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Press Release Summary:
ACCPAC CRM(TM) v5.7 includes Web Services API, which allows businesses to create sophisticated integrations with Web-deployed and LAN-based business management applications. Centralized document library allows sharing of corporate documents with all users of systems. It addition to Microsoft® Outlook® integration, software provides built-in order entry, inventory and product listing, and quoting capabilities. Clients can deploy solution as on-premise or hosted service.
Original Press Release:
Upgrade Offers Increased Communication and Integration Capabilities, Including Web Services, Enhanced Outlook Integration, and Improved Support for Remote Users
Pleasanton, Calif. - January 26, 2005 - Best Software announced today the launch of ACCPAC CRM(tm) version 5.7, a substantial upgrade to its award-winning customer relationship management software. The new version includes significant enhancements that improve integration with other business applications, and provides mobile users with increased flexibility and functionality. Also among this version's new features are a sophisticated new Web Services interface, a new global document library, 'stand alone' product, quote and order entry capabilities, and improved Microsoft® Outlook® integration, all while further extending the "freedom of choice" ACCPAC CRM clients have come to expect.
"With version 5.7, we believe we offer the best Web-based CRM solution on the market," said Craig Downing, Best Software Vice President of Product Management for ACCPAC® products. "This new version offers businesses powerful new tools to further integrate their sales, marketing and support operations with the rest of their corporate operations, and the significant enhancements to many existing features will also improve the user's experience of the product. In addition, the new Web Services integration capabilities will continue to change the way businesses think of CRM--that CRM solutions aren't simply stand alone applications for the sales force, but rather, are important portals from which all employees can access, and achieve real time integration with, key corporate information from other data sources."
Sophisticated, New Web Services Interface
ACCPAC CRM 5.7 introduces a significant upgrade to its Web Services API, which allows businesses to create sophisticated integrations with both Web-deployed and LAN-based business management applications they count on for daily operations. Specific elements of ACCPAC CRM can be called by other applications utilizing this new Web Services capability and related standards such as XML (extensible markup language) and SOAP (simple object access protocol). For example, a trucking company could use ACCPAC CRM Web Services to integrate real-time with their 'route management' data from a proprietary delivery truck scheduling system. With this feature, employees can be better informed because their CRM application and various supply chain applications can now 'speak' to one another.
New Document Library
A new, centralized document library in version 5.7 allows sharing of corporate documents with all users of the system. This feature makes it easy to secure, share and maintain items such as internal corporate presentations, templates, etc. with all ACCPAC CRM users, along with the ability to use this content as part of personalized e-mails and marketing campaigns. Because this information is replicated out to remote (and disconnected) users through the 'Solo' feature of ACCPAC CRM, it provides a vehicle to ensure that all users are working from the same repository of information, and that updated versions of data and documents are timely distributed to remote employees.
New 'Stand Alone' Product, Quote and Order Entry Capabilities For organizations that haven't implemented an integrated order management and inventory control system, such as ACCPAC Advantage Series(tm), with their CRM system, ACCPAC CRM 5.7 now offers these order entry, inventory and product listing, and quoting capabilities as built-in features.
Further Enhancements to Microsoft Outlook Integration
Building upon the Outlook integration first released in ACCPAC CRM 5.6, several new Outlook integration features have been added to ACCPAC CRM 5.7, such as:
- Enhanced e-mail filing, allowing e-mails received by a CRM user from a customer/prospect to be related to the appropriate contact, cases, opportunities, etc. within the CRM system;
- Automatic scheduled synching of contacts, tasks and appointments on login to Outlook, on logout from Outlook, or manually initiated by the user as needed, and;
- One-way export from Outlook to ACCPAC CRM available, if this type of synchronization better suits a user's needs (two way 'sync' is already standard within ACCPAC CRM).
Version 5.7 also improves upon the ability to maintain consistency between ACCPAC CRM and corporate messaging and calendar systems.
"ACCPAC CRM 5.7 is a tremendous step forward for what is already an award-winning solution," said John Barrett of Vintage Business Systems, a Best Software/ACCPAC Premier CRM Solution Provider located in Pleasanton, CA. "I have numerous clients who are already benefiting from the integration capabilities of ACCPAC CRM. The addition of Web Services, the enhancements for mobile users, and the upgrade of the Microsoft Outlook synchronization capabilities all recognize the key needs of my clients today. Many employees of my clients have become highly mobile professionals, either working primarily on the road or from other remote locations, like their homes. This new version offers them more useful tools that will help them do their jobs even more effectively."
Freedom of Choice-In Database, Integration and Deployment ACCPAC CRM offers clients significantly more freedom of choice than competitive solutions by eliminating the vendor or technology 'lock-in' associated with other CRM applications and hosted services that prevents clients from choosing their deployment model, platform or architecture. By comparison, ACCPAC CRM allows clients to deploy the same solution as either an 'on premise' or hosted service, including the ability to move between either as their business needs or desires dictate.
Unlike salesforce.com® and other online-only services, ACCPAC CRM offers businesses reliable, hosted CRM (ACCPACcrm.com(tm)< accpaccrm.com >) with the key option, which was first introduced to the market by ACCPAC in August 2003, to move to on-premises deployment at any time, for any reason, with all of the online data and customizations fully intact.
Furthermore, ACCPAC CRM clients have much greater control over the particular technology used to support their solution, including Outlook and Lotus® Notes integration options, plus IBM® DB2®, MS SQL, Oracle® and Sybase® database options.
In addition to this unique freedom of choice, ACCPAC CRM continues to offer many other key differentiators from competing solutions, including:
- Local service and support through an established, growing, worldwide channel of more than 800 ACCPAC CRM Solution Providers, Certified Consultants and Development Partners;
- Bi-directional integration with back office accounting;
- Support for wireless devices such as PDAs and cell phones;
- A growing number of advanced customization capabilities;
- Affordable, competitive pricing;
- A large portfolio of vertical enhancements and 'custom components' to ensure a well tuned solution for every client, and;
- Conversion utilities to help expedite the migration onto ACCPAC CRM 5.7.
Pricing and Availability
ACCPAC CRM 5.7 is available now through authorized Best Software/ACCPAC Solution Providers in North America starting at an SRP of $1,590 (USD). New and existing subscribers to ACCPACcrm.com (accpaccrm.com) will enjoy the new features of ACCPAC CRM 5.7 as they are deployed over the next 90 days. ACCPACcrm.com subscriptions start at $995 (USD) per year ($17 per named user per month). To locate a Best Software/ACCPAC CRM Solution Provider, call 800-945-8007, or visit www.accpac.com.
About Best Software, Inc.
Best Software offers leading business management products and services that support the needs, challenges and dreams of more than 2.3 million small and mid-sized customers in North America. Its parent company, The Sage Group plc (London: SGE.L), supports 4.4 million customers worldwide. For more than 25 years, Best Software has delivered easy-to-use, scalable and customizable applications through its portfolio of leading brands, including Abra®, ACCPAC®, ACT!®, BusinessVision®, CPASoftware®, FAS®, MAS 90®, MAS 200®, MAS 500®, MIP®, Peachtree®, SalesLogix®, and Timberline® Office, among many others. For more information, please visit the Web site at bestsoftware.com/moreinfo or call (866) 308-BEST.
Best Software, ACCPAC CRM and any other Best Software product or service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of Best Software, Inc. and/or its affiliated entities. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
