Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of business management software and services to small and medium sized businesses, recently launched Sage ERP X3 Standard Edition at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.

Value for money remains king in a tough economic climate. As a result, Sage ERP X3 Standard Edition has been optimised to offer an agile and robust Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution with a cost to market that is more relevant to the African continent. "The quick implementation, intuitive design and low cost of ownership make Sage ERP X3 Standard Edition the best combined value for the mid-market," says Jeremy Waterman, managing director of Softline Accpac and Sage MMD Africa, part of the Sage Group plc.

Sage ERP X3 Standard Edition offers the same fully functional ERP functions that the world-renowned Sage ERP X3 suite offers, but includes a predefined implementation framework that is optimally suited to the African landscape. Sage ERP X3 Standard Edition consequently delivers a feature-packed solution that is streamlined to accelerate its deployment in smaller businesses.

The African business is unique in its approach and dynamics and by international standards, even larger companies are globally no larger than upper mid-market in size. "Sage ERP X3 Standard Edition addresses the management information system needs within Kenya, offering end-to-end process integrity and data consistency across the enterprise. It supports all business processes such as finance, distribution and manufacturing within a singular software design that is affordable, effective and simple to manage," says Nicolas Descampe, chief executive officer of Wingo.net, an authorised reseller of Sage ERP X3 in East Africa.

From Solution Providers to existing customers, the attendee list at the launch of Sage ERP X3 Standard Edition in Kenya included a host of new prospects across an impressive number of industries. "Sage is a well-known name in Kenya having been around for over two decades and being operational at around 150 sites. The addition of Sage ERP X3 Standard Edition has been very well received. The international stature of the product as a highly scalable business management solution that has been deployed in over 30 countries around the world further underpins the product as a perfect fit for many businesses in Kenya," concludes Waterman.

For more information, visit www.accpac.co.za">http://www.accpac.co.za>;

Standard edition at a glance:

* Choose from finance, distribution or manufacturing editions

* Preliminary configuration and parameters adaptable to customer specific requirements.

* Full web and Windows client

* Role-based user portal (16 predefined roles)

* Visual process flow templates (library of more than 140 templates)

* Multi-language

* Multi-currency

* Optimised for single server environments using Windows and MS SQL Server database

* Guided implementation methodology

* Project quality plan

* Seamless upgrade to Sage ERP X3 premium configuration

* Ideally suited for businesses with fewer than 50 concurrent users and standard industry processes and best practice

Editorial contacts
Kirsty Thompson
011 425 6290
kirsty@wattcommunications.co.za

About
Softline Accpac is a provider of business management solutions including financial, distribution, service management, retail, warehouse management, manufacturing and CRM to the mid-range market. Accpac solutions are delivered to 130 countries exclusively through a global network of solution providers, including over 150 throughout Africa. Softline Accpac's product line includes: Accpac ERP, Accpac CRM, Accpac RMS, Service Manager and Accpac Insight. Softline Accpac also distributes Sage SalesLogix, Sage Geode and Sage ERP X3, a full-service enterprise management software system for mid-to-large businesses. With a choice of languages, currencies, enterprises, locations and legislations, Sage ERP X3 offers an efficient, multi-company solution.

Softline
Softline is a leading provider of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions to small, medium and large sized companies. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the software industry and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa in February 1997. Softline expanded to establish a strong position within its area of focus in South Africa and Australia. Focused on the development of accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions, Softline has a 20 year track record as a market leader. The group has a broad range of products offering users a variety of software solutions to run their businesses efficiently. Softline's leading brands include Softline Accpac, Softline Pastel (Accounting and Payroll) and Softline VIP. The combination of the group's product offerings provide Softline customers with comprehensive, well-branded accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions. In November 2003, Softline was acquired by the Sage Group plc, a FTSE 100 company. The software group includes market-leading businesses throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, South Africa and Australia, supplying business software to the small, medium and large sized business community. Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll, CRM and ERP software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.

The Sage Group plc
The Sage Group plc is a leading global supplier of business management software and related products and services, principally for small to medium-sized enterprises. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989. Sage has 6.3 million customers and 13,400 employees worldwide. We operate in over 24 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information please visit www.sage.com">http://www.sage.com/>;.