CONNECTIT: Sage MAS 90/200 v4.4

As far as we know, there's (as yet) no firm release date for the next release to Sage MAS90/200. We're really excited about the prospect of the new release as we are expecting it to include API support for creating purchase order documents, products and suppliers. Having this functionality in the MAS API means that we can complete the ConnectIT-MAS QuoteWerks to Sage MAS90/200 link to cover the same footprint as the UK ConnectIT for Sage 50 Accounts.

However, it was encouraging today that we got an email from Sage asking us to complete a survey which was asking how long from release we anticipated it would be before we integrated our solution with the new version and how Sage could help. Naturally our answers were "as soon as possible" and "get us a copy of the beta"!!!

Unfortunately it's still a case of "watch this space" before we can commit to a version of ConnectIT-MAS which will be able to create purchase orders, products and suppliers, but it is encouraging to see things moving along!

CONNECTIT: ConnectIT-MAS90 QuoteWerks to Sage MAS90 and MAS200 v1.1.1 released

ConnectIT-MAS90 QuoteWerks to Sage MAS90 and MAS200 v1.1.1 has been released today - Friday 13th March 2009.

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

UPDATE: transfer the Contact name selected for the Address fields from QuoteWerks to the Confirm To field in the Sage MAS document
UPDATE: support for names and descriptions, etc in QuoteWerks that are longer than those in Sage MAS. ConnectIT will now trim the QuoteWerks field to match on just the left 'x' characters, allowing a match to be found.
UPDATE: new ConnectIT icons

Existing users with current UMP: download your copy from here - http://www.connectit-online.co.uk/download.aspx?p=CITMAS90

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: content for ConnectIT-MAS90 v1.1.1 confirmed

The ConnectIT development team have confirmed just a couple of minor updates to the ConnectIT-MAS90 QuoteWerks to Sage MAS 90 and Mas 200 link to provide a couple of new users with features that they would find useful:

• Transfer the Contact name selected for the Address fields from QuoteWerks to the Confirm To field in the Sage MAS document.
• Support for names and descriptions, etc in QuoteWerks that are longer than those in Sage MAS. ConnectIT will now trim the QuoteWerks field to match on just the left 'x' characters, allowing a match to be found.

Expected release to customers is expected week commencing 9th 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!

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

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!!! :-)

BLOG: Steve's Sage Summit show trip video diary 20081118.02

The QuoteWerks branded footballs are going well!!!

...

Unfortunately the software isn’t! :-(

Most delegates we have seen are sporting Sage Master Builder or non-profit software flags – these types of businesses unfortunately don’t lend themselves to quoting. But there are two days left, so plenty of time left and hopefully the popularity of the footballs amongst attendees will attract other delegates to the stand!

Also on a very positive note: Keith (Carrington, Aspire Technologies) met with one of his contacts in the media area today to present the new ConnectIT – QuoteWerks to Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200 link – press release, so we could get some interest from that area too later in the week.

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

BLOG: Steve's Sage Summit show trip video diary 20081117.10

Keith (left) and Brian (centre) setting up the demo laptops to present QuoteWerks and ConnectIT to interested delegates attending the Sage Summit 2008 trade show.

Part of the series 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 20081119.09

First sight of the QuoteWerks stand that the Aspire Technologies Inc team have built, Steve looks forward to a busy 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

BLOG: Steve's Sage Summit show trip video diary 20081117.08

The entrance to the Sage Summit 2008 trade show hall with the Sage stand at the forefront.

Part of the series 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 20081117.07

The entrance to the Sage Summit 2008 Trade Show. ("Nearly there... finally!!!" thinks Steve.)

Part of the series 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