Sage Gives SMBs a Budget Boost With Subscription Licensing Option for ERP

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - Apr 9, 2012) - Sage today introduced a new subscription license option for its core ERP products that provide North American small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) with the essential functions to manage financials, distribution and manufacturing operations. The new licensing option reduces initial capital outlay to improve cash flow and simplify budgeting. Subscription licensing is now available for the popular Sage 100 ERP, Sage 300 ERP, and 500 ERP product lines (formerly Sage ERP MAS 90 and 200, Sage ERP Accpac, and Sage ERP MAS 500).

"SMBs are looking for choice and flexibility. The new Sage ERP options address that demand and others we're seeing in the market: driving efficiency with more complete ERP tools, the need to manage cash flow intelligently, and the consumerization of software -- treating access to the system and its costs like any other recurring service a company needs," said Joe Langner, EVP for Midmarket ERP and CRM Solutions for Sage in North America.

Sage already offers several accounting and ERP solutions as subscription services with the software hosted in the cloud. The new Sage subscription licensing option is now offered for traditional on-premises software for a monthly fee, with no long-term commitment, giving businesses the flexibility to add or remove components easily. For businesses interested in the cash flow benefits of paying for the software like a service but who still want to retain control of ERP data in-house rather than in the cloud, the new Sage subscription option will be especially attractive.

Available suites include core financials (general ledger, accounts payable accounts receivable and others), distribution modules (purchasing, order entry, inventory control and others), and manufacturing. Pricing starts at $65 per user per month for financials, $99 per user per month for financials plus distribution, and $150 per user per month for financials, distribution and manufacturing. A wide range of added options is also available including customer relationship management, fixed asset management, business intelligence, 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's anytime learning online training.

"With Sage Business Care Gold, we're giving businesses another important leg up by providing the latest technology and augmenting it with a solid set of support services to help them get the most out of their software on a continuing basis," said Langner. "We're here to earn our customers' business every day."

"All businesses, but especially SMBs, are looking for predictability in managing their operations -- like reducing downtime of technology, improving confidence in data security, and working towards smoother management of operating expenses," said Ray Boggs, IDC vice president for SMB research. "With that in mind, the shift of software from capital expense to operating expense is becoming more attractive and is no different from what we as everyday consumers are moving towards with entertainment and other services."

The new ERP options with subscription licensing from Sage are available immediately. Additional Sage products such as Sage ERP X3 and specialty solutions for construction and real estate businesses and nonprofit organizations will be offered with subscription licensing in the future. Information is available at 866 530-7243.

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 12,300 people and supports more than 6 million customers worldwide. For more information about Sage in North America, please visit the company website at SageNorthAmerica.com. Follow Sage North America on Facebook, facebook.com/SageNorthAmerica, and Twitter, twitter.com/SageNAmerica.

(C) 2012 Sage Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Sage, the Sage logos, and the Sage product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sage Software, Inc. or its affiliated entities. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.