Sage reels out brand new Line

Accounting software giant launches next-generation Line 100 beta to selected VARs

After four years of development, accounting software giant Sage has launched the beta version of its next-generation Line 100 product to selected VARs.

Due for official release in May, the new Line 100 is Sage's biggest new release in more than two years.

It was developed using .Net architecture and Windows technology, which the vendor claimed makes it the "first of its kind".

Phil Gordon, channel director at Sage, said the product is being tested by 60 of Sage's top VARs.

"This is not a revamp of our existing version of Line 100. It has been built from the ground up, and is a completely new product," he said.

"It is currently in beta testing because it is such a major launch for us. It gives resellers the flexibility to build applications that integrate with other products."

Partners will also be expected to undertake an additional two days' training to qualify to sell the product.

"We want to make sure that VARs are trained accordingly so they can implement and support the product fully," he said.

Gordon stressed that Sage will not be dropping its earlier Line 100 product and will be releasing updates on a regular basis.

David Parsonage, director of Apex IT, which was originally Apex Business Systems and became one of Sage's largest UK resellers after merging with rival Orlando IT (CRN, 24 February), said the product "leaves the competition standing".

"The fact that it is a true .Net implementation makes it very competitive. I would say it's a market leader by miles and knocks competitors' products on the head," he said.

Parsonage added that Sage has straightened out some of the functionality of the software, which makes it better for end-users.