IT File Softworld Special - New package piloted.

Systems Union plans to release the long-awaited new version of its mid-market software package SunSystems by the end of the third quarter. Version 5.1 of the management package has already been delayed by 18 months due to ‘performance problems’. But Simon Maye, Systems Union technical research director, said the new version would almost certainly be introduced by the end of quarter three as the company phases out its 4.2.6 version. Criticising the older package, Maye said: ‘This version is disappointing and is not what people want in this day and age. It looks very old fashioned and chunky. But its functionality is good. However, if you have a pretty interface it makes life easier and we expect to find this with the 5.1 version.’ Systems Union denied the ‘chunky’ edition had affected sales despite what is generally regarded as a poor 1999 for the company. Maye added that errors with the original technology had created problems and said the company had decided not to chase the losing battle with the forms management element of the software. The 5.1 version is now being pilot tested and so far no problems have been reported. Maye added that companies will easily be able to upgrade from the 4.2.6 version.