The last issue noted that Infor had entered an alliance with Saleforce.com to utilize its Force.com platform to produce CRM software. It also noted that earlier this year that Infor had released Infor Business CRM, which is based on Microsoft’s Dynamics CRM. An Infor spokesperson got back to me after deadline to explain the product positioning. It’s basically what you’d guess: Infor decided to go with Salesforce as the preferred product.

We're still taking applications for Bob Scott’s VAR Stars, a selection of 100 worthy resellers. For an application or further information, contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Selection is based on growth, industry and professional recognition, leadership and reputation. Revenue is not a factor and resellers from one-person firms to the largest reselling organizations have been recognized in past selections. Candidates must have some phase of their business that involves the sale of midmarket ERP systems.  So it's not too late, get those applications in.

Versata, which has put together an odd array of software companies, has received a $391 million court judgment from its patent infringement suit against SAP. The judgment was signed on September 9 by Judge Charles Everingham IV of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Versata won a $138.6 million judgment against SAP in a jury trial in August 2009, but that verdict was set aside and a second trial was held in May 2011. The second judgment includes $260 million awarded for lost profits and $85 million in reasonable royalties based on a finding that SAP infringed on a Versata patent related to pricing technology. The jury also found that SAP products that were redesigned in May 2010 continued to infringe on the same patent. The judgment includes more than $63 million in prejudgment interest. SAP had previously said it would appeal the judgment.

Accountant programs have hardly disappeared. But right now there seems to be a renewed interest in using accounting professionals for their ability to refer business to software vendors. In this category is Cougar Mountain Software’s recent revitalization of its program. Growing accountant relations was also part of the goal discussed with Acumatica’s acquisition of funding. And with Avalara’s hiring of Brian Austin as director of accountant and industry relations, the sales-and-use tax vendor said it is building its accountant programs.