Exact Macola outlined important enhancements to version 10.2 and laid out a product road map this week at its Evolve user conference. All of this is a bit revolutionary—when Macola v. 10 debuted last year it was the first major release in 10 years, according to managing director Alison Forsythe. Suffice it to say that without a major release, no product road map was needed. Dan Griffin, director of product management, laid out the priorities in the new version, including Web Services. Griffin said Order Entry and accounts payable have been established as Web Services.

Unit4 has named Kara Walsh as EVP and the company's chief human capital officer. The company said hiring follows the launch of a new corporate identity that it says "reinforces its commitment to people-centric industries with the purpose statement 'In Business for People'." Boil down the language and this is the old human resources department with a fresh coat of paint, although the press release puts a higher emphasis on training than is usually seen in such announcements.

Epicor Software has outlined plans to spin off its Retail Solutions business into a separate company. The unit will be temporarily known as SpinCo until the transaction is complete. Retail Solutions had $36.8 million in revenue for the second quarter ended March 31, an increase of 14.3 percent from $32.2 million in last year's corresponding period. For the quarter, Retail Solutions had the best revenue performance of Epicor's three business units. The new company will be headed by Noel Goggin, who is currently EVP and general manager of the group.