Albany targets accountancy software Vars

Albany Software is attempting to increase the numbers of its accountancy software resellers, following the launch of its first range of shrink-wrapped products providing SMEs with EDI capabilities.

The software vendor, which has traditionally sold electronic fund transfer services to the Bankers Automated Clearing System (BACS) market, has diversified into products that integrate elements of EDI into medium-sized accountancy software packages from vendors such as Sage and Pegasus.

Adrian Stafford-Jones, managing director of Albany, said it was looking for an additional 200 resellers to complement its existing base of 500 to increase the penetration of its linkRANGE.

He added: 'I would like to see the channel become more active in e-commerce, especially with medium-sized companies. It is good for them because it provides consultancy margin in addition to product margin. This gives them a competitive edge because it is a great tool to go back to existing customers with.

'E-commerce in the SME market is slow and needs some impetus,' Stafford-Jones claimed. 'We will do this is by supplying a generic product because bespoke products don't suit the mass market.'

He added that Albany will target software accountancy resellers through a series of roadshows and events to be held throughout the summer.

Although no formal accreditation was required for its three-tier member programme, Stafford-Jones said Albany would only consider specialised resellers with e-commerce expertise. Benefits of joining include seminar support, training and marketing and PR support.

Albany's linkRANGE is compatible with Sage Line 50 and Pegasus Capital Gold.