Sage has put an emphasis on increasing the number of women among its executive ranks. According to CEO Steve Kelly, in the last 18 months women have risen from representing a quarter of the top 150 of the company's leaders to one third. Kelly made those statements in the company's recent webcast for its earnings for the year ended September 30.

Deltek is being acquired from investment firm Thoma Bravo by Roper Technologies in a $2.8-billion deal. Under the agreement announced this week, Deltek will continue to operate under its own name and current management as a separate company. Thomas Bravo acquired Deltek for $1.1 billion late in 2012.

Sage was very happy with the results for its fiscal year ended September 30. However, the message for the future is that the United States needs a greater focus on selling to new customers. No specific plans were disclosed. But CFO Stephen Hare, in discussing the high level of support contracts in this country, noted, "This reflects the historical focus on the installed base.