Obviously support issues for a midmarket product and QuickBooks are different, but the move is similar from a financial point of view and both are geared to rewarding those with greater competency. Like Intuit, Sage is providing some easing of requirements through the next fiscal year which ends on Sept. 30, 2012. That includes lowering the price per additional support case to $75 from $150 each for those VARs offering Bronze-level support. They can also purchase a 15-case bundle for $1,000. Resellers also need to have consultants enrolled in training by November 1, but they don't have to complete courses until March 1. Sage has made a variety of discounts available on training. Those who sign up for a new competency role after November 1 will be charged a $1,000 competency role fee that includes five support cases. For MAS 500, there is a certified consultant renewal fee of $650 on or before December 1.