Sage creates Salesforce SME cloud system, and practice hub
Sage has been busy: it has worked on a Salesforce platform to create an all-encompassing SME cloud system; and set up a customisable hub for practitioners to pull together important data
A BROAD-RANGING business cloud system is to be created in a landmark deal between technology giants Sage and Salesforce.
Sage, the accounting and payroll specialist, has created a new product on the Salesforce1 platform. Known as Sage Life, it will allow small business clients to pull together their customer, payroll and finance data into one system that runs through the cloud.
The business information will be accessible anywhere, via any online device.
Sage said that SMEs usually have between four and eight different software systems running to manage their business, and the Life offering will bring the disparate systems into one portal.
“Together with Salesforce, Sage is shaping the future of small business. Small business software no longer has to represent different systems or layers of complexity – it’ll be simple, collaborative, and real time, said Sage CEO Stephen Kelly.
“With Sage Life, we are delivering social, mobile, cloud-based innovation, powered by real-time accounting. Now running a small business can be as easy as updating your Facebook status.”
Practice management ‘hub’
It is a busy time for Sage, which is running a substantial stand at this year’s Accountex. It has also launched an online hub for accountants in practice, known as Sage impact.
The hub is customisable, and enables a practitioner to collate disparate information – whether social media updates or news alerts – onto one screen.
Sage describes Impact as letting accountants “take their entire practice with them wherever they go”.
Jennifer Warawa, global vice president, product marketing for accountants, said: “Accountants and bookkeepers don’t need more tools – they need the right tools.
They want a platform that adapts to their needs and delivers the right information when and where they need it. Sage Impact is a significant breakthrough – we know this because it’s been designed by the community itself.
“It will free them from the busy work of data entry and endless reporting. It’s time for accountants to become the accountant of their dreams.”