Joe Bergera, who held key positions with Sage's CRM operations for almost seven years, has taken the job of CEO of Iteris. Iteris, based in Santa Ana, Calif., markets what it describes as "information solutions for the transportation and agriculture markets." After leaving Sage North America in March 2011, Bergera had an eight month stint with CCH before moving on to Roper Industries.

A friend was listening to a new song I can't stand. "It grows on you!" he insisted. "So does ringworm," I replied. .... I am looking for new choice for answering pop-up questions on websites. "How can we improve our website?" "Stop asking me questions like that." "Is there anything we can do for you today?" "Yeah, make it so I don't get asked that again." ... In the updated tale, Ali Baba attempts to use the phrase "Open sesame" to open a door, but is thwarted when it responds, "You may have entered an incorrect password. Please, try again."

Sage this week introduced its new partner programs with presentations to its resellers. The company said it is creating a Global Partner Program for Sage One, Live, Impact and X3 and for all ISVs. And overall, the company said it is simplifying its offering by moving both accounting software and construction and real estate resellers to plans that span products, with all Sage revenue applying to tiers.