MAS 500

Scheduled for release also in September, MAS 500 version 7.0 will offer a new Business Insights Explorer module, providing enhanced business intelligence through streamlined access to key information. Extensive new warehouse management capabilities will enable customers to customize the picking and shipping workflow, and implement advanced processes such as wave picking.

Sage CRM: A hosted CRM solution with a rent-to-own option

Sage CRM is a full-suite, configurable customer relationship management software that is available either as a hosted service at SageCRM.com or for on-premises deployment. The hosted option provides fast, on-line access to a configurable full CRM suite. Sage Software is the first to help protect your hosted CRM investment through the new rent-to-own program that returns up to 50% of a customer's hosted subscription fees if you move to an on-premises CRM suite product from Sage Software in the first 12 months of service.

Sage Payroll Service

Are you currently using ADP, Paychex, or another third-party outsourced payroll service? If so, you may want to consider Sage Payroll Services. Sage Software is expanding its hosted service offerings with the new Sage Payroll Services for mid-market companies and organizations, including Sage Payroll Service for Abra, Sage Payroll Service for MAS 90, MAS 200 and MAS 500; and a stand-alone payroll service for companies using any in-house accounting system.

Sage Payroll Service will be available starting in October.

Abra HRMS

Slated to be released in September, Abra version 8.0 will be available as a SQL database or Foxpro database. Existing Abra Foxpro database users may upgrade to the SQL database. The upgrade to Abra SQL is seamless, and there is a minimal learning curve when transitioning to Abra SQL. The Abra SQL version has the exact look and feel as Abra Foxpro. There are no changes to any of the screens. Abra SQL is available for all modules except Payroll, which is expected to be released in the third quarter, 2006. There are many advantages to using SQL. Take advantage of the scalability, stability and security of a SQL database powering your Abra Suite. Customers will be able to easily migrate to the SQL database using a simple built-in upgrade wizard, providing an easy, seamless transition.

1. In MAS 200, open the Master Console by going to File>Master Console.
2. Identify the exact name of the workstation (Machine Name) that belongs to the ghost session.
3. Connect to the MAS 200 Server.
4. Click on the Start Menu and go to Programs>Best Software>MAS 200>Application Server Configuration.
5. Locate the Machine Name identified in Step 2.
6. Make note of the S.PID for the Machine Name on the list.
7. Bring up the Task Manager on the MAS 200 Server.
8. Click on the Processes tab on the Task Manager.
9. Find the PID column. If the PID column is not visible, click on View Menu and go to "Select Columns…" Place a checkmark in the box next to "PID (Process Identifier)" and click OK.
10. Locate the PID number in the Task Manager that matches the S.PID number that was identified in Step 6.
11. Highlight the line with the PID number. Verify that the Image Name for it is pvxwin32.exe.
12. Right click on the line and select "End Process."
13. Repeat all the above steps for any additional ghost sessions you may have.

How often do we see people who can't make a decision - any decision? In business, with competition being a constant pressure, making no decision can be the worst decision. We continuously get support calls from people who have been encountering the same error, time and time again, but choose to ignore it, only to discover that doing so has cost their organization considerably more time, perhaps lost data, and lost productivity.

It is true that making hasty decisions is not the best path, but making no decision is usually worse. Every day we are faced with choices. So, do as Yogi suggested - take it!

Cell phones are the blessing and the curse of our age and have become as ubiquitous as dandelions in the spring. You can use your cell phone and demonstrate polished appropriate behavior if you'll keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Avoid "cell yell." People tend to yell into their cell phones to combat the other sounds around them. Unknowingly, they shout to drown out street noise, muzak, or the clatter in a restaurant. Be conscious of the volume of your own voice when out in public, particularly when using your cell phone.
  
  
• Remember you are often using a cell phone in a public place. Don't share personal matters, shout obscenities or engage in obnoxious banter in the middle of a busy thoroughfare.
  
  
• Cell phones connect us to "distant others." Try not to ignore the person who is physically present with you by dialing up someone who is physically absent. Unless you must make an urgent call, it is rude to babble into your cell when you are in the company of a colleague, client or friend.
  
  
• Barbara Pachter, author of That Jerk with the Cell Phone, suggests that you may wish to have small business-sized cards printed that say, "Hi, I'm sure you do not realize this, but your voice is very loud. Would you mind lowering the volume please?" Hand these out when someone is violating your space and sensibilities.
  
  
• When discussing business, don't risk violating the privacy of an associate or client by mentioning him or her by name. Avoid discussing sensitive or confidential information, particularly on public transportation.
  
  
• Try to be conscious of using your cell phone at least two arm lengths away from the person who is closest to you.
  
  
• Turn off your ringer - use the vibrate mode as often as you are able.
  
  
• If you must use your ringer, set it at the lowest volume and refrain from serenading people with "La Cucaracha" "Dixie" or "The 1812 Overture". A simple ringing tone is most professional.
  
  
• Be considerate of others by keeping the cell phone with you and on vibrate, as the ringing is very distracting when left at your desk, in a closet or another location.