Contact Information: Contacts: Aimee Ertley 770-724-4556 Aimee.ertley@sage.com Kara McClain 404-995-4531 Kara.mcclain@porternovelli.com
Update: Sage Software Strengthens Ties Between Accountants' Network and Business Partners
Aligning Resources Through Business Partner Alliance Helps Resellers and Accountants Drive More Business
| Source: SAGE PROSPERO
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.