Foundation launches PSA software

Reseller turned developer Foundation Systems has launched its web-based Professional Services Automation software for sale or as a hosted application in the UK.

Reseller turned developer Foundation Systems has launched its web-based Professional Services Automation (PSA) software for sale or as a hosted application in the UK.

Known as SharpOwl, and already popular in the US, the software has been developed to provide a modular-type solution, which includes time and expense management, relationship management, program management, client billing and re-charging, management reporting and business intelligence.

The product is available as a server-based application or hosted through an application service provider initiative. Len Palmer, Foundation's managing director, said: "The PSA market is growing at a phenomenal rate because it offers organisations the ability to be more efficient, more profitable and to have better client retention."

According to the company, the product works by "gathering business information at source and providing managers with instant visibility and access to valuable business-critical data from any location in the world".

David Hofferberth, senior analyst at Aberdeen Group, estimates the PSA market will be worth $100m (£70.4m) by the end of the year, and represents the way forward for service-based resellers.

"If [service organisations], especially in the IT sector, do not take advantage of this new breed of PSA applications they will find themselves overtaken by their competition, ultimately leading to their exit from the market," he claimed.

The product has been well received by Foundation customers taking part in pre-launch trials.