Intuit has applied some standard channel management concepts to its ProAdvisor program - providing pricing tiers and other benefits that reward those with greater skills more than those who just join. Certified ProAdvisors get greater product discounts and more support under a new three-tier program. It penalizes those who do not obtain certification by ending the offer of free support to all of the more than 60,000 members. For all prospects, the cost to join the program goes from $499 to $599 as of September 13

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RSM McGladrey, which operates one of the largest Microsoft Dynamics reselling businesses in the United States, is going to be rejoined to the traditional tax and accounting operations from which it grew. RSM McGladrey was part of McGladrey & Pullen, until Aug. 2, 1999 when H&R Block acquired it. Since then, RSM has operated with McGladrey & Pullen in what the parties termed an alternative practice structure. That always suggested the surgical separation was not a good idea and everyone knew it.

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Epicor has launched the Epicor Distribution Express Edition, which joins a sister Manufacturing Express Edition in the field. The company says the cloud-based product is designed for growing distributors. I always love the press releases about these products because they rehash all the familiar arguments for using web-based application and leaving the feeling that the press release writer was aware of trying to fill enough space to make the announcement worthwhile. Read more...

Sage is continuing to enlist resellers for its X3 manufacturing package. Newly boarded are Phoenix-based ISM, which also has offices in Portland, Ore., and San Diego, Calif., and Xkzero, a Chicago-based VAR. I am under the impression that the number of resellers being authorized for this package is larger than the number that was originally envisioned to market this product. That is likely a good thing, reflecting demand. That demand may also have been buoyed by Sage’s decision to offer a free upgrade opportunity for customers of its declining Sage Pro package. Read more...