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Month Date, 2006: Strap

Sage, who launched their latest version of the software, ACT! By Sage 2007 (v9.0) in September 2006, say their longevity in the space and consistent number one position should speak volumes in the CRM debate. “We created the CRM category twenty years ago and we’ve managed to maintain that position worldwide,” says Ken Prokopec, senior account manager, Sage Australia.

Maximiser claims it trumps Sage on mobility, support for small business growth including pricing options, industry-specific versions, system functionality and speed. It also views its mobility function as a superior benefit over Act! Maximiser points to its remote access ability where users can interact with Windows Mobile OS, RIM and Blackberry devices.

But Sage claims the features in both products are relatively similar yet the customer support and years of experience offered by Sage builds on their capacity as the number one supplier in the CRM market. “The basics are the same but it will really come down to support,” says Prokopec. “We have helpdesk support; our consultants have been in this space for 15 years.”

Meanwhile a conversion tool offered by Maximser to convert and enable businesses to switch systems to convert their ACT! customer information to Maximser 9 data does not seem to worry Sage. Prokopec counteract this with ACT!’s migrator tool, allowing customers to increase the solution as their business develops.

Sage says they launched their major components of ACT! simultaneously back in September in response to customer demand. But what do they think of the role of Maximiser in the CRM space? We are flattered that they are jumping in on this area,” says Prokopec. “Without throwing stones, we have had customers come to us, saying it’s fallen down on them.”

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