CONNECTIT: now available for purchase through BT TradeSpace

The ConnectIT range of products are now available for purchase through BT TradeSpace.

For more information on the ConnectIT suite and how they can help your business save hours of repetitive manual work, please see the ConnectIT websites here:

• ConnectIT-Sage - QuoteWerks to Sage 50 Accounts and Sage Instant Accounts link
• ConnectIT-MAS90 - QuoteWerks to Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 link
• ConnectIT-MSCRM - QuoteWerks to Microsoft Dynamics CRM link
• ConnectIT-Workflow - business process manager for QuoteWerks
• ConnectIT-WebCart - website coming soon

Or contact your ConnectIT / QuoteWerks reseller.

SAGE50: Sage 50 Accounts 2009 Update 1

Sage 50 Accounts 2009 Update 1 service release was pushed out today. This wraps up several minor enhancements and issue resolutions.

For further details, please contact your Sage reseller or Sage Customer Services directly on 0845 111 5555.

CONNECTIT: ConnectIT-Sage v1.10.1 released

This new release of ConnectIT-Sage QuoteWerks to Sage 50 Accounts link includes the following updates and bug fixes:

UPDATE: replaced the files for the SDO (Sage Data Objects) which allow ConnectIT to integrate with Sage 50 Accounts 2009 for the revised ones released by Sage 12/5/2009. This revision allows up to 6 simultaneous SDO connections without the need to purchase additional Sage licenses.

FIXED: discrepencies seen in the Tax on Sage Purchase Order line items - ConnectIT was using the selling price tax value, not the cost price tax value when writing Purchase Order information to Sage.
FIXED: a tax amount for Carriage may show on a Purchase Order even though the ConnectIT Configuration had the Purchase Document Carriage Tax Code set as "T0" - ConnectIT was ignoring this setting when creating Purchase Order documents, the QuoteWerks document tax rate was always applied to Purchase Order carriage.
FIXED: Conversion from string "" to type 'Boolean' is not valid error when running ConnectIT - this could occur if the user had not opened ConnectIT Configuration to check the new settings added in version 1.10.0 and pressed "Save".


After more than 2 years of having no bugs in a production release, the ConnectIT development team were mortified to find out that a bug had been found in the software. As is stereotypically the case, the ConnectIT software development team have a love for fast food (second only to their love for programming!). By way of self-inflicted punishment for the bug (which was ultimately a school boy error in the code) they are banning themselves from fast food for 1 month!!! (I just hope they survive! - Ed.)

For more information on ConnectIT-Sage and the other products in the ConnectIT suite of time and labour saving products, please see the ConnectIT website here, contact your QuoteWerks / ConnectIT reseller or email info@connectit-online.co.uk

CONNECTIT: now offering increased user support

We've just been notified by Developer Services that now more ConnectIT-Sage users can link to Sage accounts without having to upgrade or purchase additional Sage licenses.

From Sage Developer Services:

With exception to Sage 50 Accounts Professional, all connections to the Sage 50 Accounts database via the software development kit (Sage Data Objects (SDO)), are currently limited to the number of licensed Sage 50 Accounts users.

Given that Sage 50 Accounts and Sage 50 Accounts Plus are only available with single user or 2 user licences, the opportunity to accommodate multiple third-party add-ons and integrated multi-user applications, can prove restrictive. For example - with a 2 user licence, only 1 x Sage 50 Accounts user login and 1 x SDO connection may be established. With a single user licence, an SDO connection will not be permitted if a Sage 50 Accounts user is already logged in, and vice versa.

Now you can manage up to 6 simultaneous SDO connections

In response to feedback from our customers, Business Partners and of course our Developer community, SDO has been enhanced to manage up to 6 simultaneous connections to the Sage 50 Accounts 2009 database. For example - if 1 x Sage 50 Accounts user is logged on, a maximum of 5 x SDO user connections will be permitted.



So what does this mean for ConnectIT users?

Once this SDO update has been installed, Sage will allow you to have more users accessing the accounts files through ConnectIT. So there's no need to buy additional licenses for Sage and no need to log out of Sage in order to transfer documents.

For existing users: contact Sage support, they will be able to supply you with the updated SDO installation files with instruction on how to install them.

For new users: we will be releasing a new version of the ConnectIT software later this week which will have the updated SDO files included as part of the installation.

And what about partners?

This means new opportunities for ConnectIT-Sage sales! For any companies that you may have spoken to in the past that rejected ConnectIT due to the expense of an upgrade to Sage, now here's the answer!

More information

For more information on the updates, please contact your ConnectIT or Sage reseller or email us: support@connectit-online.co.uk

For more information on the increasing range of ConnectIT products and how they can help deliver efficiencies to your business, please see the ConnectIT website here.

CONNECTIT: ConnectIT-Sage QuoteWerks to Sage 50 Accounts v1.9.0 released

ConnectIT-Sage QuoteWerks to Sage 50 Accounts v1.9.0 has been released today - Monday 2nd March 2009.

This new release wraps up several enhancements which ConnectIT users and partner resellers have requested as follows:

ADDED: the ability to select which Suppliers Purchase Orders are created for.
ADDED: the ability to transfer Comment lines into Sage as Message lines.
ADDED: the ability to transfer Group (Bundle) Header lines as Comments into Sage as Message lines.
ADDED: a check on whether a customer or suppliers credit limit has been exceeded. The prompt can be suppressed by ticking the Configuration Advanced "Suppress prompts that Customers or Suppliers Balance exceeds their Credit Limit" tick box.
ADDED: the ability to transfer a value into the Sage document line item Comment 1 and 2 fields

UPDATE: if the "Override Product Tax" field is ticked in the Sage Supplier record, then use the Default Tax Code and corresponding Tax Rate from Sage on all lines when creating Purchase Order documents (works for all supported versions of Sage 50 Accounts). Note that the user must be using the "Supplier Address information is maintained in Sage not QuoteWerks" Configuration option.
UPDATE: if the "Override Product Nominal" field is ticked in the Sage Supplier record, then use the Default Nominal Code and Department number from Sage on all lines when creating Purchase Order documents (works for version 14 - 2009 - of Sage 50 Accounts only, this option is not available in earlier versions). Note that the user must be using the "Supplier Address information is maintained in Sage not QuoteWerks" Configuration option.
UPDATE: include all Document Header fields in the Configuration Customer Account Reference, Documents Sales Doc Number, Purchase Doc Number and Creation Date field drop down selectors
UPDATE: new ConnectIT icons

Existing users with current UMP: download your copy from here - http://www.connectit-online.co.uk/download.aspx?p=CITSAGE50

New customers or users without UMP: please contact your ConnectIT / QuoteWerks reseller or email sales@connectit-online.co.uk for further information.

To request new features that would help your business process run more effectively, please email development@connectit-online.co.uk

For more and up-to-date information on the ConnectIT suite of products, please see the website here: http://www.connectit-online.co.uk/

The ConnectIT Development Team has a proven track record in producing quality products and utilities for QuoteWerks, Sage 50 Accounts, Sage MAS and Microsoft CRM. They will be happy to help you with any enquiries you have relating to developments on these products or stand-alone solutions and websites.

CONNECTIT: ConnectIT-Sage QuoteWerks to Sage 50 Accounts v1.9 beta released

ConnectIT-Sage QuoteWerks to Sage 50 Accounts v1.9 beta was released internally today.

This new release wraps up several enhancements which ConnectIT users and partner resellers have requested as follows:

ADDED: the ability to select which Suppliers Purchase Orders are created for
ADDED: the ability to transfer Comment lines into Sage as Message lines
ADDED: the ability to transfer Group (Bundle) Header lines as Comments into Sage as Message lines
ADDED: a check on whether a customer or suppliers credit limit has been exceeded. The prompt can be suppressed by ticking the Configuration Advanced "Suppress prompts that Customers or Suppliers Balance exceeds their Credit Limit" tick box
ADDED: the ability to transfer a value into the Sage document line item Comment 1 and 2 fields

UPDATE: if the "Override Product Tax" field is ticked in the Sage Supplier record, then use the Default Tax Code and corresponding Tax Rate from Sage on all lines when creating Purchase Order documents (works for all supported versions of Sage 50 Accounts). Note that the user must be using the "Supplier Address information is maintained in Sage not QuoteWerks" Configuration option.
UPDATE: if the "Override Product Nominal" field is ticked in the Sage Supplier record, then use the Default Nominal Code and Department number from Sage on all lines when creating Purchase Order documents (works for version 14 - 2009 - of Sage 50 Accounts only, this option is not available in earlier versions). Note that the user must be using the "Supplier Address information is maintained in Sage not QuoteWerks" Configuration option.
UPDATE: include all Document Header fields in the Configuration Customer Account Reference, Documents Sales Doc Number, Purchase Doc Number and Creation Date field drop down selectors
UPDATE: new ConnectIT icons


Expected release to customers is expected week commencing 2nd March 2009.

For more information or to get an advanced beta copy, please email development@connectit-online.co.uk

To request new features that would help your business process run more effectively, please email development@connectit-online.co.uk

For more information on the ConnectIT suite of products, please see the website here: http://www.connectit-online.co.uk

CONNECTIT: new product added to suite

Internally, we released a new prototype product to fit into the ConnectIT suite today.

This new product transfers information from an online ordering database into QuoteWerks, Sage 50 Accounts, Sage MAS 90 or Sage MAS 200. So, rather than manually re-entering your website orders into your back office system, ConnectIT now takes the hard work out of it for you!

As with the other products in the ConnectIT suite, this new application will save significant time and effort with the manual re-entry. Plus save the cost of mistakes that are inevitably made.

The product is built on the same .net development technology used for other ConnectIT products and leverages some of the techniques utilised in other bespoke software development and website development projects which we have been involved in. The prototype links to a .net web service using XML to transfer the information.

For more information on the features, integration options and release schedules, please contact development@connectit-online.co.uk. On release, full details will be made available on the ConnectIT website.

Finally: we haven't decided on the name yet - possibly ConnectIT-WebTransfer, ConnectIT-WebCart or ConnectIT-Trolley - if you've got a snappy idea for a name, then please email sales@connectit-online.co.uk. If your suggestion gets taken up, then you'll win a free copy of the final released software!

CONNECTIT: ConnectIT-Sage QuoteWerks to Sage 50 Accounts link v1.9.0 content confirmed

ConnectIT-Sage QuoteWerks to Sage 50 Accounts link v1.9.0 content has been confirmed.

The major developments to be included are as follows:

• The ability to select which Suppliers Purchase Orders are created for.
• The ability to transfer QuoteWerks Comment and Group (Bundle) Header lines as Comments into Sage as Message lines.
• A check on whether a customer or suppliers credit limit has been exceeded.
• The ability to transfer a value into the Sage document line item Comment 1 and 2 fields.

ConnectIT-Sage v1.9.0 is due for beta release end-February with the full production release week commencing 2nd March 2009. If you or your end user have a requirement which is not listed here then please do not hesitate to email us at development@connectit-online.co.uk.

BLOG: Hilltops IT launch revised ConnectIT website

It's not just the Hilltops IT website that has had a revamp! The ConnectIT website has had a couple of minor modifications too!

We're inviting QuoteWerks, ACT!, Sage 50 Accounts, Sage MAS 90, Sage MAS 200, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Goldmine, Maximizer... in fact "any" software consultancy or reseller company which supplies relevant products or services to place adverts on the ConnectIT website.

ConnectIT: not only linking software applications to other software applications, but also prospects to resellers!!!

If you'd like more information on advertising your company's products and services, then please email info@connectit-online.co.uk

CONNECTIT: CRM, QuoteWerks and Sage resellers and consultants

10 Good Reasons to Start Reselling ConnectIT

1. Generous commission structure on all licenses, support & services sold.
   
2. Free support to ConnectIT resellers.
   
3. Free marketing resources to ConnectIT resellers.
   
4. Comprehensive online knowledgebase & suite of video tutorials.
   
5. Online demo environment provided free for your use.
   
6. Online demos conducted by ConnectIT Support on your behalf.
   
7. Lead follow up on your behalf.
   
8. The ConnectIT Development team has a proven track record of delivering quality products.
   
9. The ConnectIT Development team has a proven track record of listening to what the market wants and developing sought-after new enhancements and additional features.
10. You can have absolute confidence in our professionalism and integrity in dealing with your clients.

Selling ConnectIT, helping your clients and getting the rewards couldn't be easier!

Please call us on +44 (0)1782 564252 or +44 (0)844 357 7360, or email sales@connectit-online.co.uk for more information and start selling now!

We look forward to hearing from you.

SUPPORT: Fortnightly digest - what's happening at Hilltops IT and in the world of computer software

Hilltops IT Support Team's diary

It has been a quiet couple of weeks over the Christmas period, so not much to report. The main focus has been on reviewing our internal processes and use of our software systems - it makes a change from looking at how our clients can best use the software!!! :-) We are also working on publishing some additional articles for the ConnectIT Knowledgebase which have only previously been available internally. This will help end users and partner resellers alike.

We have released an interim version of ConnectIT-Sage to work for a particular client's requirements. The feature - the ability to select which Suppliers (Vendors) a document is created for - will be rolled into a future build release for all users later in the year.

Finally, we have been involved in reviewing the final drafts of the new Hilltops IT website branding. We're really excited about this - in the coming weeks and months there are going to be some additional tools introduced so that we can help support our clients even better than we do already!

Industry News

Sage CRM Solutions 2010 Strategy
A very interesting insight into Sage CRM Solutions' thoughts on CRM and CRM solutions generally, plus future development roadmap plans.

INTRODUCTION
Since the inception of CRM, the balance of power has shifted dramatically between buyers and sellers, with the rate of change accelerating in the past five years. Today, companies must offer extremely cost-efficient, differentiable customer experiences to acquire and retain profitable customer relationships. In our highly globalized economy, CRM is critical to enable businesses of every shape and size to fulfill the needs and expectations of their customers.

See the full article here.

For further information on our software support services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on +44(0) 844 357 7360 or +44(0) 1782 564252 or email support@hilltopsit.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you!

CONNECTIT: linking QuoteWerks to your website

We have just got sign off of a second project in what is the latest innovation in the ConnectIT suite of products: a link to your online ordering system.

We have done this as a bespoke software development project for our clients that use an online ordering system. The link transfers information from the online database into QuoteWerks as an appropriate document type.

Given the technologies we have, then there is no reason why the transfer couldn't be between the online ordering system and Sage 50 Accounts, Sage MAS 90 or Sage MAS 200. With the ConnectIT (and other) code libraries we have, this would be quite straightforward to do.

If you would like more information on this, then please email development@hilltopsit.co.uk or contact us on +44(0) 844 357 7360 or +44(0) 1782 564252

We look forward to hearing from you!

VLOG: Steve's Sage Summit show trip video diary 20081123.01

Gate A37 at Denver International airport, Steve gets ready for the flight back home.

Part of the series of videos encompassing Steve Siggs (Hilltops IT) video diary of trip to the Sage Summit 2008 trade show at the Colorado Convention Centre in Denver Colorado to promote QuoteWerks sales quotation tool and ConnectIT integration of QuoteWerks to Sage MAS 90, Sage MAS 200, Sage (Line) 50 Accounts and Microsoft CRM contact manager along side Aspire Technologies Inc.

For more information, please see www.hilltopsit.co.uk and www.connectit-online.co.uk

VLOG: Steve's Sage Summit show trip video diary 20081120.01

The final day of the Sage Summit 2008 trade show and tearing down the stand – no sooner has it started (it seems) and it’s time to go home!

Part of the series of videos encompassing Steve Siggs (Hilltops IT) video diary of trip to the Sage Summit 2008 trade show at the Colorado Convention Centre in Denver Colorado to promote QuoteWerks sales quotation tool and ConnectIT integration of QuoteWerks to Sage MAS 90, Sage MAS 200, Sage (Line) 50 Accounts and Microsoft CRM contact manager along side Aspire Technologies Inc.

For more information, please see www.hilltopsit.co.uk and www.connectit-online.co.uk

BLOG: Steve's Sage Summit show trip video diary 20081119.01

A better day today with some strong MAS90 and SalesLogix user leads. Plus I have also spoken to a couple of end users and trade stand holders about Hilltops IT’s wider service offerings in bespoke and website developments.

Things are looking up!!! :-)

VLOG: Steve's Sage Summit show trip video diary 20081118.01

Steve and Keith Carrington (Aspire Technologies Inc) make an early start to network with Sage representatives at the show, other Sage partners and media. Plus Steve identifies potential trade show stand exhibitors that might be worth talking to during the week.

Part of the series of videos encompassing Steve Siggs (Hilltops IT) video diary of trip to the Sage Summit 2008 trade show at the Colorado Convention Centre in Denver Colorado to promote QuoteWerks sales quotation tool and ConnectIT integration of QuoteWerks to Sage MAS 90, Sage MAS 200, Sage (Line) 50 Accounts and Microsoft CRM contact manager along side Aspire Technologies Inc.

For more information, please see www.hilltopsit.co.uk and www.connectit-online.co.uk

BLOG: Steve's Sage Summit show trip video diary 20081117.14

To be honest, the first day of the Sage Summit trade show was little bit disappointing in terms of the footfall.

Apparently the first day is typically relatively slow though, with some delegates not having yet arrived, delegates and Sage working on their own networking, etc. The latter days are expected to get busier in the trade show area.

On a more positive note: Keith, Brian, Brandon and I are getting to know each others ways of working and it’s encouraging to observe them using the kind of soft, consultative sell that Hilltops IT use. I am picking up tips from them!

We have had several interesting conversation about QuoteWerks key functionality and how it fits into various businesses internal ways of working. Plus possible futures for integration and feature enhancements to QuoteWerks already very rounded and rich functionality.

VLOG: Steve's Sage Summit show trip video diary 20081117.13

An overview of the Sage Summit 2008 Trade Show area.

Part of the series of videos encompassing Steve Siggs (Hilltops IT) video diary of trip to the Sage Summit 2008 trade show at the Colorado Convention Centre in Denver Colorado to promote QuoteWerks sales quotation tool and ConnectIT integration of QuoteWerks to Sage MAS 90, Sage MAS 200, Sage (Line) 50 Accounts and Microsoft CRM contact manager along side Aspire Technologies Inc.

For more information, please see http://www.hilltopsit.co.uk/ and www.connectit-online.co.uk

VLOG: Steve's Sage Summit show trip video diary 20081117.12

The huge delegates dining area at the Colorado Convention Centre; Steve considers the opportunities from a show of this scale.

Part of the series of videos encompassing Steve Siggs (Hilltops IT) video diary of trip to the Sage Summit 2008 trade show at the Colorado Convention Centre in Denver Colorado to promote QuoteWerks sales quotation tool and ConnectIT integration of QuoteWerks to Sage MAS 90, Sage MAS 200, Sage (Line) 50 Accounts and Microsoft CRM contact manager along side Aspire Technologies Inc.

For more information, please see http://www.hilltopsit.co.uk/ and http://www.connectit-online.co.uk/

BLOG: Steve's Sage Summit show trip video diary 20081117.11

Brandon (left) and Keith (right) on the Aspire Technologies QuoteWerks stand at the Sage Summit 2008 trade show.

Part of the series of videos encompassing Steve Siggs (Hilltops IT) video diary of trip to the Sage Summit 2008 trade show at the Colorado Convention Centre in Denver Colorado to promote QuoteWerks sales quotation tool and ConnectIT integration of QuoteWerks to Sage MAS 90, Sage MAS 200, Sage (Line) 50 Accounts and Microsoft CRM contact manager along side Aspire Technologies Inc.

For more information, please see http://www.hilltopsit.co.uk/ and http://www.connectit-online.co.uk