Sage Software (News - Alert) has announced a new version of its business management product for small businesses, Sage BusinessVision 50 Accounting 7.2. The release includes new features in several modules.

 

The product is described as a business management product "for growing small businesses that require a step above entry-level accounting applications, but don't yet require a more sophisticated, full-fledged enterprise resource planning (ERP) product."

 

It's mainly to help small businesses automate processes throughout their operations, including receivables, payables, inventory, payroll, job costing, and point-of-sale, among others, "for companies that have outgrown entry-level bookkeeping software such as QuickBooks," officials say.

 

Version 7.2 runs on the new Microsoft (News - Alert) Windows Vista operating system. Officials say the Sage BusinessVision Desktop can be personalized by each user, and security protocols that designate employees' access can be applied to custom reports.

 

The product also has what company officials describe as tighter inventory control features. Businesses using it can now set up multiple units of measure for each product. "Inventory can be purchased and sold in different measures while continuing to maintain an accurate count of how many individual units are in stock," they say.

 

There's also access to multiple years of historical business and financial data from one place: "The enhanced General Ledger history lookup can access up to 99 years of history in seconds, right from the inquiry screen," company officials say.

 

Sage BusinessVision 50 Accounting 7.2 Standard Edition, U.S. and Canadian versions, which includes 18 accounting and business management modules, and supports either one, five or ten users, is now available through authorized Sage BusinessVision business partners across North America starting at an SRP of $3,595.

 

Earlier this week Sage CRM Solutions, part of the Sage Group, announced its global CRM strategy.

 

"Sage CRM Solutions 2010" is described by the Sagians as "a comprehensive product and technology vision to guide development of the Sage CRM Solutions product family that includes ACT! by Sage, SageCRM, and Sage SalesLogix."

 

The strategy addresses distinct business requirements, and "applies open Web standards to enable a connected front and back-office and incorporates Web 2.0 technologies."

 

Joe Bergera, executive vice president and global general manager, Sage CRM Solutions, said in his opinion CRM has "reached a critical turning point. Customers tell us their requirements have moved beyond the on-premise versus hosted debate. They want a pragmatic approach that delivers a fully functional 'anywhere user experience' supported by a connected front-office and back-office environment, and interoperability between our contact management products and CRM suites."

 

The strategy, "developed through research among the Sage customer base," company officials say, identifies opportunities that "small and mid-sized businesses and divisions of enterprises can take advantage of this year, with additional capabilities being delivered incrementally through 2010."