CDC Software, which markets the Ross ERP and Pivotal lines, reported a loss of $3.8 million for the second quarter ended June 30, compared to net income of $3.1 million in last year's corresponding period. Revenue rose to $56.4 million in the most recently ended period from $52.65 million a year ago. The main culprit in the loss was increased spending. Sales and marketing expenses rose to $13.1 million, up almost 30 percent from $10.1 million a year earlier.

Microsoft is moving ahead with its plans to shelter smaller resellers in a Master VAR program. Right now, it appears to be in that special place where the lawyers and others are going over documents, moving toward an announcement that will be made September 3 or September 6.

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

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.