Best Software to Deliver ‘Best Suites’
Business management software provider Best Software on Friday unveiled plans to combine the strength of its many product lines to deliver industry-specific solutions it is calling “Best Suites”.
Best Suites include solutions for accounting practices, construction, distribution, manufacturing, nonprofit, and real estate, according to Best Software CEO Ron Verni.
“Business owners today want business management applications that are highly integrated and that work the way their industries work,” Verni said. “Through our aggressive program of product acquisition, integration and internal development, we are able to deliver Best Suites for a range of industries representing clear solutions to answer those needs.”
With each Best Suite, customers begin with a recommended core accounting package, then can select additional applications such as CRM, HR, and others as their business needs dictate, and as their businesses grow. Using this linked building-block approach, customers can readily think in terms of a complete business solution, rather than purchasing isolated applications, to create an integrated end-to-end business process, Verni said.
Customers can select modules from a complete Best Suite that is right for their work processes, industry, and business size, he said. The suites will provide out-of- the-box integration to deliver data seamlessly throughout an enterprise. Integration of the product portfolios is made possible by two Best Software technologies: Best Software Integration Framework and Best Software Common Desktop.
Best Software Integration Framework provides a common protocol that enables data and process integration between Best Software front- and back-office applications and third-party solutions. Integration Framework is a technology based on Microsoft .NET and XML standards. Initial implementations of Integration Framework are being shipped in Europe, integrating SalesLogix with Line 100, an accounting product marketed by Best Software parent, The Sage Group.
Best Software Common Desktop offers a single point of entry for users to organize and access Best Software applications. The Common Desktop will provide a common interface across Best Software applications. In addition, using HTML, the Common Desktop will deliver unique user content, such as software maintenance, updates and product enhancements, based on the customer's products and versions.
Best Software has gained industry expertise through several company acquisitions, including Timberline for construction and real estate, both the MAS and ACCPAC product lines, which have deep roots in manufacturing and distribution, MIP for nonprofit organizations, and CPASoftware for accounting professionals.
The company will begin to roll out its vertical initiatives over the next 12-24 months, as it implements Common Desktop and Integration Framework into its products.
