Sage ERP X3 offers the flexibility and functionality that many African businesses need to manage a competitive operation in an increasingly global market, offering a compact and affordable software system that was designed for the unique needs of a mid-sized company.

"In the last year, Sage ERP X3 has experienced 54% growth in Africa, which is a great achievement considering the global economic climate," says Jeremy Waterman, Managing Director of Sage MMD Africa, part of the Sage Group plc.

"To date we have trained and certified 253 consultants in the African region, as we continue to build a strong knowledge and skill base that end-users can rely on."

The involvement of the Sage Group Plc in Africa started in 2003, when the Softline Group was acquired by Sage, the leading global supplier of business management software and services to small and medium sized businesses. It was however not until 2008 when its global business solution, Sage ERP X3, was launched in South Africa.

"The network of business partners representing Sage ERP X3 on the African continent has since expanded to include countries such as Malawi, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mauritius, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria, with further expansion into the African market on the horizon," says Waterman.

Christophe Letellier, CEO of Sage ERP X3, commented, "The African market is very important to ensure the global growth of Sage ERP X3. As reported recently, the IT services market in South Africa has grown some 8% year on year in 2010 and the IDC includes South Africa as a region that is forecast to experience year-on-year IT spending growth of between 7% and 12% in 2012. These are all very positive signals which underpin our commitment to the market and to the growth of our sales and partner network in the region."

The African landscape typically comprises of businesses that are no larger than upper mid-market in size as measured by global criteria. Sage ERP X3 was designed to support these mid-market companies, and is a perfect fit for the needs of businesses in the African continent. It supports all business processes across finance, distribution and manufacturing within one software design that is affordable, more effective and simpler to manage than comparable ERP software packages.

Waterman says that the recent addition of Sage ERP X3 Standard Edition into the Sage product offering further underpins this goal. "Standard Edition allows for the implementation of the same fully functional ERP suite that the market has come to expect from Sage ERP X3. It does however include a defined implementation framework that effectively allows for implementation to take place within a predefined timeframe and within the initial budget expectations of the client. It is the perfect fit for an African business that needs to be agile, flexible and adaptable."

During 2011, the Sage Group restructured its base of operation into three distinctive regions: Europe, North America and AAMEA. The AAMEA region comprises of Africa, Australia, the Middle-East and Asia, of which Sage MMD Africa is the fastest growing region, showing consistent double digit growth. We have a plethora of opportunities to explore in a market that we understand. We aim to maintain the consistent growth that we have enjoyed to this point by offering our clients a product that speaks to their needs and fits their pockets," concludes Waterman.

Editorial contacts

Deidre Beylis
(+27) 11 425 6290
deidre@wattcommunications.co.za

About

Softline Accpac

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 ER 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.

About 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/>.