Courtesy of Jeff Schwenk of Bottomline Software, here is a nice detailed overview document (with screen-shots, graphics, etc.) that explains what’s included in the latest Product Update 5 (PU5) for Sage MAS 90/200.  Enjoy!

         What’s New in PU 4.40.0.5?

© 2011, Brett Zimmerman. All rights reserved. Formed in 2005. the 90 Minds Consulting Group is a collaboration of 100 Sage partners who independently join together online in a 24 x 7 private communication network to solve difficult issues for their customers. The group is not affiliated with Sage and our collaboration provides for unparalleled member access to early warnings of bugs and other issues which members in turn are encouraged to use to provide an exceptional customer experience.

Are you considering upgrading your Sage MAS 90/200 system?  Well here’s a great resource which details the major functionality and enhancements incorporated in the software since v3.50.   

© 2011, Brett Zimmerman. All rights reserved. Formed in 2005. the 90 Minds Consulting Group is a collaboration of 100 Sage partners who independently join together online in a 24 x 7 private communication network to solve difficult issues for their customers. The group is not affiliated with Sage and our collaboration provides for unparalleled member access to early warnings of bugs and other issues which members in turn are encouraged to use to provide an exceptional customer experience.

Did you know that there’s a logical explanation behind all the funky characters that appear in the various Sage MAS 90/200 date fields (when viewing the data via Data File Display & Maintenace for example)?  These are called Compacted Dates – where the 2-character values represent 4-digit years ( e.g., 2011 = ?; ).  

         Compacted Date Table

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Posted by Brett A. Zimmerman - www.brettzimmerman.com – Twitter: MAS90_Zip

© 2011, Brett Zimmerman. All rights reserved. Formed in 2005. the 90 Minds Consulting Group is a collaboration of 100 Sage partners who independently join together online in a 24 x 7 private communication network to solve difficult issues for their customers. The group is not affiliated with Sage and our collaboration provides for unparalleled member access to early warnings of bugs and other issues which members in turn are encouraged to use to provide an exceptional customer experience.

1. Open a blank Excel document.
2. On the Data menu, select “Import External Data”, then “New Database Query”.  (The Excel Data Query function doesn’t always get installed by default, so you may need to install it on certain workstations.)
3. Pick the SOTAMAS90 odbc driver.  Typically it’s the one without an asterisk (*).
4. Enter your MAS 90/200 login info, including the appropriate Company Code.
5. You’ll then be presented with all your MAS 90/200 data files.  You can choose an entire data file or individual data fields within a file.
6. Once you select your data file/fields, click Next.
7. You can now specify 1 or more filters, or not.  Click Next.
8. Now you can specify 1 or more Sort, or not.  Of course you can easily sort within Excel once your data is brought into the spreadsheet.  Click Next.
9. Then you would typically have the data “returned to Excel”.  Click Finish.
10. You can choose to put the data in your current spreadsheet, which is the typical method (into cell A1), or into a new Worksheet.  Click OK.  (If you click Properties, you’ll see the Options you have available.)
11. You’ll then be prompted again for the Company Code and your MAS 90/200 login info. 
12. Your data will appear.  Depending on the amount of data being Queried, it may take a short moment.

You can also pull your data into Access and lots of other applications that can utilize an ODBC data source.

Posted by Brett A. Zimmerman - www.brettzimmerman.com – Twitter: MAS90_Zip

© 2010, Brett Zimmerman. All rights reserved. Formed in 2005. the 90 Minds Consulting Group is a collaboration of 100 Sage partners who independently join together online in a 24 x 7 private communication network to solve difficult issues for their customers. The group is not affiliated with Sage and our collaboration provides for unparalleled member access to early warnings of bugs and other issues which members in turn are encouraged to use to provide an exceptional customer experience.

Below is some information I had compiled a couple years back when I originally looked into Applianz and ScionASP.  I have not had the opportunity to be involved with either an Applianz or ScionASP implementation.  Clearly this information could be somewhat outdated (including pricing), but this provides some general information.

ScionASP  (www.scionasp.com)

I spoke to Rick who had some good information.

• They started with SalesLogix before Sage bought it, and they do have a large focus on CRM applications.
• Been around since 2001.
• They basically can take the place of an IT Dept.
• Everything resides at their data-centers, mostly in San Diego, CA but also in Raleigh, NC.
• All Citrix.
• They maintain all connectivity and viability, including Windows related service updates, etc.
• MAS 90 and 200′s would be on own servers for compatibility purposes.
• All MAS’ are separate installations, and they are currently hosting many.
• Scion personnel does installation of initial software; they are apparently Sage-certified.
• Their services include redundant backups and disaster recovery plans.
• For MAS upgrading, Sage business partner would coordinate with Scion.
• MAS enhancements?  Coordinate with Scion. 
• Printing issues?  some, as expected
• Typically will get system back up and running within a couple hours if something major happens.
• Pricing (the below are retail prices): 
  • Pricing includes 1st application install (e.g., MAS) and connectivity, including basic server/connectivity support, as well as Workstations setup with client contact.
    • Below pricing does not include initial $100 per user setup fee.
  • Any time related to upgrading MAS would require additional cost ($150/hr).

 
Applianz  (www.applianz.com)

I spoke to Cody Robinson there (in Wichita, Kansas), and he gave me a lot of great information.  He was very knowledgeable.

• This works with an “infrastructure device” (a box) which can basically reside anywhere.
  • Can reside at the company’s office, at any datacenter that will allow it, or at Applianz’ datacenter in Kansas
  • Has built-in remote access.
  • No CD drive (all installs, etc. would be done from a workstation via an Applianz session, very similar to Terminal Services, so it’s just like being at the server)
  • Box contains Windows 200X server – Virtual Machine
  • Highly secure; Highly stable
  • Depending on # of users, includes various XP Virtual Machines
  • Workstations get small Applianz client installed
    • MAC workstations can also be used
• Most folks have the box reside at their own office
•  
• Package includes remote services, daily backups with 30-day retention, 24-hour disaster recovery so you can keep working if there’s any kind of problem accessing your box.
• Two (2)  500gb drives.  Raid 5, mirrored, etc.
• Box can easily handle 40 users.
• MAS 200 typically wouldn’t be necessary since the box is a client/server device.
• Most printing (remote) services/issues are nicely addressed.
•  
• Pricing (retail) for MAS 90/200/500 (includes 1st year of support/service:  backups, disaster recovery, updates, etc.):
  • 5-user        $ 8K
  • 10-user      $10K
  • 20-user      $13K
  • 30-user      $17K
• Pricing for ongoing support/service (regardless of user count):
  • $295/mo    or    $2,995/yr
• Pricing to have Applianz host your device at their data center in Kansas:
  • $295/mo    or    $2,995/yr
•  
• All service and support is handled remotely by Applianz. 
  • If device fails, Applianz can restore and have company up and running pretty quickly on their production servers while the device is shipped back to Applianz.
  • Worse case, if need someone onsite, they’ve contracted with local IT folks.
•  
• Ongoing support and service by Sage Business Partner remains the same.  There just isn’t a server to perform work at.  For example, you would need to access the device from a workstation in an Applianz session, very similar to Terminal Services

Posted by Brett A. Zimmerman - www.brettzimmerman.com – Twitter: MAS90_Zip

© 2010, Brett Zimmerman. All rights reserved. Formed in 2005. the 90 Minds Consulting Group is a collaboration of 100 Sage partners who independently join together online in a 24 x 7 private communication network to solve difficult issues for their customers. The group is not affiliated with Sage and our collaboration provides for unparalleled member access to early warnings of bugs and other issues which members in turn are encouraged to use to provide an exceptional customer experience.

One situation with Sage MAS 90/200 where this could be extremely useful is for Visual Integrator (VI) importing.  For example, lets say you receive an Excel file from your Vendor, and it contains 25 Sheets/Workbooks which represent 25 different invoices.  To properly import you’d need to manually create 25 individual Excel files.  Kind of a pain.  But this $50 program helps to really automate the process.  And don’t worry if the master Excel file contains a reference or VLOOKUP worksheet that all the other worksheets feed off of.  The data in all the newly created Excel files stays in tact.

Posted by Brett A. Zimmerman - www.brettzimmerman.com.

© 2010, Brett Zimmerman. All rights reserved. Formed in 2005. the 90 Minds Consulting Group is a collaboration of 100 Sage partners who independently join together online in a 24 x 7 private communication network to solve difficult issues for their customers. The group is not affiliated with Sage and our collaboration provides for unparalleled member access to early warnings of bugs and other issues which members in turn are encouraged to use to provide an exceptional customer experience.

The MAS 90 and MAS 200 Extended Enterprise Edition includes SageCRM as the CRM tool that’s tightly integrated to the accounting and fixed asset portions of the suite.

Unfortunately the three core components (accounting, fixed assets and CRM) all have their own separate knowledgebase. And until now it’s been tough to find the SageCRM knowledgebase unless you know where to look (which you do now!).

Often when errors occur they may be routine. As a first step it’s helpful to have a resource that your technical staff can browse online. While we always recommend that you consult with your Sage Business Partner prior to making any changes to your software or implementing recommended fixes – there are times when your partner may not be available or you are without a partner.

For self-help you can visit the free Sage online knowledgebase.

The Sage Software Online Accpac Knowledgebase contains information about the following products:

• Sage Accpac ERP
• Sage Accpac ePOS
• Sage Accpac Exchange
• Sage Accpac HRMS
• Sage Accpac Insight
• Sage Analytics Products
• Sage BusinessVision
• SageCRM
• Sage PRO ERP
• Sage Accpac Intelligence

Sage Knowledgebase

The Sage Knowledgebase does not require any registration or password to login and perform a search. Each solution is broken down by product category with an index along the side for narrowing your inquiries.

Categories further allow you to break down searches by: Database, Deployment, Edition, Function, Integrated Application, Operating System and Version.

Five different types of documents can be filtered:  Document, Error, FAQ, Hot Fix, How To. If you select the Hot Fix option you’ll be presented with only those solutions that have a downloadable program fix attached to them.  In order to download the Hot Fix you will have to login with a username and password which requires that you setup and account by using your Sage Client ID and password.

SageCRM Users Can Be Notified When Problems Have Been Solved

Perhaps one of the best features of the Accpac knowledgebase (other than you can search  for free without a login) is that you can select to have the system notify you by email if the solution is updated (requires a login with Sage Client ID and password).

This knowledgebase is a supplement to the seprate login that MAS 90 and MAS 200 users would use to search for problems related to their accounting software.

Link: SageCRM Knowledgebase via Schulz Consulting and Telesis Consulting

© 2009, Wayne Schulz. All rights reserved. Formed in 2005. the 90 Minds Consulting Group is a collaboration of 100 Sage partners who independently join together online in a 24 x 7 private communication network to solve difficult issues for their customers. The group is not affiliated with Sage and our collaboration provides for unparalleled member access to early warnings of bugs and other issues which members in turn are encouraged to use to provide an exceptional customer experience.

Up until now, the Pre has always been kept under lock and key and only shown via scripted and controlled demonstrations.  This leads us techno geeks at 90minds to assume the product was far from prime time as when you see this treatment, it usually means many areas and functions are either buggy, slow or not yet finished.  This led to us making an educated guess that the Palm Pre was still far away from being released.

Considering both Palm and Sprint are counting on this device to be a smash in order to turn around both of their fortunes, its important for this phone to get out as soon as possible and as solid as possible.

Recently, however, the Engadget Editor-in-chief Joshua Topolsky was on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon with a live Pre running and being demonstrated.  Joshua clearly isn’t part of Palm or Sprint and thus we at 90minds now feel this phone is much closer to reality and will hopefully release no later than June of 09.  Given it has the sex appeal of the iphone, has the keyboard of the Treo & blackberry, and doesn’t have the iPhone rate plan tax that AT&T charges, this could be a real competitor.

See the live demonstration Here.

via: Mark Chinsky, New Jersey CT , Sage MAS 90 and 200, Job Ops, and SAP Business One consultant from Clients First Business Solutions

© 2009, Mark Chinsky. All rights reserved. Formed in 2005. the 90 Minds Consulting Group is a collaboration of 100 Sage partners who independently join together online in a 24 x 7 private communication network to solve difficult issues for their customers. The group is not affiliated with Sage and our collaboration provides for unparalleled member access to early warnings of bugs and other issues which members in turn are encouraged to use to provide an exceptional customer experience.

Palm, Inc. PALM and Sprint S today announced the upcoming availability of the Treo™ Pro smartphone for the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network on March 15.

Treo Pro will be available through all Sprint retail channels, including www.sprint.com/treopro, 1-800-SPRINT1 and Sprint retail stores, for $199.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement (after a $100 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate, with an Everything plan with data or a $30 per month or higher data add-on). It also will be available through the Palm Store (www.palm.com/store) and Palm’s B2B sales organization beginning March 16.

Treo Pro is a sleek, full-function smartphone offering users the ease of use and robust features they demand while providing the reliability and manageability IT departments require. With the EV-DO Rev. A speeds of Sprint’s Mobile Broadband Network, Wi-Fi, GPS and Windows Mobile 6.1 capabilities, Treo Pro helps busy professionals stay connected on the go so they can structure their lives around their priorities without sacrificing work productivity.⁽¹⁾

“Business decision makers require a product that not only integrates seamlessly into their existing IT infrastructures, but one that’s also cost-effective,” said John Traynor, vice president, business products, Palm, Inc. “Treo Pro delivers just that – a feature set that IT managers need to support their mobile work force.”

Treo Pro is the first Palm phone available with Internet Explorer Mobile 6, with options for either a mobile-optimized or desktop-like Internet browsing experience on America’s most dependable 3G network.⁽²⁾ It blends a high-resolution color touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard with a removable battery that packs up to five hours of talk time and enough strength for the business user’s needs, offering a powerful yet effortless mobile experience. Palm’s Wi-Fi hardware and software innovations on Treo Pro make it easy to get online fast and manage network connections and power usage. The one-touch Wi-Fi button provides a clean, uncluttered Wi-Fi experience that gets Treo Pro users rapidly connected at home, in the office or in Wi-Fi hotspots.

“The combination of Sprint Mobile Broadband with EV-DO (Evolution – Data Optimized) Revision (Rev.) A technology and Windows Mobile 6.1 on a Palm smartphone creates a mobile solution that meets the needs of today’s mobile professionals,” said Kevin Packingham, senior vice president of product & technology development for Sprint. “For years, Sprint, Microsoft and Palm have worked together to provide businesses large and small with an affordable mobile experience that is second to none, and Treo Pro continues that collaborative tradition.”

Sprint EV-DO Rev. A, Exclusive Content and Services

In 2008, Sprint revolutionized unlimited pricing in the wireless industry by moving beyond its competitors to deliver more features for a flat monthly rate of $99.99. Sprint’s Simply Everything^(SM) plan is ideal for smartphones that can extensively leverage wireless data applications and provides unlimited nationwide calling, messaging, email, Web browsing, GPS navigation and much more – all for the monthly rate of only $99.99.⁽³⁾

Treo Pro offers integrated GPS, enabling Sprint Navigation with turn-by-turn directions, maps and point-of-interest searches for locations such as restaurants or stores. Additional Sprint-exclusive content available on Treo Pro⁽⁴⁾ includes:

• Sprint TV^® – Allows Treo Pro users to watch TV or video-on-demand or catch the latest news, sports, weather, entertainment and movie trailers on the go.
• Sprint Music – Enables users to wirelessly download digital music tracks to Treo Pro and choose from hundreds of thousands of full-length songs from virtually every genre.
• Pocket Express – Retrieves customized, up-to-date Web content such as sports, weather, news, money and movie information with the push of a button.

Treo Pro users can easily stay in touch with family and friends using Sprint Messaging, offering threaded SMS, and the ability to share pictures and video with MMS seamlessly in one application. It also offers Sprint IM with access to Yahoo! Messenger, AOL’s AIM® service and MSN Messenger.

With an open network platform, Sprint is able to offer customers new business applications created through Sprint’s Professional Developer Program. A robust community of application developers that previously focused on desktop services is now finding it easier to generate services that can perform on both the desktop and mobile devices.

The Palm Experience on Windows Mobile 6.1

Treo Pro supports Microsoft Direct Push Technology⁽⁵⁾ for up-to-date email, contacts and calendars. With the deployment of Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, Treo Pro can deliver increased security, easier smartphone management, and access to information on the corporate network. IT professionals can confidently manage large Treo Pro deployments the same way they manage PCs.

With Internet Explorer Mobile 6, Treo Pro brings users a new, full-featured, high-quality browsing experience. Users can choose to browse in a mobile-optimized mode or in a desktop browser mode. Microsoft brings a mobile Web-browsing experience on par with what end users and developers have come to expect from their desktops – the ability to easily view Web pages and multimedia on the Web and best-in-class capability to complete transactions, from banking to checking in for a flight. Treo Pro helps optimize business processes by mobilizing users with several Palm specific enhancements to the Windows platform, including:

• One-touch Wi-Fi button — Easy, fast Wi-Fi connection experience (802.11b/g).⁽¹⁾
• Ringer switch – Silences the device immediately.
• Clock and date screen saver – Lets users know at a glance – without turning on the device – what date and time it is and whether they’ve missed a call or have a new SMS/MMS message.
• New voicemail indicator – The center button flashes to let users know that a voicemail is waiting.
• Dedicated email and calendar buttons – Fast one-button access.

Sprint also launched Ready Now, a revolution in the wireless retail experience, in all company-owned Sprint stores last fall. With Ready Now, Sprint has trained and committed its retail associates to work one-on-one with customers to personalize phones, set up features and demonstrate how phones work – before customers leave the store. Treo Pro customers can work with Sprint retail associates to learn more about how they can fully leverage the strengths of their device on Sprint’s Mobile Broadband Network.

Pricing and Availability

Treo Pro will be available March 15 through all Sprint retail channels, including www.sprint.com/treopro, 1-800-SPRINT1 and Sprint retail stores, for $199.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement (after a $100 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate, with an Everything plan with data or a $30 per month or higher data add-on). It will be available through the Palm Store (www.palm.com/store) and Palm’s B2B sales organization beginning March 16.

NOTE: Photos of the Treo Pro smartphone for the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network are available from Business Wire (http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5909453) and Palm’s Multimedia Library (www.palm.com/mml).

© 2009, Mark Chinsky. All rights reserved. Formed in 2005. the 90 Minds Consulting Group is a collaboration of 100 Sage partners who independently join together online in a 24 x 7 private communication network to solve difficult issues for their customers. The group is not affiliated with Sage and our collaboration provides for unparalleled member access to early warnings of bugs and other issues which members in turn are encouraged to use to provide an exceptional customer experience.