Microsoft used its third-quarter earnings webcast to broadly outline its plans to develop mobile and touch devices that utilize Windows 8. And in general, it spent a lot of time talking about rolling out technology in areas in which it is playing catch up. “With Windows 8. we are setting an accelerated pace for updates and innovation,” said CFO Peter Klein, who announced he will be retiring to spend more time with his family when the fiscal year ends in June.

Pronto Software has changed its operations in North American and begun growing its staff. The effort had been led  by Terry Leister, who was VP of  Pronto's North American effort from January 2006. Leister says that last year he started Pronto Software, based in Irving, Texas, and the operation began hiring staff in December. His position was taken over in January by Rob Kirkey, who as general manager for Express Information Systems from April 2010 through June 2011.

Collections Management, an application for Dynamics GP users, has been transferred back to. Microsoft had been selling and supporting the product, which was authored by the reseller, for 12 years. With the transfer, Professional Advantage, an Australian company with its U.S. operations based in Fargo, N.D., is releasing a new edition of Collections Management. Customers have a one-time opportunity to retain full rights to the produce which was granted under their Module Based Licensing or Business Ready Licensing packages.

In its bid to have a contract with every company on the planet, Avalara has signed agreements with Upshot Commerce and Kalio. Well, it only seems that way sometimes as Avalara piles on the agreements. But the latest two relationships add to a rapidly growing list of allies for the Bainbridge Island, Wash.-based sales-and-use tax company.