New Subscription Licensing for Sage ERP X3 Gives Midsized Businesses Payment Flexibility

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - Aug 13, 2012) - Sage in North America today introduced a new subscription licensing option for Sage ERP X3, its premier ERP solution designed for mid-market companies. With pricing starting at $115 per user per month, this option will be available in the U.S. in October 2012 with Sage ERP X3 V6.5. This adds to the recently announced line of Sage products already available through subscription licensing, which include Sage 100 ERP, Sage 300 ERP and Sage 500 ERP solutions.

Targeting current and prospective mid-market customers, this new option provides:

• Access to the wealth of functionality of Sage ERP X3 at a minimal investment and cost per user.
• Ability to adapt the investment based on needs and use of the solution.
• Reduced risk with no long-term contracts.
• Predictable cash flow per month.
• Peace of mind with an all-inclusive solution.

This competitive monthly price per user model offers companies the ability to reduce capital expenditure (CapEx), thereby improving cash flow. The monthly price includes access to Sage ERP X3, Sage Business Care support and all necessary updates for companies to remain current with Sage ERP X3 -- with no lengthy minimum subscription term. Businesses get the flexibility of adding and removing options and/or users based on needs or activity.

Christophe Letellier, CEO of Sage ERP X3, commented, "This is a positive move in line with the Sage Group strategy. We are helping both new and current customers pay less up front, shift expenditure to OpEx [operating expense], and leverage the full benefits of a rich, on-premises solution. We are targeting mid-market companies that are looking for their first ERP system, companies that are replacing legacy solutions and subsidiaries of larger enterprises that are seeking the capacity to adapt, control and manage their ERP system in-house while minimizing capital expenses. And, for our existing customers, we are offering an option that could be better suited to their needs."

"With subscription licensing now available with Sage ERP X3, midsized companies have more choice and flexibility to run their businesses in the most cost-effective manner," said Joe Langner, EVP, Mid-market Solutions, for Sage North America. "This new option addresses the market demand to drive efficiency with more complete ERP tools and the need to manage cash flow intelligently."

Sage already offers several accounting and ERP solutions as subscription services with the software hosted in the cloud. For businesses interested in the cash flow benefits of paying for the software like a service but that still want to retain control of ERP data in-house rather than in the cloud, the new Sage subscription option will be especially attractive.

In North America, a wide range of added options is also available, including customer relationship management and payroll services. The monthly subscription fee also includes Sage Business Care Gold, a comprehensive support service that provides unlimited phone support by Sage; access to updates, enhancements and version upgrades; and unlimited access to Sage University anytime learning online training.

"We recently closed a significant subscription licensing sale for Sage 300 ERP, where our customer stated that the purchase was made possible by paying a low monthly charge versus making a large capital expenditure," said Joseph Arnone, president at BAASS Business Solutions Inc., whose organization sells both Sage ERP X3 and Sage 300 ERP. "From a business partner perspective, we found the sales process to be simple and easy to sell-in. We look forward to introducing the subscription licensing option to more prospects and customers."

For Sage partners, the benefits of the subscription pricing model will include a simpler sales cycle, the potential for increased business volume and a way to increase customer retention through a competitive offering with a premium service at a minimal financial investment.

About Sage
Sage is a leading global supplier of business management software and services for small and midsized businesses. The Sage Group plc, formed in 1981, was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and now employs more than 12,600 people and supports more than 6 million customers worldwide. For more information about Sage in North America, please visit the company website at NA.Sage.com. Follow Sage North America on Facebook, Facebook.com/SageNorthAmerica, and Twitter, Twitter.com/SageNAmerica.

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