End users and consultants of the popular MAS 90 and MAS 200 accounting software applications from Sage Software have been asking lately if they should undergo the arduous process of another upgrade of their MAS 90/200 systems. The urgency of this inquiry was increased when Sage informed the masses that they were going to discontinue support of version 3.71 - the last remaining version prior to the flat-file database modification in version 4.
The current release of MAS 90 and MAS 200 is version 4.20. Arguably the most significant change in this version from version 4.10 is the change of the back end database structure in the Accounts Payable module. Users will notice visual changes in the appearance of AP module windows and slight changes in functionality. The overall procedures for the Accounts Payable module are essentially the same, but the look and feel of the windows is different as are some minor procedures in areas like data entry.
If you are an end user and MAS 90/200 owner considering an upgrade, note that moving from version 4.10 to 4.20 is relatively straight forward. If you own Extended Solutions or custom modifications of your MAS, then you have additional upgrade steps to consider so contact a qualified Sage Software consulting firm before you upgrade. Also be certain to install all the service pack releases and patches (and there are many) to your version 4.20 install. If you do not, you are inviting trouble.
If you are upgrading from version 3.71 - or any version 3 - to any version 4, please... please consult a skilled and qualified Sage Software consultant or technician and keep in mind that an upgrade from MAS 90/200 version 3 to MAS 90/200 version 4 is more of a re-implementation of your accounting software than it is an upgrade. A good consultant/technician will be honest with you about the labor required to do an upgrade successfully, so be aware that moving to version 4 of MAS 90 or MAS 200 is significant and must be done properly if you are going to avoid significant problems.
In summary, end users of MAS 90 and MAS 200 need to know that upgrades of MAS are not quick and easy. Gone are the days of slam-dunk, 4-hours and your done, upgrades. If you want to avoid most upgrade headaches and be more secure that your upgrade will be done correctly, contact a qualified and experienced MAS 90/200 technology firm. Rest assured if the consultant tells you they can complete an upgrade from version 3 to version 4 quickly and easily; buyer beware.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Friday, November 9, 2007
Don't Lose Your Accounting Data
All seemed quiet on the Sage front. Things have been moving along with somewhat ease as Sage resellers jockey for positioning and seek out new accounting software VAR opportunities with other products. NetSuite continues to court former MAS users and Microsoft recently made note that the sale of Dynamics was strong.
All indications show that the mid-sized business management and accounting software market is alive, well and healthy - even though the former leader, MAS 90 and MAS 200, are not.
At it's own hand Sage has been significantly wounded again. Released today to VARs and next week to MAS 90/200 users. Sage announced that their engineering department found a significant bug in the new version 4.2 release of MAS 90/200. Version 4.2 has been out for about a year almost and is currently on it's 9th service pack release, and today Sage notified resellers that 4.2 has a bug that removes data from the system.
The bug removes good data from the sales invoice history and sales order history among others. Essentially eliminating a businesses ability to accurately analyze their sales data.
I would like to say it is no real big deal, but unfortunately it is a big deal. Since the bug has been out and active for about a year, and it resides in a utility frequently used by all businesses, it is safe to say that a very large percentage of any business that upgraded to the new version of MAS 90 or MAS 200 has inadvertently lost sales history data.
If it wasn't before it now is extremely difficult to recommend businesses upgrade and tell the truth at the same time.
Keep checking back to see how things progress - however my recommendation is that if you are a MAS 90 or MAS 200 VAR or consultant it would be wise to figure out what you will do next, because the future of MAS 90 and MAS 200 is looking increasingly grim.
All indications show that the mid-sized business management and accounting software market is alive, well and healthy - even though the former leader, MAS 90 and MAS 200, are not.
At it's own hand Sage has been significantly wounded again. Released today to VARs and next week to MAS 90/200 users. Sage announced that their engineering department found a significant bug in the new version 4.2 release of MAS 90/200. Version 4.2 has been out for about a year almost and is currently on it's 9th service pack release, and today Sage notified resellers that 4.2 has a bug that removes data from the system.
The bug removes good data from the sales invoice history and sales order history among others. Essentially eliminating a businesses ability to accurately analyze their sales data.
I would like to say it is no real big deal, but unfortunately it is a big deal. Since the bug has been out and active for about a year, and it resides in a utility frequently used by all businesses, it is safe to say that a very large percentage of any business that upgraded to the new version of MAS 90 or MAS 200 has inadvertently lost sales history data.
If it wasn't before it now is extremely difficult to recommend businesses upgrade and tell the truth at the same time.
Keep checking back to see how things progress - however my recommendation is that if you are a MAS 90 or MAS 200 VAR or consultant it would be wise to figure out what you will do next, because the future of MAS 90 and MAS 200 is looking increasingly grim.
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