is coming off their first ever revenue decrease since the company went public. Revenue fell 17% last quarter and missed the average estimate of analysts in a Bloomberg survey by more than $1 billion.
As part of the cost cutting the article stated that Microsoft may relocate some customer support to countries with cheaper labor. There was no indicate what impact, if any, these cost cutting measures would have on Microsoft research and development efforts.
Tango Marketing introduces Star Email Drip Marketing Program
July 27, 2009
Are you a Sage VAR representing Sage Accpac EES, Sage Abra, SageCRM, Sage MAS 90 EES, Sage MAS 500 or Sage Timberline and Sage Master Builder?
Tango Marketing introduces Star Email Drip Marketing
If you are looking for a way to keep in close touch with your customers and prospects but find it difficult to constantly think up with new topics for email marketing you may want to talk with the folks at Tango Marketing.
Sometimes it seems almost impossible to come up with fresh interesting topics for newsletters. Surely the first few articles are easy to write. By the 5th or 6th article most people begin to struggle for fresh content.
Tango Marketing offers a series of professionally designed and informational email marketing templates that help you do away with writer’s block.
The bundles of templates are pre-formatted for Switftpage Drip Marketing (email service) as well as eligible for Sage Co-op (60-70% of cost reimbursed depending upon available funds).
A wide range of topics is available to select from. Once you’ve selected your topic you can send the information via email as well as post it to your web site for future reference by your customers and prospects.
For more information give Joan Ciamaga (shown below when she visited CT on a recent trip) a call at (425) 673-5300 ext. 116. Joan is a Sage alumni who now works for Tango Marketing. You can email her at joan@tango-marketing.com.
Here’s a list of Tango Marketing topics available:
Link: Tango Marketing
BlackBerry 9550 (Storm2) Pre-Release Sneak Peek Video
July 22, 2009
Web site Crackberry.com have somehow obtained a pre-release version of the new BlackBerry Storm 2. This upgrade from the first touch screen BlackBerry Storm is expected to include Wi-Fi and also features a slightly redesigned from button layout.
Overall it appears that the operating system is largely the same and functionality of the BlackBerry touch screen is similar to the initial Storm. The device in this video is apparently a pre-release version so you can expect/hope that the screen lag during rotation is fixed by the time the device appears on Verizon in the next few months.
Update: The original video was pulled from YouTube – here’s another that I found online.
MAS90 Purchases Clearing report doesn’t foot in v4.3
July 17, 2009
Just heard about this issue on Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 and thought it may help someone in a similar situation.
MAS90 Purchases Clearing Won’t Foot
A client (version 4.3) reported to me that when the report did not tie to GL,
they manually added up the totals on the Purchases Clearing report. Their total
differs from the report total (and does balance to GL). I verified by exporting
the report to Excel and running a total. Sure enough, client is right.
Workaround
No KBA. Sage knows about it, but because it hasn’t verified by Engineering, it
is not available on the KnowledgeBase. Workaround is to run the Purchases
Clearing by Product Line report, which produces an accurate total.
via: Barbara Goldstein – Quanterasystems – San Jose California MAS 90 Reseller
New York City Subway App for iPhone 3GS uses compass to show nearest subway
July 16, 2009
Here’s a cool new upcoming application for iPhone 3GS users. Unfortunately it won’t work on older versions of the iPhone because the application itself makes use of the compass feature that is only available in the latest iPhone model.
You’re probably familiar with Google Maps and how the service can overlay a street view (photographs) of the area that you’re mapping. I’ve found this service to be insanely useful for determining if I’m booking an inexpensive hotel. Prior to finalizing my hotel reservations at a rate that seems “too good to be true” – I use Google Street View to scout the area and see whether it looks safe or if it’s in a ghetto.
Now there’s a new application soon to arrive for iPhone 3GS that lets you display a real time map of New York City subway locations. The key is that as you turn the map changes to display the direction that you’re facing.
In order to do this the programmers have made use of the iPhone 3GS’s built-in compass to orient the screen display so that it shows only what is in front of the direction you’re facing. Check out the preview video below.
Via: Wired
IM+ introduces speech recognition to BlackBerry All-in-One Messenger client
July 15, 2009
A new speech recognition feature is being tested in the BlackBerry version of Shape Service’s IM+ All-in-One Instant Messenger. This handy IM client also supports push services so that you can save your BlackBerry battery by closing out of the program while still remaining available for chat. A free 7 day trial is available which also supports AIM/iChat, MSN/Windows LIve Messenger, Yahoo!, ICQ, Jabber, Google Talk, MySpaceIM, Facebook, Skype and Twitter.
IM+ Version 8.1.0 with Speech Recognition
Google Voice applications for BlackBerry and Android phones due today
July 15, 2009
Google is scheduled to release a pair of native applications today for BlackBerry and Android phone users that will make working with Google Voice much easer.
Google Voice lets users assign a single number to all of their phones. The service also integrate voice mail, text messages and voice mail transcription.
Download: http://m.google.com/voice – via CNET
If you can get me back up and running extremely quickly I want to pay nothing (fallacy of the quick support question)
July 14, 2009
Whether you’re receiving phone support from Schulz Consulting, another consultant or Sage – I believe the worst thing you can do is cancel your MAS90 or MAS 200 phone support contract and pray nothing goes wrong.
I’ll take our own support plan as an example.
Enrollment in an unlimited phone and remote support plan costs you $2,800 per year.
That’s about $250 per month.
We don’t offer pay as you go telephone/remote support (read below for the primary reason).
Shortly we believe you will also have trouble finding a competent consultant who provides support on a pay as you go plan (see below for reason).
The most common argument that we hear against paying for a support plan is the old standby:
We don’t call that much
Ok. I’ll buy that.
When you DO call – how fast do you want expect the response?
Is it helpful that the person can also log in immediately to control your desktop and make changes (with your permission)?
Is one, two or even three day response time acceptable? That’s our estimate of the average “pay as you go” response time.
That’s one, two or three days of your staff staring at blank computer screens. Your staff sitting idle not able to process any computer transactions.
Most consulting firms (Schulz included) reserve their fastest response times for those customers enrolled in a prepaid plan. The reasoning for this is simply – they reserve this time for the clients who’ve prepaid and have indicated a future need for services.
The other common argument we hear against support is:
That was a quick question – don’t bill me
I’m paraphrasing the above but when we used to offer hourly telephone support (which we don’t any longer because all of our clients are on prepaid fixed cost plans) a huge number of clients would call expecting that if their question could be answered quickly that they would not receive a bill.
How insane is that logic?
Let me rephrase the logic of the quick question from a consultant’s perspective:
“If you can get me back up and running extremely quickly I want to pay you nothing”
Just this morning I received a call from a former support customer. Their normal internal staff person who supports their MAS 90 is out sick. They have 5 people unable to process any transactions until a MAS 90 issue is corrected.
Guess why they had cancelled support?
Correct! — they hardly ever needed to call.
Now the owner’s in a situation where his entire staff has to stop working until they can get a MAS 90 error condition corrected.
We are increasingly seeing these types of support issues where a company has cancelled their support due to perceived lack of need.
Guess what they’re discovering?
It’s only a lack of need — until you need it.
At a future point – they suddenly have a need again. And they’re stuck waiting in line for a consultant who offers lower priority hourly support.
We urge you – think twice before giving up your support. If having MAS 90 or MAS 200 shut down in the middle of the day would be a hardship for your company – then you need to be on a support plan with a qualified consulting firm. It’s important to establish these relationships ahead of time because shortly as the market contracts you will see more consulting firms that do not accept “quick question” type support for which they ultimately won’t be compensated.
Quicken for Mac announced for February 2010 – pre-orders start October 2009
July 9, 2009
Intuit in a blog posting today announced the long awaited Quicken for Mac would be available for pre-order in October 2009 with final delivery scheduled for February 2010.
First due out in 2008 as Quicken Financial Life for Mac, the software release schedule has gradually slipped. Intuit spent the time working with beta testers and when they found areas that needed improvement rather than release the Mac product they continued to refine it.
Feedback from Mac customers led us to rethink our approach to developing Quicken for Mac. We went back to the drawing board and are making changes to everything from what the program does to how it looks. We spent extra time building a reconcile mode for the new register, a robust Windows-to-Mac transfer function for new Mac users (and existing customers running Quicken on a Windows virtual machine), and redesigned the experience to make it look and feel like a native Mac application should.
We understand our loyal Mac customers are disappointed that the product won’t be in stores until after the first of the year. For that, we apologize. We think taking our time to get it right will be well worth it and will make Mac customers even more excited when they use the new Quicken for Mac early next year.
Sage is # 3 and Microsoft #7 Enterprise Application Vendor according to recent AMR Research Report
July 8, 2009
According to a report ranking Enterprise Application Vendors by Revenue released today by AMR Research, Sage is ranked # 3 behind SAP (#1) and Oracle (#2) in terms of revenue. Microsoft ranked at #7 with $1.308 B of revenues and Salesforce rounds out the top 10 with a little over $1 Billion in revenues.
The full listing is below:
1. SAP ($15.801B)
2. Oracle ($8.559B)
3. Sage Group ($2.408B)
4. Infor ($2.208B)
5. Dassault Systemes ($1.958B)
6. Siemens PLM ($1.405B)
7. Microsoft ($1.308B)
8. Cadence ($1.038B)
9. PTC ($1.037B)
10. salesforce.com ($1.023B)
AMR Research Report Ranks Top 50 Enterprise Application Vendors by Revenue
SAP, Oracle, Sage Group, Infor, and Dassault Systemes Are the Top 5
BOSTON, July 8 /PRNewswire/ — AMR Research, the leading research firm focused on the global supply chain and its supporting technologies, released a report today that sizes the global enterprise applications market. The report lists the top 50 global enterprise application vendors by 2008 revenue. SAP is at the top of the list with $15.8B in application revenue, with Oracle, Sage Group, Infor, and Dassault Systemes completing the top 5.
The top of the list of enterprise application vendors includes:
1. SAP ($15.801B)
2. Oracle ($8.559B)
3. Sage Group ($2.408B)
4. Infor ($2.208B)
5. Dassault Systemes ($1.958B)
6. Siemens PLM ($1.405B)
7. Microsoft ($1.308B)
8. Cadence ($1.038B)
9. PTC ($1.037B)
10. salesforce.com ($1.023B)
The complete of the top 50 enterprise applications vendors is available on AMR Research’s website.
Interestingly, Oracle’s acquisition of Sun, and Java, could wreak havoc on enterprise applications vendors in the future. AMR Research estimates over 60% of enterprise software vendors have applications that rely on Java, including many Oracle competitors, large and small. Of the 50 largest enterprise application companies, 33 offer applications that rely on Java. These companies represent over $38.5 billion, or 77% of the top 50′s 2008 revenue.
“Given the weak macro economic backdrop, the enterprise applications market had a surprisingly solid year in 2008. 2009, however, will be a whole different story,” said Dennis Gaughan, vice president at AMR Research. “Not only will vendors be impacted by the fragile economy, but 33 out of the top 50 vendors will have to reevaluate their commitment to the Java programming language.”
Methodology
To be included in AMR Research’s study, vendors must develop and sell application software products, provide implementation services, and provide software applications in at least one of the following segments: enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, sourcing and procurement (supply management), product lifecycle management, human capital management, and customer relationship management.
Please visit www.amrresearch.com for a full copy of “The Global Enterprise Market Sizing Report, 2008-2013.” If you are a member of the media and are interested in learning more about the report, please contact amrresearch@famapr.com.
About AMR Research:
AMR Research is the world’s leading independent research firm focused on the global supply chain and its supporting technologies. Founded in 1986 and privately held, AMR Research provides subscription advisory services and peer networking opportunities to supply chain, sustainability, and IT executives in the consumer products, life sciences, manufacturing, and retail sectors. To learn more the company’s research and services, visit www.amrresearch.com.
Press Contact:
Kevin Reilly
amrresearch@famapr.com
617-758-4153
Google Chrome to become operating system by second half of 2010
July 8, 2009
Yesterday Google dropped a bomb that many people have been expecting for quite some time. For several years we’ve been talking and reading about how a web browser might eventually become an operating system. I remember hearing this initially discussed when Netscape became popular and started to take on Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. Until recently the thought of browser as OS has largely remained a distant but ever more believable dream. The dream may become reality if Google has their way.
MIS Group client base under attack on Twitter
July 7, 2009
Social Media to the rescue!
In prior years we might have seen firms take out expensive Google Adwords to solicit the clients of a failed competitor. Right now we’re seeing the free social media service Twitter being used by competitors seeking to woo clients of the former Sage Business Partner of The Year The MIS Group.
As you may know, MIS Group suddenly shut their doors on July 6, 2009 leaving their clients and employees to fend for themselves. There was no advance notice given of this shutdown and many of the clients are enrolled in MIS Group support and maintenance plans which they rely on to keep their businesses running.
Here’s a small sample of a few Tweets I noticed openly advertising for MIS Group clients.
New York based Net@Work chimes in:
As well as Microsoft reseller Simcrest out of Texas:
West Reading, PA Keystone Software Solutions:
CRM VAR Harris Technology – Houston Texas
Minimum wage slated to rise to $7.25 on July 24, 2009
July 7, 2009
On July 24, 2009 the federal minimum wage rate is slated to rise from the present $6.55 per hour to $7.25 per hour.
The rate is established by the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) which establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments. Covered nonexempt workers are entitled to a minimum wage of not less than $6.55 per hour effective July 24, 2008; and $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. Overtime pay at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate of pay is required after 40 hours of work in a workweek.
Many states also have minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject to both state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is generally entitled to the higher minimum wage. In all instances you are advised to consult with a business advisor prior to determine what rules apply to your company.
US Department of Labor via Karen Smart at Smart e-Solutions
Update for Connecticut Employers
This just appeared in my email inbox from my friend Corrine Nadolny who represents Paychex in Connecticut:
Good Morning
Of course Connecticut’s minimum wage is higher $8.00 , waitress minimum wage is $5.52 and $7.12 for bartenders.
Hope all is well!
Corrine
Corrine Nadolny
Paychex
55 Capital Blvd., Suite 302
Rocky Hill, Ct 06067
Office (860)257-0677 Ext. 25012
Fax (866)784-5725
cnadolny@paychex.com
As always – consult your tax or accounting professional prior to taking any action. We are not in the business of providing tax advice and any information given is for general knowledge only and not with the intent of having any person rely on the information for making tax decisions. Tax rates and rules change often – be sure to check with your tax advisor prior to implementing any information you find on the Internet.
Why I use, love and adore Gmail
July 3, 2009
People look at me funny when I tell them that our entire office runs off Google Apps for Domain. That means we don’t have any Microsoft Office deployed on local workstations. All of our documents and spreadsheets are prepared in Google Docs which means we have no software to load or configure on local workstations in the office.
It also means that when we’re out of the office we can access our documents from ANY Internet connected computer.
We also use GMAIL for all of our email. It’s much less hassle to maintain than a separate Exchange Server (which we’ve done in the past and found to be a huge waste of time and resources for very little benefit).
This morning I received an autoresponder email from one of our email subscribers who is apparently without access to any email for several days due to an internal server problem…. And I am again reminded of exactly why I love GMAIL. It’s the lack of these types of problems that keep me convinced that outsourcing email is the wisest move we’ve ever made.
Outgrowing Sage MAS 90? – Microsoft Doesn’t Seem To Know What To Do Except Slash Pricing
June 24, 2009
Outgrown MAS 90, but Microsoft can’t really say why.
Below is a review from Paul Ziliak of the Microsoft Web Seminar titled “Outgrowing MAS 90/200 and What to Do About It”.
Paul is a Sage Business Partner and has agreed to allow us to re-post his review of the above seminar. Obviously neither Paul or myself are independent with respect to these opinions as we both represent Sage Software as Business Partners. Therefore use the below feedback in combination with your own research to draw the appropriate conclusion that is right for your company situation. We recommend consulting with a competent business advisor prior to making any decisions on accounting software purchase or implementation.
Paul’s posting is below:
I thought his insights were interesting because I’d received several reports that Microsoft is sponsoring “independent” web seminar that claim to give information on what to do when you outgrow MAS 90 or MAS 200.
I attended a webcast today called “How to Know Your Customers Have Outgrown MAS 90/200 and What to Do About It” presented by The CPA Technology Advisor.
I didn’t see anything in this presentation to suggest that Microsoft GP offers any more than MAS 90 / 200 in terms of functionality, reporting, or technology unless your IT department will accept Microsoft and only Microsoft, or if your system needs to scale to hundreds of users.
Almost nothing was offered telling me ‘How to Know’ and the primary thing I learned about ‘What to do’ is that Microsoft is planning an aggressive pricing promotion in the next 90 to 120 days geared toward moving MAS 90 users. Fair enough. But a lot can be gained by offering a substantial list of identifiers as to whether you’ve outgrown MAS 90. I’ll suggest a few:
* Others in your industry have advantages over you because of technology
* Your users have more technology sophistication than the software can deliver.
* Specifically identifiable functionality does not exist in your system. This gap should be verified inside and outside your organization. The cost of the gap should be measurable.
The webcast’s main presenter was Darren Root of Root & Associates, LLC. He was accompanied by Randy Johnston of K2 Enterprises. The premise of the presentation (which qualified for CPE credit) was that the venerable Sage MAS 90/MAS 200 product lines may have fallen behind Microsoft GP in areas of Functionality, Reporting and BI, Scalability, Limited Ability to Integrate, Low Employee Productivity, and Outdated Technology Due to Limited Research and Development.
I did not record the webcast, but I do not recall any mention of ‘Low Employee Productivity’ beyond its appearance in an early slide. Interestingly, for most of the general examples of software capabilities Mr. Root described the Sage and Microsoft offerings as being comparable.
The webcast offered almost not one specific functional shortfall of MAS 90/MAS 200. And one technology-specific deficiency – the lack of a MAS 90/200 SQL version – was refuted by the presenter himself who acknowledged the forthcoming release (presumed with version 4.40).
Nearly 50% of the audience responded as having zero MAS customers (the webcast was geared toward CPAs with MAS customers), so the audience was perfect for Microsoft to have a webcast dismissing MAS 90/200 without objection.
I note that despite being billed as an educational event there was no Q&A before, during or after the event in spite of the presence of a ‘Type Questions for Moderator’ box during the entire hour long event.
The event offered early access to a white paper at http://www.accountingsoftwareworld.com/whitepaperGP.pdf but my attempts to obtain the whitepaper bombed out Adobe, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome.
While extolling the power of SQL server technology as one of the identifiable differentiators between MAS 90/ 200 and Microsoft GP, Mr. Root did not mention the perhaps the best path that Sage users could take – to Sage MAS 500. This is especially notable considering Mr. Root’s 5 star (out of 5 possible) review of Sage MAS 500 in the December 2007 article in none other than the CPA Technology Advisor. You can find that review here.
http://www.cpatechnologyadvisor.com/print/The-CPA-Technology-Advisor/2007-Review-of-High-End-Accounting-Systems/1$1821
No one is buying systems just to have the technology. Companies are making changes to support strategic initiatives within their organizations. Sage MAS 90 / 200 users who have identified new system needs SHOULD consider what Microsoft has to offer, but don’t overlook what your Sage partner may be able to do to enhance your MAS 90 / 200 solution, or migrate you to MAS 500.
The above post is courtesy Paul Ziliak President, Chicago Office of MicroAccounting Solutions.
Paul is responsible for the Chicago operations. A CPA, Paul has been helping Chicago companies maximize their MAS 90, MAS 200 and MAS 500 systems since 1992. Paul spent a number of years directing the IT consulting practice for BDO Seidman, LP.Paul’s firm represents the Sage product line. Reprinted here by permission of the author.
Corrections, clarifications or any additional information should be left in the comments section.
Facebook personalized user names available Saturday 12am
June 10, 2009
Starting this Saturday June 13, 2009 at 12:01 am you can claim your own personalized Facebook user name.
Previously you were only able to use a lengthy and difficult to remember URL such as http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=531173044 instead of an easier to remember URL such as http://www.facebook.com/myname.
These addresses will be issued on a first come and first served basis. Once you claim your new Facebook address you cannot change it or assign it to anyone else.
Bumper patch of MS Security updates due Tuesday June 9, 2009
June 5, 2009
On Tuesday June 9, 2009 Microsoft is planning to release a big set of security patches for Windows. There will be ten updates – six of which will address critical system flaws either in the operating system or a Microsoft application.
The patch count is as follows:
Internet Explorer and various Windows components – Five
Microsoft Office Components – Three
Windows – Two
Expect your systems to need a reboot after the patches are applied. More information on what’s not in the pack can be read from Microsoft’s site here.
via Register
New iPhone pre-announced by Walt Mossberg
June 4, 2009
So far as I’m aware there has not been any official announcement of a next generation iPhone from Apple. And, don’t panic, I know the graphic in the image above is of the new Palm Pre – and not an iPhone. The graphic is part of Walt Mossberg’s just released Palm Pre review.
Sure, there’s tons of speculation. And there’s a new rumor that seems to pop up each week (see this graphic for a nice compilation of rumors).
But until now there wasn’t anything “super authoritative” to indicate that a new iPhone “for sure” would be announced by Apple on Monday at their WWDC event.
That is until Walt Mossberg of the WSJ published his Palm Pre review. In the review he clearly states (twice) that a “new iPhone to be unveiled next week”. He does not make any indication when the new iPhone might ship.
Interesting to note that he didn’t say “iphone – S” (plural) as some have speculated.
Google Local now lets you measure how often your business appears in Google Map and Local search results
June 2, 2009
Google is trying to get more businesses to claim their local listing profile on Google Local. This is the result that appears when a web visitor searches for your name on Google Maps.
Starting today those businesses with a listing will also have access to free dashboard that provides feedback on the numbers of web visitors that view a company’s local listing. This obviously will help Google sell ads or upgrades at some future point. However for new it helps business owners to review exactly how powerful (or not) their Google Maps search results are.
Since the listing itself is free there’s not reason not to head over and setup your own Google Profile for business. In addition to the mundane street address and phone number you also have the opportunity to upload photos and YouTube videos (which I recommend because they will set you apart from your competitors). Some custom fields can be added which provide additional frequently asked questions that are not in the boilerplate Google listing profile.
Paperless Office file list for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200
June 2, 2009
Here’s a great summary that shows the names of the system files which hold “behind the scenes” information about MAS 90 and MAS 200 Paperless Office.
This information can be useful in diagnosing system level problems or in restoring data files from a backup should you experience problems with Paperless Office.
WARNING: Do not make any changes to these files unless you know what you are doing. Consult a qualified Sage Business Partner for assistance. This information is believed accurate at the time of publication. Use at your own risk. Schulz Consulting takes no responsibility for damage that you may do to your data files.
Accupos for Sage MAS 90 recorded demo
June 1, 2009
Looking for a Point of Sale solution that integrates to your Sage MAS90 or MAS200 accounting software?
Join the newest Endorsed Partner for Sage MAS 90, AccuPOS Point of Sale, and learn about the opportunity available for you to reach into the Point of Sale market without traditional challenges many partners face in the retail sector. Focused on cash and carry retailers and on restaurants, this award winning front end software uses the inventory of Sage MAS 90 allowing you to remain the expert in the product with which you are already familiar. AccuPOS has provided and supported Point of Sale for Sage financial management solution users for over ten years and we are excited to present them as our newest Endorsed Partner.
QuickBooks Pro 2009 – $59.99 Today (June 1, 2009) Only
June 1, 2009
Today only (June 1, 2009) grab a copy of QuickBooks Pro (full version) for only $59.99 at Staples.com. This is an online deal only and is not available in store (though you may order online and have it shipped to your store). Staples offers free local shipping.
The pricing is about half of the QuickBooks normal street price which seems to fluctuate between $119 and $130.
If you’re using an older version of QuickBooks this represents an excellent opportunity to come current. Remember that Intuit periodically requires anyone using Payroll to be on their latest supported version and has recently stopped supporting QuickBooks 2006 which means that anyone using that version who wants to continue using payroll MUST upgrade. This deal is the lowest price that I’ve seen.
Sleeter Group QuickBooks Conference November 9-12 Registration Open
May 28, 2009
If QuickBooks Consulting is your forte – then be sure you register for the Sleeter Group’s annual conference (November 9-12, 2009 in Florida) which has just started early registration.
I attended the conference last year and found it to be extremely helpful in learning more about a product that we compete often against.
You may ask why we would attend a QuickBooks conference for a product that we don’t represent
The answer is simple. No one product can offer a solution that fits every business. Where our solution isn’t the right fit – we often (and regularly) recommend other possible solutions for our prospective clients to investigate. Having a good solid knowledge of the marketplace is what sets Schulz Consulting (in our humble opinion) apart from competitors who might be focussed on only moving boxes of software.
Three Days of Intense QuickBooks Training and Networking
The Sleeter Conference features multiple tracks of QuickBooks learning sessions which are offered on a variety of topics including report writing, add-ons, upgrades, new features, etc.
Each day begins with a keynote address that sets the stage for the day’s events. Intuit addresses the group and can be expected to give a road map and overall discussion about the newer features coming in any expected upgrades.
What I liked the best about the conference was not the Intuit keynotes but rather the impromptu demonstrations given by the technical support managers from Intuit. These informal demos contained loads of information, were totally live, totally interactive and didn’t contain one boring Powerpoint!
Doug Sleeter and his group also offer a great collection of training materials and users guides that any QuickBooks consultant will find helpful.
Highly recommend.
Links:
QuickBooks Consulting Conference
QuickBooks Training Guides and Manuals
Sleeter Group Educational Guides
Sleeter Group Web Site
Palm Pre User Guide Online
May 27, 2009
The Palm Pre User Guide has been posted online for those who just can’t wait for the official release on June 6, 2009.
CPA Exam Review Software for iPhone now available
May 6, 2009
Are you a CPA candidate looking for a portable study solution for the CPA Exam? CPAMasterMobile Business 2009 is now available for $1.99 in the iTunes App Store. This application focusses on the business section of the CPA exam in what the developer say’s is a user friendly format that presents exam questions in multiple choice format that tracks your scores and progress.
If you’ve got an iPhone or iPod Touch then look no further than the iTunes App Store. Appearing now are two applications – CPA Regulation and CPA Business. Both feature practice exams that can be taken again and again. As someone who passed the CPA exam largely as a result of repeatedly taking practice exams I can vouch for the effectiveness of this method.
While drilling on old exams won’t teach you new topics, it is an invaluable way to build confidence and measure your readiness for the test. At only $1.99 I’d head to the App Store now and download one or both of these.
CPA Regulation (iTunes)
CPA Business (iTunes)
MAS 90 LinkedIn Group Now Active
May 4, 2009
There is now a LinkedIn group for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 users and consultants to network and exchange ideas.
This unofficial group (it is neither sponsored by Sage or affiliated/endorsed by them) serves as a place for users of MAS 90 and MAS 200 to gather and get connected.
LinkedIn allows you to connect to other members across the country and exchange ideas as well as post your own thoughts to the discussion board. There is also an area to post jobs related items (either looking for a job or seeking someone for a position).
If you’re new to the concept of Social Media and perhaps a little unsure of its benefits, then LinkedIn is a great way to get started. LinkedIn is largely accepted as a business version of Facebook where companies encourage employees to create new contacts and network.
There is no charge to join LinkedIn and just about any topic is open for discussion.
DISCLAIMER: Just in case you missed it in the article above, this MAS90 LinkedIn group is not affiliated, endorsed, sponsored, or monitored by Sage in any way. The group is an independent use of the LinkedIn site to facilitate ease of MAS 90 or MAS 200 user/consultant communication.
Sage offers their own (excellent) Sage MAS Community Forums which provide direct feedback on product technical issues. Their Community forums ARE monitored by Sage and if you have a technical issue that you’d like to address directly to Sage are the most appropriate forum.
Naturally we strongly recommend that any issues first be discussed with your Sage Business Partner.
Link: MAS 90 and MAS 200 Users and Consultants – LinkedIn
Link: Sage MAS Community Forums – Most Recent Messages
Seesmic updates their Twitter client to include Facebook integration
May 2, 2009
It can be confusing enough to understand exactly how Twitter and Facebook work without also having to use their sometimes painfully slow web interface.
Thankfully there are a number of third party software programs available that let you manage your Twitter and Facebook accounts (view, post) from the desktop without ever having to log into the web.
Seesmic Desktop is one such standalone program and the developers have just added Facebook integration to what is already a great desktop Twitter client. I love Seesmic because it runs on Adobe Air which means the same program can be used on either Windows or Mac. The interface is nice and clean and free of a lot of icons that perform features I might never use.
The real power of Twitter is in search. And the Seesmic Desktop allows you to create as many searches as you like and save all of them off to the side. You can optionally open separate windows for each search and view the results as they update in real time. This type of monitoring is helpful for when you might want to monitor Twitter feeds for your company name, product or other important topics.
Sadly missing from Seesmic is any type of Twitscoop integration. This handy site shows the top trending topics in Twitter and is remarkably accurate at picking up on breaking news. While you can “Like” friends Facebook posts – you’ll have to wait for a future release to comment on them.
Seesmic Desktop is still a preview which means that it’s undergoing further testing before full release. To download a copy, follow the link below.
Intacct and Netsuite – My SAAS thoughts from IT Alliance Spring 2009
May 1, 2009
After the great presentation given by both Netsuite and Intacct, I was asked to give some feedback on the area of SAAS (software as a service) and highlight some of the topics covered in the presenation.
Here’s a brief YouTube video that the IT Alliance took of me during the conference which contains my thoughts:
MAS 90 for iPhone type solution announced by third party developer Blytheco and bMobile
May 1, 2009
Using a Providex-based technology (PVXPlus) Sage Business Partner and Developer Blytheco is announcing a new mobile solution which appears to render standard Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 screens to html for easy display on remote devices such as the iPhone as well as desktops.
This type of technology isn’t completely new. Sage Business Partner and long time developer Hightower Associates use PVXPlus technology to render their Timekeeper software remotely over a web browser as well.
At least a portion of the appeal of bMobile from Blytheco appears to be the elimination of the need to use Citrix or Terminal Services. While this is a good thing for smaller clients, most larger corporations already have some remote solutions in place and may already be using them with Sage MAS 90 or 200.
No word on whether the iPhone specific version of this solution will be available in the App Store (we think it will) or whether it will require a special type of iPhone referred to as jailbroken and meaning that the iPhone can accept applications from outside the official Apple iPhone App Store.
It’s also too early to tell what the implications will be for end user MAS 90 and MAS 200 license requirements and whether a full license for MAS 90 or MAS 200 will be required for all who are remotely connecting to the system via bMobile (we think it likely that licenses will be required).
The most unique announced feature appears to be the self-service portal capabilities. Many times companies want to allow vendors or employees into the system to do very limited data entry. Until now most were creating remote access desktops in Citrix or Terminal Server which can create security concerns.
There’s no word on availability though we expect to hear further information at the upcoming Sage Insights conference May 11 to 14 in Nashville.
From the Blytheco site, here is some more information about bMobile:
Access your MAS 90 or MAS 200 system when and how you need it.
BlythecoDev’s bMobile solution offers four deployment options:
Web browser-based MAS 90 or MAS 200 eliminates the need for expensive remote access tools (like Terminal Services or Citrix), and provides full system screens and capabilities for remote or traveling users. Run your system on a Mac or a Linux system, or on an alternative browser like Safari. Deploy one user or an entire remote office.
MAS 90 or MAS 200 on your smart phone. Access key system components easily and quickly using your iPhone, Blackberry, or other ‘smart phone.’ Customize your mobile screen using the standard Custom Office module.
Self-service browser-based portal for your customers, vendors, and employees. A streamlined MAS 90 interface combined with the power of your system gives them the ability to review their accounts, update contact information, place orders, and more.
Web- Based MAS 90 & CRM Integration
Your integrated front- to back-office system on the web. Proven Dynalink technology for SalesLogix Today enables users to have a complete view of all customer interactions on a web browser, increasing efficiencies and improving customer service.
Link: bMobile – Blytheco
Fixed! – Default printer may now be assigned to standard reports and standard form codes after applying MAS 90 service update 23
April 30, 2009
Users of Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 may now correctly assign their default Windows printer to standard forms and reports.
This was always an option in the accounting software – however unfortunately it didn’t work (see Sage RES 490593).
As reported in the knowledgebase article (remember this applies only to version 4.2 as the issue was fixed with an upgrade to 4.3 or application of service update 23+ for v4.2
):
Reports should print to the Windows default printer when the standard report setting or form code is selected if the Use workstation default printer for standard report setting and Use Workstation Default Printer for Standard Form Code check boxes are selected.
Link: Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 Service Update 23 for version 4.2
Direct Deposit reversal issue fixed with MAS90 service update 11
April 30, 2009
Sage just issued Service Update 11 for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 which fixes an issue that some have reported when attempting to reverse a direct deposit entry in payroll.
As reported by several resellers, the problem with Direct Deposit appeared to manifest itself when you tried to void a payroll check with direct deposit. Those amounts would be doubled during the payroll calculation resulting in totals that were incorrect.
There are also several other important corrections for those using the following modules:
Accounts Payable
During the check register update, the discount is no longer removed from the invoice when paying a credit memo and invoice together and the total amount being “paid” is negative (so no check prints).
Accounts Receivable
The Customer Listing with Balances Report no longer prints the primary ship to code of the previous customer if the current customer does not have a primary ship to code.
The Global Customer Field Change Utility now updates all customers selected when changing the Payment Type to something other than a credit card type.
General Ledger
The Trial Balance Report now prints the correct period ending date when printing Ending Balance Only is selected as the Report Type to Print.
Payroll
In 941 Printing, the calculation for the SS Tips is now correct.
Sales Order
In Sales Order Entry and Invoice Data Entry, lines are retained correctly when inserting and exploding mulitple kits (exceeding 27 lines).
Recommendations
If you are experiencing issues with any of the above (or see this Sage “what’s fixed” list for a more complete breakout of the fixes included in MAS90 service update 11) – then consult your Sage Business Partner about installing the latest service update.
If you’re not experiencing any issues, we generally would not recommend installing the service update unless (a) You are installing or upgrading MAS 90 or MAS 200 for the first time or (b) you are about to place a support call to Sage for a new issue.
Always remember that if you have enhancements or Extended Solutions that you need to check to be sure that installing a service update does not break any of your existing functionality prior to loading the update.
Imagenet from Mitek offered by NCR to enable remote deposits by smartphone
April 28, 2009
Imagine being able to use an ordinary cell phone to photographs a check. Then without doing anything more complex than sending the photo via software loaded to your phone (Most phones with at least a 2 megapixel cameral including iPhone and BlackBerry Bold will be supported ) that check is deposited right to your bank account.
There’s no waiting in line. No more embarrasment of producing that driver’s license photo that makes you look like a crazed maniac.
NCR is the company behind this technology. They’ve partnered with Mitek system to create this mobile solution that’s perfect for anyone needing to directly deposit small numbers of checks.
“NCR selected the Mobile Deposit product to extend the number of deposit choices our
customers can use with our self service suite of remote capture solutions,” said Michael O’Laughlin, vice president and general manager, NCR Financial Services Solutions. “Mitek
Systems application will provide the first mobile phone deposit option for our customers, which is a strategic benefit to banks who are looking to attract young consumers and small
business owners who conduct much of their business on the road.”
Mitek Systems ImageNet Mobile Deposit is the first and only application that allows banks to
accept check deposits from merchants and mobile professionals via camera-equipped cell phones. Mobile Deposit is easily downloaded to most mobile phones equipped with a two-
megapixel camera including the Apple iPhoneTM and BlackBerry BoldTM. Mobile Deposit is available to financial institutions or mobile banking software vendors looking to add remote
deposit capture to their mobile banking platform.
via: Mitek Systems via Gizmodo
Wayne Schulz Bores IT Alliance To Tears
April 28, 2009
Update: This was a test post created during the To Blog or Not To Blog – An In Depth Look At the Why’s And The Wow’s of Blogging.
In a session today on Blogging, Wayne Schulz of Schulz consulting left a room of 20 people completely cured of insomnia!
Topics discussed were how to Blog, How to select stories and the top mistakes not to make.
Here’s the slide deck:
My very condensed notes from IT Alliance:
1. Background of Wayne Schulz – Schulz Consulting, LLC
- How started – geardiary.com blogger for about 1.5 year
- Why use blogging (search, credibility, developer yourself as an authority, save time in the sales process, develop qualified leads)
2. Comparison to other methods
- Email (overloaded and less effective than ever – people delete fast)
- Cold calls (plummeting response rates)
- Referrals (the best way to connect to prospects)
- Direct Mail (see cold calls above)
3. What is blogging software
- WordPress – http://www.wordpress.org (free download)
- Blogger – http://www.blogger.com
4. Why blog
- So customers, prospects, potential employees can find you
- Create searchable content
- Provide customer value – creates a reason for them to return to your site
- Re-use the content in your email newsletters (I use and recommend Constant Contact)!!
- Demonstrate uniqueness to prospects – differentiates you from the competition
- Get inbound links from others
5. Tips
- Rather than send an lengthy email or make a lengthy forum post – blog it
- Avoid the three killers: Politics, Religion, Sex (open a personal blog if you feel the urge)
- Be consistent and write at least daily
- If you find it interesting chances are someone else will
- If you think “should I write about this” – you probably should
- The best articles are those you aren’t sure about initially
- Use a pre-built theme
- Measure site traffic (I use Statcounter.com)
- Chose your story titles wisely – keyword rich, tag them, categorize them
- Find links in – Technorati
- Google Reader
6. Finding topics to write about
- RSS (set up Google Reader)
- Email exchanges with colleagues (groups.google.com is a great way to get your friends together)
- Articles online (re-blog)
- Articles on other sites (re-blog with a link back)
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Press releases
- Experiences you’ve had at a client working with products (good and bad)
- Google news alerts
IMPORTANT: Be cautious with what you write and remember that your goal is to have your content show in search results. Expect companies to find stories that you’ve written (both positive and negative). Think before you push the “publish” button because you can’t easily take back something that’s been indexed in Google or other search engines.
7. Tips about wordpress
- Write offline (I use Marsedit on MAC - Ed Kless swears by Windows Live Writer)
- Use plug ins (wordpress.org)
– Connect your blog to an RSS feed (use Twitterfeed) to Twitter and FB
- Use images – people like pictures (Flickr is a great free tool that will let you email in photos)
- Use a custom theme (check Studiopress for a wide assortment of modifiable themes about $60 ea)
- Be consistent in your layout
- Spell check
- Keep the focus on the client (think benefit)
8. Demonstration of WordPress
- Create an article
Questions? Use the comment area below and I’ll be happy to answer to update the article as needed.
9. Integrating your web site
- Twitterfeed
- Facebook
- Friendfeed
Follow Wayne Schulz on Twitter or Facebook or LinkedIn
IT Alliance invites Wayne Schulz to speak at April 2009 conference
April 26, 2009
The IT Alliance (ITA) has invited Wayne Schulz to speak and lead a workshop session April 28 at their 2009 conference being held in Atlanta Georgia.
The IT Alliance is a group of Value-Added Resellers (VARs), CPAs, Specialty Technology Consultants, Chief Information/Technology Officers, and Developers/Providers of Technology Products and Services (Vendors)
ITA is the only national organization where these constituencies come together as equals. Their members believe success comes through the sharing of the knowledge and experiences our different disciplines bring to the profession. They do this by active networking, this website www.italliance.com, surveys, newsletters, and biannual retreats. ITA is a place where independent thinking and alternative points of view are openly promoted and respected.
IT Alliance scope includes:
Hardware, Network Services, Security, Project Management, Business Management (CIO and Consulting), Systems Design and Implementation, Skills Education, and Certification.
Wayne’s session “To blog or not to blog” will cover the ways that organizations can use easy and inexpensive tools to publish content on their website that is helpful to site visitors.
IT Alliance Atlanta 2009 Agenda:
Link: ITAlliance
Additional Info: Corporate Blogs: It’s The PageRank, Stupid
For those who doubt the effect Social Media can have on their business
April 25, 2009
While logged into my Facebook page I noticed this feed item from Scott Jordan who is the CEO of SCOTTEVEST.
While Scott’s a very smart marketer and has made some use of Steve Wozniak in ad campaigns this year – he’s probably not doing anything more on the web that’s costing significantly more marketing dollars than what he’s spent in the past.
Yet his sales and traffic to his online store are up 40% according to this status update that he just posted on Facebook.
Are you getting those results?
Here’s a few observations on how Scott Jordan uses social media:
1. He’s everywhere – and he rarely uses his presence to push his product. But because he is so involved in the business it feels natural when he mentions that his product is on the Today Show or that one of his shipments was stolen (and subsequently recovered) from a customs clearing warehouse.
2. Scott has a video blog. Half the time it’s him out walking his two poodles saying hello to his neighbors. Sometimes it’s him skiing wherever he lives (I assume somewhere cold). The interesting point is the blog is never an infomercial to sell anything.
Are Facebook, Twitter, Blogging and other Social Media “fads” a waste of time?
Not if you ask Scott Jordan. How about your company? Are you using these tactics to grow your business 40% in the worst economy many of us may ever see in our lifetime?
Link: Scottevest
PS – How do I even know this information? Because I took the time to setup a Facebook account and learn how it works. You’ve done that too – right?
Kick them when they’re down – aka Why It’s A Great Time To Buy ERP
April 24, 2009
Mark Chinsky of Clients First has a good article up that points out the time to buy any ERP (accounting software) is now.
That is, of course, assuming you actually need some.
Among the points Mark makes:
- Prices are lower than what they were during the good times
- Companies actually value (and pay attention to) your business rather than trying in vain to juggle many different projects and allocating resources only to the biggest jobs
- Projects being completed under budget and on time (what a concept!)
How can you take advantage of this downtrodden economy?
- If you’re an existing Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 user – consider upgrading to Sage Extended Enterprise Edition. Some users (depending upon when you bought) are eligible for massive savings on maintenance. Read more about the Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 EES deals here.
- Purchase consulting time in blocks. Many consultants (us included) are not open to discounting rates on short term projects (typically requiring much more skill). However for long term projects of 40 hours or more – most consultants will sell you a discounted block of prepaid hours (the key word is prepaid). We sell 40 hour blocks at about a 25% savings provided that the hours are prepaid. Check with your local Sage Business Partner to see if they do to.
- Take advantage of MAS 90 and MAS 200 promotions. These come out quarterly. A good Sage Business Partner can separate the perpetual promotions (those running every quarter despite the warning that they expire) from the truly great deals.
via: Clients First
Sage Insights 2009 Tip: You Do Have A Better Web Strategy Than THIS – Right?
April 23, 2009
Is buying expensive Google Adwords your only web strategy?
I probably should keep my mouth shut and let the competition keep wasting their money.
It’s sad to see companies so lost in a lack of any web strategy that their only apparent online plan is to finance a bunch of random Google AdWords hoping that a big lead randomly lands in their lap.
If you’ve ever tried to sell to a raw Web lead then you know they are almost always using you for a discount, third bid or free advice can be some of the least qualified (and most expensive) types of potential customers.
Of course, done right, a web lead doesn’t have to be difficult to close. Many of them can turn into a $50,000 project. The key is to know the right way to market on the web so as to attract the quality leads – and repel the discount seekers, quick question askers and tire kickers.
Let me ask you this first – because maybe I’m making some incorrect assumptions…
You do have a better strategy than buying Google AdWords – or waiting for someone like a software publisher to deliver free leads to you. Right?
There’s nothing wrong with Google Adwords. They’re a great way to supplement an online strategy.
There’s also nothing wrong with free leads from a software publisher (assuming you can get them). These supplement any marketing strategy quite well.
Notice I’ve used the word “supplement”. It means “in addition to”
What’s your strategy online?
Have you developed any of the new tactics that people are talking about?
- Friendfeed
- Social Media Sites
- Blogging
Or are you still talking with those in your office about how you “don’t get” some of these new tools?
How most of these new uncomfortable marketing tactics are huge wastes of time. You haven’t tried any of them for more than a day – but you’re pretty sure that they’re a waste of time.
Here’s another question.
How are TRADITIONAL marketing efforts such as: Direct Mail, Telemarketing, Lead Buying (Findaccountingsoftware, et al) working for you?
If you have not become involved in other methods of marketing (many of them free) and you are located in the Connecticut area – then I advise and hope that you stay home from the Insights 2009 conference. Insights is expensive and there’s no big announcements expected. The economy is crappy. Stay home and plug away at a more productive marketing activity like telemarketing because if you just put more effort (and a lot more money) into these old school tactics you’ll surely turn better results. If that doesn’t work just buy AdWords against my company name on Google.
For those NOT in Connecticut – the choice is yours.
If you’re interested in some of the new marketing methods (many totally free) that people are using to get business – be sure to attend Beyond The Hype – Social Media Marketing for B2B on Wednesday May 13 from 1:30 to 3:oo pm.
Here’s the Agenda:
The way to reach business decision makers is migrating from traditional marketing efforts to the Web. More and more consumers are researching their next purchases online using search engines and social media sites. This session will explore how you can use social media to grow traffic to your Web site, make real connections, and join the conversations already happening on social networking sites. Find out which social media sites work best for business, how to develop a strategy for success, how to measure your campaign’s effectiveness, and where this rapidly evolving medium may be taking us next.
I’m planning on attending to answer questions that may come up during the session from a Sage Business Partner point of view. Note that I’m not leading this session – but after it’s over I plan to stick around and answer any questions. Unless of course you’re from Connecticut.
Consulting Insights Editor Bob Scott announces his departure from Accounting Technology as SourceMedia consolidates their publications
April 22, 2009
SourceMedia today combined their three accounting publications which unfortunately means the departure of three long time editors, including Bob Scott who oversaw the popular Accounting Technology magazine.
Bob is equally well known for his wildly popular electronic newsletter called “Consulting Insights”. This publication highlights insider news and gossip of importance to mid-market VARS and technology companies. Bob also specializes in his coverage of nearly all the accounting software industry trade shows and user conferences.
While it remains to be seen whether the newsletter retains the same title, it appears virtually certain Bob will continue to pen the newsletter, move it to the web – or possibly both.
In an email sent this afternoon, Bob announced that his last day will be May 22, 2009 and describes the changes as:
The wheels roll on and SourceMedia has decided to combine its three publications into Accounting Today (combine seems a curious word).
That means that there are some departures from SM and the accounting publishing world, including Jeff Stimpson of the former Practical Accountant, Stuart Kahan, of the former (I think CPA Wealth Provider) and me from the soon-to-be former Accounting Technology.Glad I scheduled the 25th anniversary issue for June instead of July when it really is.
My plans are to remain in this market and it’s simply an issue of whether the company is willing to let me have the Consulting Insights name or whether I have to put out a newsletter, probably starting in June, under a different moniker.
I always thought it was likely this would happen, just a matter of when somebody decided three accounting pubs wasn’t a good idea. Probably time to do something with that URL I’ve been paying for for years
Extended Solutions for MAS90 and MAS200
April 22, 2009
Have you ever wished that your existing MAS 90 or MAS 200 software had just a little more functionality? Some good examples of functionality tweaks that our clients have requested would include:
- Multi-company transaction processing
- ACH processing for Accounts Payable (wireless transfers)
- Payroll Direct Deposit
- Custom pricing within Inventory
- Unlimited history
There are literally thousands of inexpensive enhancements that are already written for your MAS90 system. These install as if regular MAS 90 programs and each year when MAS 90 is upgrade – so are your enhancements.
We recommend that you always first browse the Sage Extended Solutions (catalog example below) prior to hiring anyone to customize MAS90. Even though some of the items available as add-ons for MAS 90 or MAS 200 will appear expensive at first – we think you’ll ultimately save money long term.
You can review the entire list of Sage Extended Solutions or browse down for a sample listing.
Mas90 Enhancements and customizations
MAS 90 Custom Programming – DSD Business Systems
April 21, 2009
We often receive inquiries about special custom programming jobs. Long ago it became apparent to us that customizing the software code of Sage MAS 90 or 200 was best left to the professionals.
For this reason Schulz Consulting does not perform any custom programming. We make referrals to experts that know how to modify AND maintain their custom code.
The problem is that many of the professionals that write customized code have long exited the business for any number of reasons. Most found it difficult to make a profit in an environment where they were often expected to constantly enhance their product with minimal or no compensation.
The one company that we’ve consistently recommended to our clients is DSD Associates in San Diego California.
There’s one reason. Actually two.
The first reason is that DSD Associates have been around for 25 years. They’re arguably one of the most talented and experienced custom programming houses that develops for Sage MAS 90, MAS 200 and MAS 500. We’ve often marveled at their detailed programming specifications and the ability to support their solutions.
The main reason that we continue to recommend DSD Associates is they have no problem telling us when we’re nuts!
Often we’ve called Jon Reiter or Doug Deane to talk about a programming project. If our requirements are so off the wall expensive or complex – they talk us right down from going forward with a project that may be doomed for failure. Simply put DSD Associates looks out for their customers first — even ahead of making a quick buck by quoting a software project.
This is rare in today’s environment.
We just received this list of reasons that DSD Business Systems thinks that you should use their services. And it’s actually a pretty good list so we are reprinting it in its entirety here:
Top 10 reasons to use DSD Business Systems
1.DSD wrote the original Extended M/D Utilities, *merge and CodeZilla. These are important MAS 90 /200 programming utilities that many of the most widely known Sage MAS developers use when they write customizations or enhancements.
2.All of our custom programming projects are bid on a fixed price basis. No programming is started until you have reviewed and approved a detailed written specification. There are never any surprises at the end of the project.
3.DSD advises and assists Sage’s development staff in making MAS 90, MAS 200 and MAS 500 a programmer-friendly environment. We are Sage’s expert source.
4.We provide the lowest cost and most efficient, non-invasive programming modifications that will exactly meet your end-user’s needs. It is not uncommon for us to tell a reseller that a customization can be achieved with no programming via the Customizer, Visual Integrator or Crystal Reports. If we know of a customization that we’ve done in the past that is exactly, or close to, what you need, we’ll use it. If we know of another developer who has an off-the-shelf enhancement, we’ll let you know that too.
5.When third party software developers need to integrate their products with Sage MAS 90, MAS 200 or MAS 500, do you know who they call? They call us. If the publishers of Avatax and ImageLink use DSD for their MAS programming, then you should too.
6.When we write an enhancement, or make MAS customizations, we write them in ways that are upgrade-friendly, friendly to other developers’ enhancements, and very easy to install. There are many MAS developers who make it impossible to combine their enhancements or customizations with other developers’.
7.When we write an enhancement or modification, we rarely, if ever, change the original MAS files, or the original programs. That way, if you no longer need a modification sometime in the future, removing the customization or enhancement is an easy process, and does not require a time-consuming conversion process.
8.Your project is always looked at by at least three DSD staff members. DSD never allows programming to be final-tested by the programmer. All of our enhancements and customizations are rigorously tested by our QA staff in order to burn the programs in before your end-user installs them.
9.When there’s a bug, we jump on it. It is fixed almost immediately. Fixing bugs when a user finds one takes priority over any other activity in our Programming Department.
10.DSD staff has decades of MAS programming, Internet-programming, database programming and Unix experience. We’ve seen it all and done it all. We can help you with virtually anything you need, including integrations to third party software, integrations to third party hardware devices, integration with a website database, etc.
via: DSD Business Systems
Sage Webcast – MAS 90 and MAS 200 Extended Enterprise – Register Now
April 21, 2009
You may now register for a free demo of the Sage Extended Enterprise Suite (both live and pre-recorded are available) directly from our web site.
Extended Enteprise Suite is the latest offering from Sage. It combines Sage MAS 90 or 200 (version 4.3) with SageCRM and SageFAS. These three components are fully integrated to give accounting plus CRM plus fixed asset processing.
While the functionality of the suite is impressive – what’s even moreso is the lower annual maintenance costs. Sage offers two plans which are signficantly lower in ongoing maintenance than what the modules would cost as a standalone.
Sage Extended Enterprise Suite Components
Library Master
Business Insights
Paperless Office
General Ledger
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Bank Reconciliation
Fixed Assets
FRx Desktop – 1 User
Crystal Reports Designer – 2 user
Inventory Management
Sales Order
Purchase Order
Return Merchandise Authoization
Credit Card Processing by Sage
Bill of Materials
Customer Relationship Management
Custom Office
Visual Integrator
What does Sage EES for MAS 90 or MAS 200 cost?
New product (this is product only – scroll down for maintenance which is additional on the initial sale and is an annually recurring fee):
Sage Extended Enterprise for MAS 90 (max 20 users)
* 1 to 5 users – $ 2,250 each
* 6 to 10 users – $ 2,025 each
* 11 to 15 users – $ 1,823 each
* 16 to 20 users $ 1,640 each
Over 20 users = must use MAS 200
Sage Extended Enterprise for MAS 200
* 1 to 5 users $ 2,500 each
* 6 to 10 users $ 2,250 each
* 11 to 15 users $ 2,025 each
* 16 to 20 users $ 1,823 each
* 21 to 25 users $ 1,640 each
* 26 to 30 users $ 1,476 each
* 31 to 35 users $ 1,329 each
* 36 to 40 users $ 1,196 each
* 41 to 45 users $ 1,076 each
* 46 to 50 users $ 969 each
* 51+ users $ 872 each
Required Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 EES Software Maintenance
EES Maintenance Option #1 – Basic
* 19% of SLP – paid on initial purchase and as recurring fee
* Covers all modules and components (CRM, FAS)
* Includes 3 phone support incidents from Sage
EES Maintenance Option #2 Gold Plus
* Covers all modules and components (CRM,FAS)
* Includes unlimited phone support from Sage
* 25% per year
Maintenance is required in order to obtain any Sage Support, receive future product enhancements, purchase additional users or modules.
Are there upgrade options from regular/standard MAS 90 or MAS 200?
Generally the upgrade options are as follows:
If you have owned Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 since PRIOR to 10/1/2003 then your upgrade fee is:
$ 500 per user (min 5) for MAS 90 to MAS 90 or MAS 200 to MAS 200
$ 1,000 per user for MAS 90 to MAS 200 (min 5)
plus
$ 150 per user maintenance (paid on first year and subsequent years)
If you purchased MAS 90 or MAS 200 AFTER 10/1/03 then the fee is:
$ 500 per user (min 5) for MAS 90 to MAS 90 or MAS 200 to MAS 200
$ 1,000 per user for MAS 90 to MAS 200 (min 5)
plus
Normal maintenance (19% or 25%) as computed on full SLP
Standard Disclaimer Applies Here:
The information on this page is provided as-is. We make every attempt to keep pricing and technical information up-to-date. We however cannot be responsible for changes (either pricing or technical requirements) that are not reflected on this page. The technical informaiton from Sage (product literature, documentation, supported platforms, etc) always take precedence and supersede anything on this page. Consult with your Sage Business Partner prior to making any purchasing decisions. The Sage Extended Enterprise Suite is only capable of the features and functionality described in the manufactufer’s literature and those claims are their own and not those of Schulz Consulting.
Link: Register For A Free Sage EES MAS90 and MAS 200 Demo
Sage Insights Attendees – take your mom to the prom – only $149/night (EXPIRED)
April 18, 2009
[UPDATE 4-20-2009: This deal is dead and no longer available] Are you headed to the Sage Insights 2009 conference which is being held at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville May 11-14, 2009?
If so, and you were planning on being at the hotel early on May 10, be sure you ask for the “Take your mom to the prom” rate.
The hotel is advertising a special rate of $149 per night ($37 per night cheaper than the Insights room rate of $186). This promotion appears to be limited to May 10 – so you probably cannot get the rate for the duration of the conference.
For $149 per night (plus resort fee of $15/night) you get:
- One-night room accommodations including a FREE* upgrade to Atrium Garden view ($65 value)
- Admission to the Mom Prom for mother and son(s) from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Admission to the My Heart Belongs To Daddy Dance for father and daughter(s) from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Admission to the Family Affair Dance for the entire family from 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Each party includes DJ, dance contests, refreshments and lots of fun!
- One souvenir photo per room
- Continental family breakfast on Mother’s Day with a special gift for Mom
- Corsages and boutonnières will be available for purchase
If you call and are able to get the rate for more than May 10, 2009 – be sure to leave a comment!
Via: The Mom Prom and The Family Affair
Sage North America Awards Schulz Consulting Customer Excellence 2008 Award
April 15, 2009
Sage North America today awarded Schulz Consulting with a Customer Excellence Award for exceeding the measured Net Promoter average ratings of all Sage Business Partners.
This annual award is given to partners who receive exceptional net promoter scores from their customers.
A net promoter score is the result of Sage asking the question “would you recommend the services of Schulz Consulting to a friend or trusted business colleague”. In order to gather data for this survey, Sage North America sent an email inquiry to all of Schulz Consulting’s clients asking them to rate their satisfaction with Schulz.
We are happy to report that our net promoter score was not only good but it scored nearly four times the industry average and higher than the average of all other Sage Business Partners.
For more information you can read the press release issued today – Schulz Consulting Awared Customer Excellence 2008 By Sage North America.
Seesmic releases Seesmic Desktop Twitter client
April 8, 2009
If you’ve caught the Twitter bug then you already know all about Twitter. It’s a short messaging service where users send up to 140 character messages telling their friends – and the world – what it is they’re doing.
The reason that Twitter has caught on so quickly is that it’s simple to use, free, and many celebrities and public figures have started to recognize the public relations value of sending out quick promo messages.
To use Twitter you can sign into their web site here. This works pretty well generally but you are limited in a lot of ways by the web interface. For example you cannot easily paste links, photos or search for keywords that people are Twittering about.
In order to do some of the more advanced things such as search and paste photos you need to use a standalone Twitter client. The two most popular ones are Tweetdeck and Twhirl.
Both of these programs automate the sending of receiving of Twitter messages (called tweets). They add features such as automatically shortening links you post within messages, supporting multiple Twitter accounts, saved searches, and real time updates.
Just last night Seesmic (who is the publisher of Twhirl) released a Seesmic Desktop client which expands upon their Twhirl program in several ways.
Seesmic Desktop (shown above) – Visit Seesmic for more information and download link
What’s interesting about Seesmic Desktop is the interface is much cleaner and easier to read than their similar Twhirl product. You also can create multiple windows that expand off the right side of the screen (very similar to how Tweetdeck works). You can just as easily remove those extra screens if you prefer working in a narrow view as the screen above shows.
What’s missing?
There’s presently no support for trending twitter topics and I’ve had trouble copying URLs into the message bar and having the program auto-shorten them for me. Integration to Facebook is a feature that is missing but promised for a future release. Seesmic’s Twhirl product includes integration to Friendfeed while this client does not — and it seems such integration may never be included
Seesmic Desktop runs on Adobe Air which means you can be either a MAC or PC and runs this program with the exact same feature set.
Link: Seesmic Desktop
RoboForm Password Manager $10.40 off through 4/15/09
April 8, 2009
RoboForm is one of the best password manager for Windows that I’ve ever used. It creates a template for each of your web site logins which securely stores your user login and password.When you return to the site instead of remembering a site specific login and password you access RoboForm on your web browser tool bar and the login and password are supplied for you.
All the data is encrypted and you need a master password to use a login for the first time each session (this prevents someone from sitting down at your computer and accessing your logings).
This is a great tool to combat phishing as well. Phishing is when a hacker sends an email or other misleading message and tries to trick you into supplying your login/password for a web site. If you rely on RoboForm then those login credentials are only supplied at a verified site.
RoboForm – $10.40 off through 4/15/09
Why software sales tiers are outdated, dangerous and should be abolished immediately
April 7, 2009
Sales tiers are the filthiest secret in the software industry.
In case you’re not familiar with how these tiers work, essentially a tier is a sales quota established by a software company. Pretty much all software companies have these. It’s the way they “incent” their channel partners (aka resellers) to sell more.
If a consulting firm sells $ x of software per measurement period – they earn a corresponding commission on each sale.
The more software a consulting firm sells per measurement period (typically a rolling quarterly computation) the higher the commission rate for subsequent periods.
The problem with a sales based tier structure? Resellers earn this reward whether the sale produces a happy customer or not. It becomes tempting to push deals that don’t fit just so that sales volume can increase to maintain a commission structure. Do you see why sales tiers potentially do nothing but hurt the customer, the vendor and ultimately the reseller?
In the struggle to make a certain dollar volume of sales during a measurement period, software resellers are pushed to take on deals that may not be good fits for customers. Sometimes these deals are sold without any services so that the customer flounders trying to install the software and either abandons the product or leaves to find a reseller better qualified to help.
The key problem is reward is linked to one action – selling – and NOT customer satisfaction
Tier is not linked to customer satisfaction. That’s why it’s an outdated tool in an era when everyone who needs accounting software has it.
Within the last six months I’ve noticed a disturbing trend of users who’ve “lost” their original reseller and are looking for someone else to assist with the installation of their software.
The story is usually the same. Customer buys software at quarter end for a fantastic big bargain discount. Consultant eagerly bundles together not only software but three or four add-ons they claim will integrate perfectly and do exactly what customer wants.
Fast forward six months and I start receiving the emails (below is an actual email). While this particular user describes an experience with an add-on product – it’s typical of ones that I’ve received (several times per month). As you read – ask yourself why a consultant would sell a complex software program they could not install?:
Dear Wayne,
I have been a subscriber of yours for quite a while and have found your newsletters informative and entertaining.
We are a large service center that provides service to retail equipment for numerous different product lines. For example, we would service the paint equipment at your local Home Depot, Lowes or your local hardware store, or register belts at the nearby Wal-Mart. We are located in approximately xx states and are closing in on xx technicians to provide this service. As you can imagine, our volume of service calls is quite substantial. We have been a MAS90 user since approximately xxxx. We began with 3.71 and have just upgraded to 4.2 this past summer. In late xxxx, we added the xxxxx module from [removed] to the MAS90 to help in managing our service calls. Currently, we are at a crossroads with our customer needs. Many of our larger customers would like equipment repair reports and online status of their placed service calls. At the current time, we are beginning to build our customer’s equipment file under the [xxxx] module.
Our current reseller is not necessarily equipped to provide specialized help in obtaining what we need. We would like to find someone that knows Automated Service inside and out, and would also take the time to understand our needs to give us direction, input and guidance in obtaining it. Do you know of any consultants in our local area that would be able to help us?
I would appreciate any suggestions or help that you may be able to provide.Thank you,
Here’s my proposed solution to the tier problem (which plagues all software companies)
Get rid of tier based on sales goals – and instead reward maintenance renewal rates which are the true measure of satisfaction
You can take all the surveys in the world. Run infinite focus groups. Get bunches of your top resellers together to have fancy dinners and play golf serve on advisory boards.
There’s only one statistic that matters, is easily measured and all parties have an equal control over (software vendor, reseller and customer).
That statistic that matters is whether the end user customer renews their maintenance for another year.
Period. Done. Stop Reading. End of Story
Maintenance renewal is a vote of confidence. It’s the customer saying “I approve”, “I’m happy”, “The software met my needs”.
This is a win win for customers – because they’re using a solution that’s working efficiently and was sold to them by a reseller who made damn sure the solution would work – or they wouldn’t sell it. Under my proposed model a reseller wouldn’t sell a solution that was less than a great fit. Because if the customer were unhappy (didn’t renew maintenance) – the reseller’s commission structure would be significantly impacted.
Doesn’t that sound like a little saner way to do business?
Reward a sales channel for creating satisfied customers!
Wait – wouldn’t software companies lose out because of all the sales resellers wouldn’t make?
Not necessarily. As I stated earlier – the lions share of of a software company’s revenue is made these days from RECURRING SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE.
Therefore – this method of rewarding resellers for satisfied customers is a long term win win for software companies who see a much more predictable maintenance revenue stream.
What about resellers? This is a win win for VARS/Consultants/Resellers who no longer must push bad deals through hustle to meet some arbitrary tier goal by some arbitrary quarter.
The dirty secret of reselling that most people don’t talk about is how small the profit can be on an initial sale. Back out the now enormous overhead of prospecting, lead generation and proposals – and you’ve be surprised how little a reseller makes selling a new system. Many systems are actually loss leaders against future consulting work.
So where’s the profit for the reseller? In the recurring revenue. In the happy customer who renews maintenance and engages the reseller for projects and upgrades year after year after year…
Am I starting to at least make a little sense here?
By measuring the percentage of clients who renew ongoing maintenance plans you get a rough idea of customer satisfaction. Require VARS (aka consultants, business partners, resellers) to maintain a 90% renewal rate or drop their commission rate drastically.
This will have several side effects (all positive for the customer).
- Resellers will spend more time up front making sure that the software is the right solution for a customer.
- Bad resellers who have a steady stream of dissatisfied clients will be driven out of business.
- Resellers will no longer sell deals that don’t fit. They won’t want to have a customer come on board that ultimately leaves because that may negatively impact their future commission percent.
- Resellers will pay more attention to those add-on solutions they sell but “never get around to installing”. You’ll see less add-ons sold unless they’re truly needed and the reseller has experience enough with them to know they can be successfully implemented.
Sage takes the right first step and holds tier at current levels
Kudos to Sage who sent the following email to their partners announcing what I hope will be the start of a trend:
From: Sage Team
Date: Monday, Apr 6, 2009 12:39 pm
Subject: Good News! Product Tier Protection Announcement
To:Sage North America
Good News! Product Tier Protection Announcement
Dear Valued Partner,
In recognition of the current market conditions, we have changed the April 1 tier measurement period, to be a “move up” only calculation for your product tier. This means that your product tier will not move down and can only move up. Partners who reach a higher product tier hurdle will enjoy the benefits of a higher product margin. This will protect your product tier until the next move up and move down measurement period that will take place on October 1. Note that this does not apply to maintenance and support margins.
We understand the current market conditions are making it more difficult to close new business. However, it is critical that we continue to focus on adding new customers to the family. New customer acquisition is key to the long term success for both our partners and for Sage. As a result, we are protecting your product margin as a way to thank you for your ongoing partnership and to encourage and reward you for focusing on closing new customer sales.
Please feel free to call on the Sage sales team who stand ready to assist you with any of your prospects.
Again, we appreciate your commitment and support. I look forward to seeing you at the Insights conference next month. If you haven’t done so already, please visit the Insights Web site to register and get the latest updates.
Best regards,
Jodi Uecker-Rust, President
Business Management Division
Sage
Sage’s move to hold tier steady is a move in the right direction. Hopefully by late 2009 or 2010 will see the elimination of sales based tiers from all accounting software companies and an adoption of a more customer focused measurement of renewal percentages.
Removing sales oriented goals forces everyone to focus not on moving a box of software but on establishing long term relationships.
P.S.: Congrats to Jodi Uecker-Rust on dropping the “Interim” title and her promotion to President of Sage BMD!
Speed up Gmail on iPhone – [how to]
April 6, 2009
Ever since purchasing my first generation iPhone I’ve had a problem with the speed at which it retrieved Gmail. Sporadically (actually most of the time) my Gmail retrieval would hang for long periods of time – or not retrieve at all.
I tried emptying my inbox. Sometimes that worked. More often than not it did not.
Just today I stumbled across the solution that significantly sped up my iPhone 3G’s Gmail retrieval times. I believe this will also work on the first generation iPhone as well as iPod Touch models.
The trick is to turn on the Google Labs advanced iMap support.
Once you’ve enabled the option in Google Gmail Labs, you then can turn off the synchronization of folders via iMap. This seems to significantly speed the retrieval of email. My iPhone went from lengthy two or three minute retrieval lags to virtually no lag at all!
My iPhone has never been faster and the annoying lags are completely gone!
Schulz Consulting offers free service update assistance to their support clients through 4/30/09
April 2, 2009
A Message To Our Unlimited MAS 90 and MAS 200 Phone Support Clients:
4/2/09
As you know our support plans don’t include the labor (whether on-site or remote) to install upgrades, service updates, workstation setups or tax table updates.
However ..
In light of the number of payroll changes that have come out recently (new tax tables and 941 form updates) for 2009 — I want to be sure that our loyal Schulz Consulting support subscribers have their payroll updated to the latest rates and software changes.
I’ve decided that during the next few weeks (actually until the end of April) — Schulz Consulting will install the tables remotely at no cost for anyone on our phone support plans..
New MAS90 Payroll Changes We Will Update Remotely For Our Support Clients
1. New 941 forms for 2009 that were just release which slightly modify the 941 form with additional fields
2. New payroll tax tables that were release 3/27/09 – and while these tables seems to primarily impact non-resident aliens it seems like a good idea to update them in light of the rapid law changes.
If you want to set a time to do this (remotely) – simply email Wayne Schulz and we will call you to arrange for a time.
If you would rather – you can use the link below to call Wayne directly.
P.S - This is not a new policy (in other words we still charge for consulting work that is outside the scope of our normal support plan), however from time to time we like to include an extra benefit to show our appreciation for the loyalty of our clients. This is one of those times. Thanks for being a Schulz Consulting support customer!
Anagram now works in BlackBerry and GMail to copy contact details from email
April 2, 2009
We just got word that Anagram is now available for both GMail and BlackBerry. This handy little utility is used to read in a signature line from your email and strip out the relevant contact information such as: company name, contact, phone, etc. Then that data is displayed for editing and finally placed into your contact file.
I’ve used this previously within Microsoft Outlook and absolutely loved it. Most email software packages allow for saving contact email addresses but they don’t scoop up the important stuff like the name, address and phone number. With Anagram you simply swipe over the contact information, select “Copy to Anagram” (or within iGoogle past the information to the widget).
After editing the info (if needed) you upload to your contacts. Brilliant. Recommended. And did I mention it’s free for Google and Blackberry (only $35 for Outlook)?
Has Intuit quietly doubled the price of QuickBooks Pro 2009 for payroll users?
April 2, 2009
Update 4-3-2009: Nope – it doesn’t look like Intuit doubled the price. The confusion stems from any number of issues – not the least of which Intuit’s web site is vague over what “payroll” processing means within older versions of QuickBooks Pro.
Turns out on at least QuickBooks Pro 2008 and 2007 there was a separate fee charged for 3 user and unlimited payroll processing. Sure, you could use Payroll within the older versions – so long as you didn’t mind manually entering many of your calculations. This information was nearly impossible for me to find on Intuit’s own site. Their 2008 “what’s new” guide seems to indicate that their QuickBooks Pro 2008 does indeed do payroll (with no mention of having to subscribe to a service that in many cases doubles the price of the software). Only once I made a trip to the Barnes and Noble was I able to pull out older reference guides stating that QuickBooks indeed offered an added fee payroll service at least for the 2007 and 2008 versions (and Inuit states that it has always been that way).
So how do people without a CPA degree and 20 years of accounting industry experience figure this stuff out? Beats me.
Caveat Emptor!
One of the emails that arrived in my inbox this morning was from Amazon advertising some software deals.
Amazon had a “special” on QuickBooks Pro 2009 plus QuickBooks Payroll “3 user” for $169.
Perhaps I’m a little out of touch with Intuit’s product line (I have an email in to them so they can straighten me out) — however last I knew you could run payroll from within QuickBooks Pro without limit on the number of employees.
Now if I read their marketing literature correctly, an end user wanting payroll and accounting within QuickBooks would be expected to pay:
QuickBooks Pro 2009 – $119
QuickBooks Payroll 3 Employee – $199/year
QuickBooks Payroll Unlimited – $279/year (this is, I believe, what used to be included in QB Pro)
By my quick math this is a 100% price hike.
Certainly there will be the explanation that it’s not a hike for people who don’t use payroll, (insert blah blah) — however comparing apples to apples you have a street price that was being offered previously of $99 to $149 for the QuickBooks Pro with Payroll versus the new pricing which appears to break out the accounting and the payroll (Note: Limited payroll functionality seems to be included in the QB Pro version but to get the SAME functionality it appears you now must buy a separate Payroll subscription).
The best way around this (for now) is to license the QuickBooks Pro 2009 plus Enhanced Payroll through Amazon’s $129.99 deal which is cheaper than renewing the annual payroll ($199).
Anyone have better information on this than me?
What can users expect next from Intuit?
- Limits on the number of customers?
- Limits on the number of vendors?
- Limits on the number of transactions?
As Sage Business Partners we are very obviously not independent with our thoughts as to the above. We also don’t offer Peachtree or Businessworks (two of Sage’s lower cost offerings) and have not taken a complete study of whether Peachtree has a similar policy (they may). This information is merely an observation that after having seen the QuickBooks Pro product drop in price via online merchants that suddenly I’m now seeing it “bundled” with another product for Payroll when so far as I’m aware the prior versions included the Payroll without limits.
Set me straight if I’m wrong or you know more- in the comments below.
Bloggers wanted – no pay, lousy hours, invaluable experience
March 27, 2009
First, I’m hopeful my competition is too lazy to find this post. You may not believe me when you read this – but it’s my secret marketing weapon. And it can become yours too – with just a little effort.
This really is a job posting. It’s a non-paying job — but it’s a job.
The only blog that I write for every morning from 4:30 to 7:30am (and often during the day) is looking for some volunteer writers.
What the hell does this have to do with Sage or accounting software?
- How many of you have web sites?
- How many of you update them every day?
- How many of you publish email newsletters?
Uh-oh — I don’t see many hands up on the last two questions….
If you’re in marketing, sales or just technical support — trust me when I tell you that the ability to write and publish online is THE skill for the coming years.
You don’t even have to write WELL – you just have to DO IT.
A huge (almost 100%) of your competition doesn’t do this because they never get started…..well, they get started — with excuses….lame stuff like – I don’t know how or what to write.. .or. I can’t spell/type/compose a sentence.
I was a “C student” at best in English. It was the subject I hated with a passion. Still do. Now it’s my most useful marketing tool ever.
If you’re thinking about how to get started writing/blogging — the web site I write for has an excellent opportunity to get your feet wet and learn how it all happens.
YOU have to make the effort though.
You’ll learn how to write stories, use WordPress, edit yourself, come up with interesting topics (if you think writing “how to select accounting software” twice a month is an interesting topic to most customers – you’re dead wrong)
Sure, the economy sucks and clients suck and business sucks and employees suck.
Perfect time for you to learn a new skill
Interested? Read more at the following:
http://www.geardiary.com/2009/03/27/help-wanted-gear-diary-contributors/
reQall Pro for BlackBerry – interesting to-do list manager with voice to text
March 26, 2009
There’s an interesting new program for BlackBerry users that has just been significantly upgrade. The program is reQall and it is a combination web service and mobile application. There’s a program available to run on BlackBerry devices that are running OS version 4.2 and higher.
reQall offers voice to text transcription of your ToDo items, Notes and Appointments
By speaking your task into the BlackBerry, you can avoid having to take your eyes off the road or typing a lengthy message on the keyboard. Your voice is recorded, transferred to reQall’s servers and transcribed.
The process takes about 5 minutes. You can set your BlackBerry to synchronize with reQall’s main server as frequently as every 15 minutes or as infrequently as once per day.
Accuracy Surprisingly Good – Features Not Working As Promised
There are two interesting features that are promised in this latest version of reQall Pro ($25/year). I tested both of them and was not able to get either to work.
First, the software is supposed to integrate to Google Calendars (which I use). After adding several to-do items and appointments with dates that were described accurately I sat back and waited (and waited) to see the item appear in my calendar.
The second new feature that is supposed to be added to reQall Pro is GPS awareness. If you set a reminder to only display while at work — the software is supposed to detect your location (via GPS reading) and automatically pop up a reminder that a task is due at the place you presently are located.
Problem that I had is the GPS feature did not work in my testing.
After creating a To-Do item called “Give lauren her backpack at bus stop” and tagging it properly to the location “Bus Stop” — I was reminded of absolutely nothing when I ventured back to the location where I had specified (via GPS setup) that the bus stop was located.
reQall is a handy software program for making notes on the go. The company needs to get their promised features working before I’d recommend that anyone lay out $25 per year for their Pro version (which adds the integration to Google calendar and GPS aware features).
Peek releases new Pronto email device at $79
March 24, 2009
The Peek folks didn’t waste any time rolling out the update to their low cost wireless email devices. Word of the new Peek Pronto first appeared online about a week ago.
Today we have the Peek Pronto. Available at $79 in any color that you like — so long as it’s gray.
Before you get too excited about this low cost BlackBerry alternative – consider that it carries a $19 per month email recurring service fee. For that fee you receive – 5 email accounts, push email, unlimited text messaging.
Given that in the USA Peek is running these devices on the T-Mobile data network, it is worth pointing out that BlackBerry devices (specifically the BlackBerry 8900) are currently available for $49 (with new contract and 2 year commitment). The monthly fee for BlackBerry Internet Service is only $25 (and can be shaved back to $19 with some begging off of the bundled 400 text messages).
The Peek device is not capable of web browsing, has no camera, and cannot play music or movies. The absence of these features may become more important to you the longer that you use the device. I know that my BlackBerry 8900 has become my substitue camera (it includes a 3.2 mp lens that takes decent pictures) as well as mp3 and video player.
On the plus side for Peek is the fact that you won’t have to enter into any contract. You can also pick up their email device for $79 directly from Target – where their older device is still available for $49.
My recommendation is that if you’re looking at using a device for wireless email you should invest in a BlackBerry.
If your primary use of a device would be music or video – buy an iPhone. It’s truly become (almost) a two device mobile race. At least it will be that way until the Palm Pre arrives in the first half of 2009.
via: Engadget
Best email collection letter ever
March 18, 2009
Perhaps from time to time you find yourself needing to send customers more than a gentle reminder of an overdue debt.
We’re pretty lucky that most of our clients are considerate of when their invoices are due and pay promptly.
However there is the occassional problem where we have to call. And call. And call. And then email.
No matter what we do there’s no getting paid.
Here’s one solution that you can try. I like to refer to it as the Best Email Collection letter ever.
I spotted it on the Internet here and the text of it reads as follows.
Hi [..],
A quick note to say that I am really disappointed that you have still not paid me the [..] that I’m owed for the work I did for you. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a lot of money, but actually I think that this is more a matter of respect.
I have always been there at the drop of a hat to sort out any problems you might have. I love working with you and have always taken our relationship as more than just client/supplier. But if I can’t rely on you paying promptly or it takes several attempts and reminders to get my money, that’s not good business.
I’m not saying that I don’t want to work with you, I do. But if I don’t receive what I am owed within the next couple of days, I will have to think twice about helping you in the future.
Kind regards
That’s it.
While many people have told us the wording is harsh – and they’d never themselves use the letter – you’ll be surprised how well it works.
Try it and let me know how you do.
Source: A Beautiful Web Andy Clarke – author of Transcending CSS
Follow Sage Insights 2009 on Twitter
March 11, 2009
Sage North America has created an official Twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/insights09) for their upcoming Insights 2009 reseller conference held May 11-14, 2009 in Nashville TN.
Twitter is a short messaging (maximum of 140 characters) service that allows users to casually communicate with each other – usually in the form of brief updates that tell what the user is doing.
The short message feature is ideal for conferences where it’s often difficult to find people or learn about newly added sessions other users recommend attending.
Search Twitter for Insights 2009 Conference News
If you’re not on Twitter (which is free) – you can still read the messages coming from the conference. There are two methods for doing this – and neither require that you create an account.
The best way to follow the conference is by using this #insights09 Twitter Search link.
The second way you can follow conference news is by viewing the official Sage Insights Twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/insights09
Wayne Schulz on Twitter
Schulz Consulting owner Wayne Schulz is on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mas90guru
via: 90 Minds
Twitter hash tag for Insights 2009 is #insights09
March 9, 2009
If you’re attending the Sage Insights 2009 conference in Nashville TN – or just are interested in what is going on during the conference – be sure to check out Twitter.
Hall Web Services has proposed the official “hash tag” of Sage Insights 2009 be #insights09.
A hash tag is nothing more than a short keyword which is preceeded by the # symbol so as to become unique. During large conferences a number of users agree upon a common tag which enables those attending to easily search Twitter messages and see what is happening at the conference.
Those users “Twittering” during the conference are encouraged to use this tag in all of their messages for easier following by those looking to keep up on the conference.
If you’re not a user of Twitter – you still can follow the messages. Simply log into http://search.twitter.com and perform a search for #insights09.
For an explanation of what Twitter is – see this excellent video.
To join Twitter (completely free) – visit http://www.twitter.com and you can view Wayne Schulz’s Twitter stream by following @mas90guru in Twitter.
Search Twitter for all messages related to Sage’s Insights 2009
Sage Insights Partner Conference Registration Goes Live Today
March 5, 2009
Prepare to register for Insights 2009 today as the official list of educational sessions is slated to go live at noon today. Insights is the annual Sage partner conference which is occurring May 11-14, 2009 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN.
You can register online at Sage Insights 2009 Registration and then tell us whether you are attending at the Sage Insights Facebook Event Page.
Netsuite vs Sage: Big discounts are the “greatest hits” albums of the ERP industry
March 5, 2009
For a reduced fee the online accounting vendor Netsuite is hoping to lure Sage users to their system (Observation: My hunch is if you said that you were a user of Great Plains, SAP, QuickBooks Enterprise or pencil and paper that you’d get the same deal).
This price chopping reflects perhaps on the lack of innovation confidence in the product.
Just as rock bands release “greatest hits” albums when they’ve got nothing new to offer – software companies roll out “50% off” bargains when they have nothing more attractive (new features) to offer.
Here’s some observations for those deciding whether to bite on a discount offer
They are a lot easier to get into – than out of
With one particular price chopping offer, there is a bundle of 100 hours to convert data. If it take 100 hours to get your data into a new system – just think of how much fun it will be to get it out should you decide to leave.
All support is not created equally
Have you ever gotten frustrated dealing with an overseas call center? If you’ve never had to deal with language (dialect/accent) issues – then get ready because in exchange for a relatively tiny up-front discount consider that you may have just signed up for a long distance support relationship.
If you don’t believe me on this one – just think about the accounting software you’re using now and why you are reviewing discounted software offers online. If you’re like most people your biggest mistake wasn’t the software — rather it was the PEOPLE who SOLD it to you. Select the wrong people to deal with and you’re doomed to failure.
The wrong people? These are easy to recognize because they’re quick to quote you a price on a new product sale. Yet they take forever to solve a problem.
A low initial purchase price is a sucker bet that only fools fall for
I see this all the time. Companies buy software based on some great discount that’s offered TODAY — not taking into account that the product may not work as well as the salesperson demoed it, the recurring annual maintenance (over which they have zero control) may not be as cheap in year two as in discounted year one.
Guess what happens when you stop paying maintenance on a hosted solution? The lights go out – just like when you stop paying your electric bill.
I’ve saved what I think is the most compelling argument against a drastic move to a discounted online offer for last.
Guess what happens if you decide you don’t want to pay any more software maintenance to a vendor who is hosting all of your data online?
Does your login to the hosted site continue to work?
Think about it – when you have a solution securely loaded on your network – you can generally continue to legally use that software even if you decide to stop paying maintenance (I’m not recommending this mind you – just pointing out a loophole that many users freely exploit).
Switch to Netsuite and try it for a year or two. Then stop paying maintenance. There won’t be any free 100 hour assistance to get your data out — and let me know if that login to YOUR DATA still continues to work.
Kindle for iPhone released
March 4, 2009
The Amazon Kindle – for iPhone – has just appeared in the Apple iTunes App Store. This eBook reader is meant to be either an introduction to the Kindle (for those without one) or a compliment to it for those who already own the Kindle.
When the Kindle 2 was released, Amazon gave notice that they intended to expand the number of platforms supported by the Kindle (think mobile phone). What wasn’t known at the time was exactly how fast this expansion would happen.
Looks like it all happened sooner rather than later. This morning without much fanfare or prior announcement the Kindle for iPhone suddenly appeared in the iTunes store.
Integration to your Kindle Library
All the books you’ve previously purchased on your Kindle can be accessed on your iPhone – for no additional charge. The only limitation appears to be subscription items such as newspapers, magazines and blogs. So far as I’ve been able to test these items are not synchronized down to your iPhone.
The cost for the Kindle for iPhone is free – and all you need is an Amazon account. You won’t be able to buy books from within the application – however those books you buy via Amazon will readily (and easily) synchronize to your iPhone.
Is the reading experience on the iPhone as good as the Kindle? Nope.
But in a pinch you’ll be glad to sacrifice the bigger screen of the Kindle for a little reading material to keep you occupied while you await a flight in the airport.
Miva e-commerce Abandoned Cart Recovery Utility (ACRUe)
February 27, 2009
DSD Associates announce the release and general availability of their new Abandoned Cart Recovery Utility (ACRUe) for Miva e-commerce store owners.
Miva e-Commerce Abandoned Cart Recovery Now Available
This utility was created to address a serious outage this past week that affected all Miva Merchant e-commerce stores. During the outage, many thousands of e-commerce visitors’ shopping carts were abandoned when the system went down, and there is currently no way to recover abandoned carts. DSD jumped in, and created ACRUe, which recovers abandoned shopping carts, and reports their contents and who the carts belonged to (if the visitor had gotten that far).
After creating the utility for a large online e-commerce store whose website DSD had developed, the owner was able to use it to contact abandoned cart owners, to find out if they wanted to complete their purchase. They have more than paid for the utility in recovered sales.
Statistical Reporting for Miva E-Commerce
But this isn’t just a utility that’s used for outages or disasters. E-commerce store owners can use it to do statistical reporting on abandoned carts, giving them insight into the reasons that visitors are abandoning carts (i.e. not buying). ACRUe has an optional feature that automatically e-mails the e-commerce site manager when a cart is abandoned, allowing them to follow-up with their customer.
Abandoned Cart Recovery Utility (ACRUe) for Miva e-commerce store owners
If you’re interested in more information please call DSD Associates directly at 858-550-5900 or visit them on the web at the link below.
Link: DSD Associates
Facebook, Twitter and Blogging – business time wasters or money makers?
February 10, 2009
Have you heard about the newest Internet buzzword? It’s called Social Media and depending upon who you talk about it with you’ll get a differing definition that paints it as either the next big thing or the world’s greatest waste of time. I like to think of Social Media as nothing more than a means of connecting more regularly, inexpensively and efficiently to people or businesses you might not otherwise connect to.
Perhaps you’ve heard the cliche – “people like to do business with people just like them”. The use of these various Social Media tools allow you to interact with your customers and prospects on a more personal level than ever before.
There are dozens of ways to be active online with Social Media – some of the popular tools are MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn as well as the use of blogs to self publish content. The question I hear over repeatedly from people who haven’t yet joined the online Social Media scene is – “what can I do with Social Media tools like Facebook ,etc” and “will social media help my business or is it just for high school kids”.
Rather than argue that all Social Media tools are awesome and worth spending hours of work time to use – I’ll explain how I use Social Media and what I believe its long term benefits are.
Why Social Media? It All Starts With Search
The goal most businesses have in mind when they think of “going online” is to increase the likelihood that their customers and prospects can easily find them in an online search. As you may have found, obtaining a much coveted high Google ranking is increasingly tougher as competitors employ professional search optimization consultants to craft pages tailored for higher search engine rankings. There are also some experts who predict that Google search will eventually become less dominant and give way to searches through other types of Social Media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.
What can your company do when you lack the budget to hire an expensive search engine consultant and you lack the skill to do this search optimization yourself?
My answer to search optimization has been to ignore the tricks and fine tuning of web pages. These tweaks to rank a web page highly seem to change almost daily and keeping up with the latest tricks of the search trade is almost impossible unless it is your full time job. In my use of the Internet I’ve found that one type of page never seems to go out of style. Web pages that contain useful content instead of a sales pitch are increasingly prized by those customers and prospects doing their own searches on the web.
Blogging Is An Easy Way To Publish Fresh Content Online And More Helpful Content Equals More Visitors To Your Site. When people hear of blogging they sometimes think of a lone writer ranting endlessly about the local government or some other esoteric topic of interest to a small minority. At it’s core blogging means nothing more than writing an article and publishing it on the Internet.
The key to blogging is that once you write and publish an article – the words in that article become indexed by Internet search engines and eventually (hopefully soon) are discoverable by potential clients who in turn may contact you.
To be sure there are those types of blog web sites. However the way you use blogging for your company can also attract significant traffic to your web site. (Remember – more traffic reading quality articles equals the chance to contact more qualified web searchers).
On my site – http://www.s-consult.com – I’ve installed a free blog software program called WordPress (http://www.wordpress.org).
Because WordPress allows you to publish articles quickly and easily from any Internet connected computer it’s significantly more convenient than the old method of publishing web pages through software such as Frontpage that had to be installed to a single computer. There are also a significant number of free WordPress designs that you can download and use to customize the look of your WordPress installation.
During the course of a day (depending upon my schedule and whether there is any relevant news) I may publish 1 to as many as 6 articles. Do the math and you can see that by the end of the week if I published only the minimum that I’d have 5 new web pages for the search engines to index and for customers and prospects to find. Multiply that by 52 weeks in the year – and in the first year I’d have over 260 different web pages that all would be indexed and searchable on the web. There’s a good chance that out of the 260+ pages there will be some that are indexed highly by search engines – especially when I’ve taken care to make sure that I always use relevant keywords and write about topics that deliver value to clients and prospective clients.
Perhaps the best thing about blogging is that it costs nothing to start. WordPress is completely free and has numerous third party enhancements that can tailor it for use on almost any web site. I like to use this solution because I can update my site from any web browser without the need for added software. Once written the content is all properly formatted with graphics and fonts. There’s a minimum of “geek” knowledge required to create this content.
Remember – the more helpful content you have on your site (emphasis on the word helpful) the more likely a web visitor is to read it and contact you. The cost of creating this helpful content is only the time you spend writing (on average it takes me about 30 minutes to generate a typical online article including proof-reading). Once created these articles on your site live on forever.
Facebook – It’s not just for High Schoolers (or maybe it is)
Facebook is becoming a hub of information for people of all ages. If you have teenagers you’re probably very familiar with this site as it’s the place most of them gravitate toward online. The site allows for creating a profile (picture, name, address, bio) as well as sharing messages via mail and instant messaging.
Over the holidays as I spoke with my teenage nieces and nephews they all told me that the way they communicate with each other is all via Facebook. None of them admitted to regularly using email. As businesses if we want to reach this next generation, we should understand the tools that they use. While most of us would head to the Google search engine to find information – increasingly we will may see clients and potential employees using sites like Facebook for search and communication.
There are several ways to market on Facebook — you can create events and have people register to attend (think user groups), you can create a fan page for your firm (this sounds geeky – but remember that users of Facebook may be the staff that you’re trying to recruit – and Facebook is increasingly the area that they live within to message and do research).
Think of Facebook as yet another marketing resource. Joining is free. Create a page for yourself and your firm which can help potential employees locate your company.
Example:
Wayne Schulz Facebook – http://www.profile.to/wayneschulz
LinkedIn – Facebook for business people
Another popular site is LinkedIn. Think of this as Facebook for business people. LinkedIn is largely free to use (there’s a small added fee if you want to make more than a few contacts each month).
With LinkedIn the object is purely business networking. There is a minimal amount of messaging or posting of photos. To get started you update your profile with past work history, school history and a more professional summary of your biography.
Other users can post recommendations about you (and you can post them about your contacts). Think of this as a high tech reference letter! Most of the users on LinkedIn are there to develop leads for jobs or search for employees.
When you form connections with other people on the service (this is where the LinkedIn name comes from) you can ask them to introduce you to their contacts should you need to make an inquiry for a job or for potential client.
What’s nice about LinkedIn is there’s considerably less effort you must make to stay active with the service. Most users log in only periodically to refresh their connections to other users. You can send emails internally from
Example:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/mas90guru
Twitter – what is it and why would anyone care what I am doing?
The last social media tool that’s gathering some “buzz” is a very simple and basic service called Twitter.
There’s only one thing that Twitter does — it allows you to post brief (140 character maximum) messages that answer the question “what am I doing”.
Often these messages describe what you are doing at the moment though you often will see people posting open questions on a wide variety of topics. The appeal of Twitter is that it integrates to a huge number of different online services.
By sending a message to my Twitter account — I can also update my Facebook profile at the same time. So Twitter becomes an easy way to generate multiple sites with short content (also known as status messages or “what am I doing”). Twitter also accepts text messages sent from your phone (thus the limit of 140 characters which is generally the maximum size for text messages).
The question that I hope you are asking is — “Do people really care what I’m doing” followed by “This sounds weird and like a waste of time”.
At this point the main users of Twitter seem to be those who either work at home and are networking in a manner similar to the “office water cooler” or writers who use the service to gather information on things that are currently happening (which is easy because there are several tools that integrate to Twitter and display the hottest keywords being sent by users at any time).
There are several ways you can use Twitter for business.
First, there are tools (my favorite is a program called Twhirl – http://www.twhirl.org) that make it easier to not only post messages but to listen. Using this software tool I’ve setup my searches so that anytime someone mentions MAS90 or Sage Software (my specialties) that I’m able to see them right away. Often I will provide (free) answers to a question about these products. While it might seem foolish to provide a free answer, long term the hope is that your company builds a relationship with the user and perhaps a customer.
Twitter is still very much in the early adopter stage. It is gathering press mentions because of the easy way that it allows news to spread quickly. When the airplane went down in the Hudson River, Twitter was one of the first services that carried messages and photos from people in New York City announcing that a plane had crash landed.
Example:
Wayne Schulz on Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/mas90guru
Conclusion
Social Media is still not used by everyone. Just as the notion of web sites was foreign to most of us 20 years ago, the notion of Social Media seems foreign today.
Your firm should make some effort to become familiar with the various tools and establish a basic presence (Facebook, LinkedIn, Blog). By becoming familiar at the early stage of use, you’ll be better poised to increase the amount of time that you spend on various Social Media sites as they become used by more of our typical business customers.
The Next Generation Will Use Social Media as Easily As You Now Use Email
In 1986 I remember the CPA firm I worked at (Cole, Frago, Cusick & Chestler) bought their first fax machine. Actually at the time faxes were so expensive that they leased it! The technology of using a fax seems mysterious. Hardly anyone used the machine at first. Gradually as people grew accustomed to faxing it became an indispensable part of the business office.
As your older clients retire they’ll hand over the “keys to the business” to their children. These children have come through school learning how to use tools like Facebook as their primary communication method.
If companies want to form connections with this next generation of business owner, they must learn their language! Social Media is increasingly the language of this next generation. It’s time for you to learn this new language.
T-Mobile’s BlackBerry Curve 8900 brochure
January 13, 2009
The BlackBerry Curve 8900 (aka Javelin) is rumored to be arriving on the T-Mobile network on February 11, 2009. There is some information that it may launch sooner for business network customers with a date of January 19, 2009 being rumored.
Below is the product information sheet for the BlackBerry 8900 on T-Mobile which lists it’s specifications and features.
Blackberry Curve 8900 FactSheet
Phone Support Agreement for MAS 90 and MAS 200
January 12, 2009
We provide all technical support for Sage MAS 90 and 200 under an unlimited telephone support agreement. This removes the need for our clients to worry that their staff will be charged for technical support questions. Since our plan covers as many technical questions as the staff may have – there’s seldom a need (unless additional services have been requested) for an extra suport charge.
It’s important to realize that this fee is for support and not the basic maintenance which is charged annually by Sage Software for their product upgrades.
Sage Reseller of Record Form
January 12, 2009
The following form is required by Sage Software before Schulz Consulting can:
- Enter in any renewal orders for software maintenance or support maintenance
- Discuss any issues related to Extended Solutions
- Other various items where Sage will only speak to the official Reseller of Record
What is Reseller of Record?
Once you file a Reseller of Record form, Sage Software will change their records to show that Schulz Consulting is handling your account.
- This notifies Sage that it is ok to discuss certain account information with Schulz Consulting as well as allow them to place maintenance renewal orders for your software.
- You may file as many Reseller of Record forms as you like – these change is not permanent.
Schulz Consulting requires new clients to file this form because it generally greatly speeds the process should we need to access information online about your company (maintenance renewal dates, etc).
Eye-Fi offers video upload from memory card to YouTube
January 9, 2009
Have you heard of the Eye-Fi memory card? Available in both 2 GB and special 4 GB (Costco or direct from Eye-Fi) versions, these SD memory cards fit into your camera just like any other memory device.
Upload Without Removing Memory Card
What’s unusual about them is you never have to remove the memory from your camera in order to upload the picture. Using a wireless Internet connection (Wi-Fi) the device will automatically send your latest images over the Internet to services like Flickr where you can store your images at no cost.
The next generation of Eye-Fi has just been introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
This new Eye-Fi now supports uploads of video directly to the popular YouTube video hosting site.
Fortis document imaging web seminar Friday January 9
January 9, 2009
Is one of your goals for 2009 to get rid of paper? The prediction of the paperless society has been hovering for years yet never seems for most of us to get much closer to reality.
WestBrook Technologies is hosting an online web seminar this Friday January 9 at 11am EST and 2pm EST that will show their innovative Fortis document management software.
We’ve worked with Westbrook Techologies previously supporting their accounting system. And their dedication to the document management industry is impressive – especially the fact that they use all of their own software and integrate it directly to Sage MAS 90 for processing of their journals and registers.
Document Imaging, OCR and MAS 90
Although the integration to Sage MAS 90 isn’t a native one (most of the journals and registers are printed to an imaging printer similar to how you’d print a PDF) – there’s never been a journal or register that this client has not been able to locate. It’s also impressive to see the system by which they store their source documents – all paperless.
Their Fortis Document Imaging is a next step solution for someone looking to take their entire company paperless.
For this web seminar they’ve paired with Paradatec who will demonstrate their PROSAIR-AIDA OCR software which integrates to Fortis for a complete solution offering:
- Intelligently read and convert documents to understandable text
- Automatically file documents into folders based on content and rules.
Register for Westbrook Technologies Fortis Document Imaging Web Seminar
Two sessions are being offered:
Register for 1/9/09 Morning Session – 11 am EST
Register for 1/9/09 Afternoon Session – 2 pm EST
Microsoft Vista Answers (beta) – One stop technical support combines community, Wiki and FAQ
December 24, 2008
Users of Microsoft Vista have another support resource to turn to when they have questions about the latest operating system.
Microsoft Vista Answers combines community (discussion), frequently asked questions and search into one self-help portal.
The service is presently in beta and as with almost everything Microsoft based, you’ll need a Windows Live ID to login and do anything useful like post a question.
This would be wonderful if it could also be expanded to some of Microsoft’s other product lines and be kept free of spam and other malicious content.
Apparently user to user community message boards supplemented by vendor support is the wave of the future for technical support. I would not be surprised if one day over 90% of all support was rendered via an online self-service portal such as this with the remaining 5% delivered as premium priced custom support.
Link: Windows Vista Answers
Why we don’t provide per call support
December 16, 2008
Sometimes a picture says it all.
Below is an image from an online MAS90 technical support chat. An online visitor had taken advantage of our free chat option (since replaced by the Google Chat that shows on each of our pages).
I had already spent way more time than I should have trying to help this person (who was not a client). When it became evident that his problem was more complex than a simple online fix – I proposed that we’d log in and fix it for a flat fee.
Read the message below — especially the very bottom where Charles tells me goodbye in his own unique way.
Link: Schulz Consulting Support Options
Schulz Consulting named Accounting Technology 2008 Pacesetter for fourth consecutive year
December 3, 2008
Schulz Consulting has been named to the list of 100 Technology Pacesetters for 2008 by Thomson Media’s Accounting Technology magazine. This is the fourth consecutive year that Schulz Consulting has been named to this exclusive list that groups the top 100 consultants in the United States.
Inclusion on this list is based on a combination of: Product Sales, Vendor Awards, Participation in Building the Profession, Reputation among Peers.
Schulz Consulting is the only consultant whose services focus entirely on the Sage MAS 90 and 200 product line.
Based in Glastonbury CT, Schulz Consulting provides remote, on-site and telephone support and implementation services to companies ranging in size from start-up to $ 500 million in size.
For more information contact Wayne Schulz:
Wayne Schulz – Email: wayne@s-consult.com
Phone: 860-657-8544
Link:
2008 Technology Pacesetters (pdf)
PhoneTag transcribes your voicemail and emails the results
November 21, 2008
Do you receive many voice mails during the day? If you’re like me you often receive voice mail during times when you may be in a meeting or other location where calling in and listening to a lengthy recording is not convenient.
For the last month I’ve been using a service called PhoneTag. When I receive a voice message my system (Gotvmail) automatically sends a copy (WAV or MP3) to a special address that I’m assigned at PhoneTag.
Then the service has my voice message transcribed and sent to me via email. This usually occurs within 5 minutes of the voice message being left.
Transcription isn’t perfect. People’s names can be tricky to transcribe. Whenever there is a word the system doesn’t understand it will put a (??) next to the word so you know that it may not be correct.
The big benefit of PhoneTag is that you can now read all of your voicemail instead of having to find a quiet place to call into your mail and listen to messages. In many instances this lets me know at a glance of my iPhone or BlackBerry Bold screen whether I need to excuse myself from a client apointment to return an emergency phone call or whether it’s only a routine message.
PhoneTag costs $9.95 per month for 40 transcribed messages (.25 per message overage fee). If you need more they offer an unlimited plan for $29.95 per month. Those who prefer to pay as they go can elect to pay a flat .35 per message transcribed.
I’ve found PhoneTag to be indispensable and a great tool for helping me manage my voice mail when I’m on the road.
Link: PhoneTag
BlackBerry Storm review summaries
November 19, 2008
Thinking of getting a new BlackBerry Storm when it’s released on Friday? The first reviews are starting to trickle in with the Wall Street Journal posting the first official review.
Unfortunately Walt Mossberg of the WSJ spends a large amount of time reminding us of why the BlackBerry Storm is different from all other BlackBerry’s (anyone not know the answer here — hint – look at the picture and try to find a keyboard).
Overall he pronounces is faster on high speed cellular data than the iPhone but couldn’t test it on Wi-Fi — because the BlackBerry Storm lacks any Wi-Fi capabilities. Unfortunately he also doesn’t say much about the multimedia capabilities of the phone (only one sentence).
As more reviews are released, I’ll compile them below so you can access them easily.
Note: Most reviews of the BlackBerry Storm are under embargo meaning they cannot be released online until a date set by Verizon. As soon as we spot sites posting their reviews (which should be soon given that the Wall Street Journal already has published) we’ll be linking them below.
Wall Street Journal Reviews BlackBerry Storm
Summary: Cursory review that focuses on reminding anyone living under a rock the past year that the BlackBerry Storm is different from prior BlackBerryies because it has no keyboard. There’s no analysis (save for one sentence) of multi-media capabilities or any discussion of APPS that are unique to this new touch device.
Rating: Duh.
Link: WSJ BlackBerry Storm Review
Mobility Today Video Review
Additional Reviews We Like:
BoyGenius Report – Verizon BlackBerry Storm review
Wired – RIM’s First Touchscreen Device Almost Eclipses the iPhone
ZDNET - Hands On: The BlackBerry Storm
JkOnTheRun – BlackBerry Storm, yes it can cut and paste (includes video)
CrunchGear – Review: BlackBerry Storm for Verizon Wireless
BlackBerry screen capture software eliminates the need to cable to grab a screenshot
November 16, 2008
Last night I stumbled across CaptureIT software for BlackBerry devices running OS version 4.3 or higher.
The program does one thing that I had been wanting to do for quite some time. It allows you to take screenshots of your BlackBerry device WITHOUT needing to cable it via USB to your computer.
This is the first time I’ve noticed a software only solution for BlackBerry screen captures. The prior solutions required that you cable your BlackBerry to a Windows PC and run a Javaloader application. Under the old method your screens would be captured and saved onto your PC. With CaptureIT the screen image is saved right to your BlackBerry’s media folder.
From the media folder you can email yourself the photo (or even better email it out to Flickr for hosting).
Link: CaptureIT OTA (over the air) download via BlackBerryForums
Sleeter Group Accounting Software Consulting Conference 2008 Gets Underway
November 11, 2008
Day one of the Sleeter Group’s Accounting Software Consulting Conference 2008 gets underway today. I’m speaking on Thursday with the Sage Software follks about MAS90 and how it’s a next step up for anyone formerly using QuickBooks who may need a little more horsepower in their software.
The picture above is from the Monday Night Football Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers football game. The hotel the speakers are staying in is a short 20 minute walk to the stadium -which allowed us to avoid the happy masses of football fans exiting the stadium after the 29 – 24 Cardinals win (I had to look the final score up because I left the game early to get some rest after having been up since 2am traveling to Arizona).
I’ll update the site with relevant keynote information and I will be talking to many of the QuickBooks consultants and vendors who make add ons for QuickBooks products .
If you’re at the conference – here’s my session titled Sage MAS 90 and 200: Easier To Use And More Affordable Than Ever.
Link: Sleeter Consulting Conference Schedule (Nov 11 to 14, 2008)
Blackberry Storm Manual Online
November 1, 2008
The user manual for the Research in Motion’s first touch screen device has just appeared online. The Blackberry Storm has yet to be priced and there’s no formal release date. Expect to see it on Verizon Wireless in the US – possibly before the Thanksgiving Holidays.
Blackberry Storm Manual Online (PDF) download via: Crackberry
Schulz Consulting office manager makes the front page of Gizmodo
October 31, 2008
Some of you know that Wayne Schulz is an active team member over at web site Geardiary.com where he reviews and writes about technology, deals and the occasional offbeat article.
Last night Google added free outgoing SMS text messaging to their Gmail Chat service. Wayne did a story on that over at Geardiary. He used the image of a contact record for Pat (our office manager) in this short news article.
Gizmodo, a popular gadget blog with over 6 million monthly readers worldwide, picked up the image from the article – turning Pat into a mini-celebrity of sorts.
The autograph line starts by the coffee machine this morning…
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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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