-- quick time-to-value via purpose-built solutions;
-- enhanced end-user/cross-organizational productivity with Web 2.0
applications;
-- end-to-end business processes through front and back-office
integration;
-- functional synergies among Sage CRM, ERP and vertical solutions
through the application of Web services and other standards-based
technologies; and
-- investment protection via flexible and interoperable on-demand and on-
premise implementation options.
Business requirements-driven segmentation
Businesses interact with their customers in many different ways. While some
businesses work one-to-one with their customers, others have more
distributed organizations that need to manage one-to-many or many-to-many
relationships. Sage's CRM strategy accounts for each organization's
customer interaction model, as well as its performance enhancement
strategy, and CRM buyer type. Sage CRM Solutions are optimized to address
business requirements based on this segmentation, anticipating that many
organizations will require expanded functionality and deployment options
over time.
"Sage's delivery strategy for CRM buyer types, meticulously segmented
from the simplest to the most complex customer interaction models,
represents a level of planning not commonly seen from solution providers,"
said Mary Wardley, IDC vice president, enterprise applications and CRM
software. "This not only affords buyers a better ability to custom fit CRM
within their organizations, but also presents compelling opportunities for
the extensive Sage partner network to provide professional services that
help customers, and Sage, fully realize this global strategy."
Comprehensive technology
Sage is implementing a holistic technology approach that will support its
global CRM strategy. It includes the following elements:
-- common components will provide a consistent user experience, workflow,
data access and analytics across Sage CRM Solutions;
-- services-based integration will help organizations manage end-to-end
business processes with standards-based integration to back-office
applications;
-- interoperability will enable organizations to seamlessly migrate from
one CRM application to another as their business requirements evolve;
-- a software-as-a-service (SaaS) business platform will allow on-demand
or on-premise access to any Sage CRM Solutions product;
-- context aware services will incorporate Internet and Web 2.0 services,
allowing customers to add on-demand business functionality to their CRM
products; and
-- anywhere workforce awareness will let users access their applications,
whether connected or disconnected, from a range of devices such as rich
clients, Web terminals, and smart phones for a consistent CRM experience
from any location.
"The wealth of transactional data in the back-office must be presented in a
meaningful way to CRM users," said Sheryl Kingstone, Yankee Group director
of enterprise research. "The Sage technology strategy focuses on customers'
desires for improved business processes, anytime access and integration of
easy-to-use consumer Web services."
The Sage CRM Solutions product roadmap will begin delivering against the
new global CRM strategy this calendar year, and continue through 2010 as
additional product capabilities are released incrementally. More detail
regarding the Sage CRM Solutions 2010 strategy can be found in the
corresponding white paper, available for download at
www.sagecrmsolutions.com/products/collateral.
About Sage CRM Solutions
Sage CRM Solutions is a portfolio of market-leading applications consisting
of ACT! by Sage, SageCRM, and Sage SalesLogix.
ACT!, the #1 selling contact and customer management solution for over 20
years, assists individuals and teams by centralizing contact and calendar
information, increasing communication effectiveness, and improving
individual and team productivity.
SageCRM and Sage SalesLogix are award-winning CRM suites which address the
business process needs of fast-growing organizations across Sales,
Marketing, Service, and Support. SageCRM is fully Web-based and can be
deployed on-premise or on-demand. It also offers out-of-the-box integration
with leading Sage ERP applications. Sage SalesLogix delivers deep, rich
customization capabilities and high levels of user adoption across all
deployment methods including Web, Windows, and mobile devices.
Over 56,000 organizations and 3.1 million users worldwide rely on Sage CRM
Solutions to develop profitable, long-term business relationships.
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 business management software and services
to 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.
About Sage Group
The Sage Group plc is a leading global supplier of business management
software and related products and services, principally for small to
medium-sized enterprises. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London
Stock Exchange in 1989 and now employs over 13,900 people. Sage has 5.5
million customers worldwide and operations in over 20 countries, covering
the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China.
For more information, please visit www.sage.com.
© 2008 Sage Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Sage Software and Sage
products and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or
trademarks of Sage Software, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective owners.
Contact Information: Contacts: Ryan Zuk Sage Software 480-368-3818 ryan.zuk@sage.com Shana Keith Porter Novelli 404-995-4557 shana.keith@porternovelli.com