Coming soon, very soon!

Before I head out for the weekend I thought I would give an update on SalesLogix v7.5 - the Release Candidate build is due out next week.  This means that as long as no major snags are discovered the public release will not be far behind (I think Sage is still estimating beginning to middle of September).  Have you had a chance to see a demo of v7.5?  I have seen a few demos and have been quite impressed.  I can't wait until I get it installed on my machine and can try it for myself!

-Brianna

End User Questions

I have some additional end user questions about v7.5 that I would like to share with you, they maybe helpful if you are considering an upgrade.  Here they are:

1. Can you upgrade from the 7.1 LAN client directly to the 7.5 Web client for network & remote installations? 
   Yes.

2. There is new functionality on the Welcome page - is this standard with the 7.5 release or does it require an add on product? 
   It is standard and included.

3. What will it cost to upgrade from the Client version to the Web version? 
   The Web client software may be included depending on the server level that you purchased. If it was not included with your original purchase, your BP can get you pricing.

 If you read the questions from yesterday you may want to scroll down the page to read some additional information that Ryan Farley had to share, you can do so here...

-Brianna

Offers valid starting NOW!

Sage Software has entered Q4 of its fiscal year and the SalesLogix promotions have started.  I sat in on a business partner call today in which we reviewed the 4 promotions that are being offered now through September 26, 2008.  Here is an overview of the available promotions:

Swiftpage for SalesLogix Promo

• 12 months of Swiftpage e-mail marketing for the price of 9 months, a savings of $749.85, and save 20% on concurrent users (plus applicable prorated M&S).
• Offer includes 5-users, 5,000 emails per day, and Platinum Drip Marketing

Customer Loyalty Package - for customers that have not renewed M&S for 12 or more months

• Receive one Mobile Enterprise Server License and up to 10 Mobile users when you upgrade to SalesLogix v7.5

SalesLogix Mobile Startup Package - for active Prospects and Customers

• 2 Mobile Package options with substantial savings:
  -One SalesLogix Mobile Enterprise Server License and 5-user licenses for $1500 (plus applicable pro-rated M&S), or
  -One SalesLogix Mobile Enterprise Server License and 10-user Licenses for $2800 (plus applicable pro-rated M&S)
• Add more users to either package for $200 a user

Business Intelligence Tools Promo

• Save 20% on SalesLogix Business Intelligence Tools:
  -SalesLogix Visual Analyzer (plus applicable pro-rated Annual User Subscription)
  -KnowledgeSync Enterprise, Corporate, and Alerts Edition (plus applicable pro-rated Annual User Subscription)

If you have questions or an interest in any of these promotions contact your business partner.  Reminder - these offers expire SEPTEMBER 26, 2008.

-Brianna

Tentative release schedule set.  Tentative. 

Today I sat in on a Sage Software Business Partner call regarding the next release of SalesLogix - v7.5.  This call was the first of a two part series outlining the new features and functionality of v7.5 before it goes into beta testing.  The first call focused on lead management, list management, improved user experience using Web 2.0 technology, and comprehensive web CRM.  Though much of the information that we covered I shared with you in a previous post (see Next Version of SalesLogix Coming Soon!) it was great to actually see the improvements.  Many of the improvements that we covered during the call have been made to the Web client.  I admit that my feelings were up in the air with regards to the Web client when v7.0 came out.  After seeing what Sage is doing in v7.5 I was very happy - much easier to use and almost all of the functionality of the LAN/Windows client.  Beta testing is set to begin on July 8 and a tentative release schedule has been set.  Sage hopes to have a Release Candidate by the middle of August and a public release in the beginning of September.  Remember these dates are NOT set and are only feasible if everything goes perfectly, which it rarely does. 

I am going to sit in on part two of the series next week and I will let you in on anything interesting that I learn.

-Brianna

It had a good run but the new versions are where it's at!

It's Monday and we're back to work.  Did all of you have a good weekend?  I hope the resounding answer is yes!  As I mentioned on Friday I had plans to go backpacking in Northern Minnesota.  I went and had a wonderful time.  The camp site was gorgeous and the weather was perfect.  I saw more wildlife on this trip than on any other I've been on - the largest raven ever, a woodchuck, a bear (at night, very scary), snake, and a mother and baby dear.  I can't wait to go again.

Last week I received a notice from Sage Software regarding SalesLogix v6.2 - retirement is set for February 2009 and no additional service packs or patches will be released for v6.2, and only minimal support will be available for customers.  However, you will still be able to purchase v6.2 add-on licenses.

Let's all have a great week!

-Brianna

Quick Tip of the Day, Wednesday May 14, 2008.

As a new user of SalesLogix it is impossible to remember everything that was learned in training.  One handy feature that you may have forgotten is that it is possible to email from the Notes/History tab.  I like to use this feature when I have an email saved to Notes/History with information that I would like to send to a team member or in response to a customer inquiry.  When I first started using SalesLogix I would copy and past the information into an email but using the email button saves time.  Here's how you can do this (it's super easy):

1. Click on your Notes/History tab
2. Highlight the activity - note, phone call, to-do, email -  you would like to email
3. Click on the Email button located on the Notes/History toolbar
4. Your email should pop-up with all of the information in the body.  Type in the correct subject line if incorrect and specify to whom the email is going.
5. Click Send SLX and you're fininshed!

You can also copy a Notes/History activity into Word at the click of a button by following the instructions above, but instead of clicking the Email button choose the Word button.

-Brianna

A conversation with the General Manager of CRM Solutions for Sage Software.

Hello and happy Friday!  The weekend is quickly approaching and for some, depending where you are in the world, it may have already started! 

Today I came across an article by TMC Net featuring an interview with David van Toor, the General Manager of CRM Solutions for Sage Software, and his take on mobile CRM.   Sage Software has been offering SalesLogix Mobile for quite some time and it was interesting to hear opinions about mobile CRM straight from the horses mouth.  The interview topics include reasons for resistance to mobile CRM, benefits of implementation, timing of implementation, modifying mobile CRM, commonly requested features, and mistakes made when selecting mobile CRM.

I think the article is a worthwhile read, especially if your organization is considering implementing SalesLogix Mobile.  Check out the mobile CRM interview and then have yourself a fantastic weekend.

-Brianna

SalesLogix v7.5 is in the works.

It's the beginning of another work week and I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I took a trip out to Fort Collins, CO (I've never been there) to visit a friend and had a wonderful time!  Now on to business...

I've caught wind that the next version of SalesLogix is coming, and though there is no set date for the release I do have some information about the new features that will be included.  Interested?  Maybe excited?  Then keep reading! 

Comprehensive Web CRM

• Customer Service/Support Enhancements: Create and manage defects, returns, contracts, and assets via the Web.
• Create Sales Orders: Create new sales orders via the Web.

Access Your CRM Data Anytime, Anywhere

• Disconnected Web Client: In the new release you can continue working in SalesLogix if you are disconnected from the Internet and you won't have to sacrifice usability. 

Manage Your Lead Efficiently

• Lead Import Wizard: If you've got a hot lead you want to get it into your system fast!  Now you'll be able to import your leads, performs lead de-duplication, and distribute leads automatically. 

List Management for Simplified Access to Information

• Summary View: Soon you won't have to drill down into the details to see important information, instead you will be able to view a summary.
• List Improvements: Improve how you organize and use your data with powerful data filters, the ability to create ad-hoc groups, and the ability to select multiple records at once.

Usability Enhancements for Increased Productivity

• Enhanced User Interface: In the next release the toolbar and header are being redesigned, a new title bar added, and a collapsible left navigation area - pretty cool!
• Increased Right-Mouse Button Capabilities: Soon you'll be able to right-click in tab areas and lists.
• Multi-Tab Expansion: Customize your workspace and add as many middle panes as you see fit.
• Improved Drop and Drag Tabs: What tab did you move and to where?  New visual indicators will now show you this information.
• Attachment Improvements: Associate attachments to meetings, phone calls, to-dos, emails, notes and personal activities.  Captured emails will be opened in an email editor - you will see the email in the original format including HTML links, images, etc.  Another thing to look forward to - only one copy of an attachment that is sent to multiple contacts will be stored in SalesLogix allowing you to conserve disk space.
• A Redesigned Lookup: In the Web client the Lookup pop-ups have been redesigned with enhanced power and flexibility.  This great feature will provide you with a better experience and improved search capabilities.

I will keep you posted as I learn more but I hope this information gets you excited for what is to come in SalesLogix v7.5!

-Brianna

Quick Tip, Friday April 18, 2008.

It's Friday and I though I would end the week with a quick tip.  It's nothing fancy but it is something that has helped me in the past and I hope that it may help a few of you as well.

If you are working with a group of accounts or contacts it may be help full to use the split view instead of toggling back and forth between the list view and the detail view.  The split view will allow you to view your chosen account or contact in the detail view while simultaneously viewing the rest of your group in the list view on the right-hand side of the screen.  I like to use the split view when I am performing calling campaigns to my accounts.  Here is how you do it:

1. Chose an account/contact from your group in the list view
2. Open the account/contact in the detail view
3. From the toolbar chose View -> Split View or use the short-cut key ctrl+F8
4. Done!  You should now see your chosen account/contact in the detail view and your group along the side in the list view.

If you have questions or need more details let me know.  Have a great weekend!

-Brianna

Quick ways to get what you need!

It occured to me that many new users of SalesLogix, and even some veterans, are unaware of the the shortcut keys available.  Some keys you may not find useful - there are a few that I never use - but I still think it is nice to have options.  Check out the list of shortcut keys below:

• F1: This key will bring up the Help dialog box for whatever view you are on - if you are on the Account view F1 will bring up a Help box about Accounts.
• F3: This key will allow you to complete an activity for the view you are on - if you are on a contact you can complete an activity for the contact, if you are on an Opportunity you can complete an activity for the Opportunity.
• F4: This key brings you to your Calendar view.
• F5: This key will refresh your screen.
• F6: This key will bring up the Activity Note Pad and allow you to create an Activity note for a contact.
• F7: This key will bring you to your list of Activites.
• F8: This key allows you to toggle between the detail view and list view of Accounts, Contacts, Opportunities, etc.
• F9: This key allows you to create a note for a contact associated with a ticket.
• F10: This key brings up the Quick Call dialog box and allows you to complete scheduled or unscheduled phone call, as well as schedule a follow-up phone call.

Go ahead and try some of these shortcuts out, you just might like them!

-Brianna

Added insight for the whole team!

Some members and visitors of Good Training may already be taking advantage of a SalesLogix integration with accounting and financial applications.  If you currently don't have an integration you should check out a brochure that I uploaded to the Good Content page of Good Training.  There are many benefits to having SalesLogix integrated with an accounting or financial application such as:

• Invoice history
• Open orders
• Payments and receipts
• Groups and reports

Having access to a customers actual purchase history can also increase your ability to up-sell!  I invite you to read more about SalesLogix Back-Office integration.

-Brianna

Feature Information.

Not long ago, Sage Software released a Leads bundle for Saleslogix v7.2.1 Web client.  The added Leads functionality is a great addition for remote or mobile sales and marketing users.  Now web client users can:

SalesLogix Support Features

Do you know the extent of the support capabilities of SalesLogix?  When I first began using SalesLogix I was clueless about the support features because it is not an area in which I work.  As I started to work with SalesLogix more I began to realize how powerful this feature is and that there are many way in which it is utilized.  I found a short article that gives a nice overview of the support features of SalesLogix.  Learn something new and check it out here...

Another award for SalesLogix!

SearchCRM awarded Sage SalesLogix v7.2 2007 Product of the Year for small and medium-sized businesses.  Areas in which SalesLogix were judged include: functionality, ease of use, innovation, and value. 

"SalesLogix is strong in functionality and configurability, and the costs were in the middle of the pack," one judge said.

You can read more about why SalesLogix is a great product and worthy of a Product of the Year award here...

-Brianna
-

Leads Module

Hello Good Training members and visitors,

I hope that everyone had a safe and fun holiday weekend!  Recently Sage Software made an announcement that a Leads module for SalesLogix v7.2.1 web was released and is now generally available.  For those of you who are using the web addition this module may be useful - having a Leads area helps to keep potential customers separate from actual customers and is a great tool for keeping your database clean.  If you have questions about the availability of this module please contact your Sage Business Partner.

Enjoy your short week!

-Brianna
-

2007 Product of the Year!

Recently Customer Interaction Solutions (CIS) Magazine named SalesLogix v7.2 as their 2007 Product of the Year winner.  This is not the first award that v7.2 has won and it is great to see that the effort Sage Software put into making this product cutting edge is being recognized. 

“The release of Sage SalesLogix v7.2 earlier this year marked the product’s tenth anniversary and introduced significant customization, mobility and Web client advancements that are changing the way our customers can offer a unique buying experience to their customers," said David van Toor, senior vice president and general manager for Sage CRM Solutions.

Check out the article here...

-Brianna
-

Beta is around the corner.

I want to give a heads up about the progress being made on the built-in integration between SalesLogix and MAS 500 because I know some companies are waiting to be able to use this functionality.  The lastest word is that the SalesLogix and MAS 500 integration is due to go into beta next week but there is no official public release date at this point.  Some caveats of this built-in integration: 

• You must be on SalesLogix v7.2.1 or later
• You must be on MAS 500 7.05.11 or later
• This integration will not work in the web client

Have a great weekend everybody!

-Brianna
-

Sage Software as the Company of the Year in the Business Software - Strategic category, and in the Business Software - Management category!

I want to give everyone a heads up on how Sage Software is performing against its competitors - pretty good!  Below you will find a chart highlighting different features Sage Software was judged on and how the competitors rank. You can view the complete report in the October issue of VARBusiness.

2007 Annual Report Cards: Business Software - Strategic

VARBusiness' Annual Report Cards assess solution provider satisfaction with their vendor partners. Thousands of interviews were conducted in which solution providers rated their own vendors on eighteen specific criteria, in fifteen technology categories.

-Brianna
-

New for SalesLogix v7.2

Early this week Sage Software and HP announced a partnership that is meant to help simplify deployment for the latest version of SalesLogix - v7.2.  New reference configurations were created and are a part of the HP Business Intelligence portfolio which aims to help companies make better business decisions.  The new reference configurations spell out the key hardware, software and service components needed to have a successful deployment.  If you're interested in reading a bit more about this, you can do so here...

-Brianna
-

Coming Soon!

Today I sat on a Sage Business Partner webcast that dealt with the new Mobile CRM v5 that is supposed to release this week.  During the presentation I picked up some information that I wanted to share with you:

• Mobile CRM v5 is compatible with SalesLogix v6.2, v7.0, and v7.2
• Mobile CRM v 5 works with Blackberry 7xxx and 8xxx devices.  Also works with Windows Mobile 5 & 6 devices
• With the new version support was introduced for Smart Phone and PocketPC
• With the Enterprise edition of SalesLogix Mobile CRM v5 is completely customizable via the application architect
• To use Mobile CRM v5 you must be a named or add-on user
• Mobile CRM v5 is directly supported through Sage Software

From what I saw during the demo/presentation Mobile CRM v5 is pretty cool and has come along way since mobile technology was first introduced.  All of the core functionality of SalesLogix can now go with you and it actually looks good (just a bit small).  It is a great tool if you travel frequently because you can input information from your meetings into SalesLogix while it is still fresh and then it will auto-synch back to your corporate SalesLogix system.  Very nice!

-Brianna
- 

Information from Sage Software

Yesterday I sat in on a business partner webinar for SalesLogix v7.2 and I thought I'd share with you a few tidbits of information:

• SalesLogix Mobile v5.0 is due to ship today, August 22, 2007. 
• SalesLogix Mobile is meant for use with Blackberry, Pocket PC, and Smartphone handheld devices and is compatible with SalesLogix v6.2, v7.0, and v7.2. 
• SalesLogix Mobile can be a great resource for people who are on-the-go and gives complete CRM capabilities such as viewing and updating contact, account, and opportunity information and related notes and history.
• The first Service Pack (SP1) for SalesLogix v7.2 is estimated for release in October 2007.
• The second Service Pack (SP2) for SalesLogix v7.2 is estimated for release in December 2007 and will focus on migration tools.
• The final Service Pack (SP7) for SalesLogix v6.2 will be released the first quarter of 2008.  This service pack will make v6.2 compatible with Windows Vista.

-

Diamond Award for CRM Market Leadership!

Today Sage Software announced that both SalesLogix v7.2 and SageCRM v6 have been awarded with Info-Tech Research Group's Decision Diamond Award for CRM market leadership.  SalesLogix v7.2 won for being the Mid-Market CRM category leader and was evaluated on criteria such as ease of use, features, architecture, support and pricing, and vendor viability and strategy. 

"We are im