Update: Sage Software Strengthens Ties Between Accountants' Network and Business Partners

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - February 19, 2008) - When accountants are asked by clients where they can get technology advice, larger firms may be able to dial to their consulting arm at the other end of the building, but many small firms are left in the lurch. What smaller firms need is a support network to turn to when technology consulting is needed. In support of that effort, Sage Software today announced new program details for resellers in the company's Business Partner Alliance program designed to improve their working partnerships with accountants.

The Business Partner Alliance is comprised of Sage Business Partners who agree to work on a referral basis with Accountants' Network members. Under new program guidelines, Business Partner Alliance members will provide 8 complimentary hours of accounting technology consulting services within a 12 month period to their newly aligned Accountants' Network members. During that time, Business Partners can illustrate the value of their consulting services, cultivating a solid relationship that can benefit both parties. Accountants gain the support of a technology consulting partner, and technology consultants gain a better working relationship with accountants that can lead to referrals.

"Small businesses usually get advice about accounting software from their accountant, a technology reseller, or another business owner," said Heather Scarpero, director, Sage Software Accountants' Network. "As a software vendor, we want to simplify that process as much as possible. Bringing accountants and resellers together in an even stronger working partnership helps our customers as well as our reseller and accountant partners because it creates better service for business owners."

Business Partner Alliance consulting services are available to Accountants' Network members who subscribe to Sage MAS ERP, Sage Accpac ERP, Sage Businessworks, Sage FAS Fixed Assets, Sage Abra HRMS, Sage Timberline Office, Sage Master Builder, and Sage MIP Fund Accounting.

"Nearly all of my best and most loyal clients found me through accountant referrals," said Wayne Schulz, a specialist in MAS 90 and MAS 200 and principal of Schulz Consulting, Glastonbury, CT. "This is an excellent opportunity for business partners to build profitable referral relationships with accounting firms in their area. The 8 hours is a great way for the Accountants' Network members to 'try' us out at no cost to them, and really see the value of the service we provide. It helps build trust and dramatically increases their comfort at referring us to their client base. A CPA referral is the highest level and most closeable type of lead and one that every Business Partner should strive to earn."

For more details on the Sage Software Accountants' Network, please visit www.sageaccountantsnetwork.com, or call 866-565-2726. For more information on becoming a Sage Software Business Partner, please visit www.sagesoftware.com/partners or call 800-942-7108.

About Sage Software

Sage Software supports the needs, challenges and dreams of nearly 2.8 million small and medium-sized business customers in North America through easy-to-use, scalable and customizable software and services. Our products support accounting, operations, customer relationship management, human resources, time tracking, merchant services and the specialized needs of the construction, distribution, healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit and real estate industries. Sage Software is a subsidiary of The Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of accounting and business management software and services for small and medium-sized businesses. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989. Sage Group now has 5.5 million customers and employs over 13,900 people worldwide. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.sagesoftware.com or call (866) 308-2378.

Contact Information: Contacts: Aimee Ertley 770-724-4556 Aimee.ertley@sage.com Kara McClain 404-995-4531 Kara.mcclain@porternovelli.com