Solution 6 Makes 10th Acquisition of the Year

Computergram International, Oct 29, 1999

Australia's second-largest software developer, Solution 6, has made another strategic acquisition, buying business transaction software developer Dataline Systems for A$4.5m ($2.9m). Solution 6 focuses on systems for the international accounting profession and recently entered the new market for providing software application services over the internet. The purchase of Dataline Solutions gives Solution 6 the inhouse capability to develop systems allowing accountants to offer online financial services to their clients. Solution 6 managing director Chris Tyler said the Dataline acquisition stemmed from a Solution 6 strategy to help accountants maintain their role as advisers to business by providing value-added services.

Last week Solution 6 officially entered the ASP market when it launched a service providing small to medium enterprises with inexpensive access to enterprise-class software. Programs such as SAP R3 and Lotus Notes are available on a rental plan and accessed via an internet browser.

Dataline is still in the process of re-engineering its products for the internet, but once this is completed early next year an ASP version of its LINKS software will be included on Solution 6's accountancy portal. LINKS software spans check and EFT payments, remittance advice, purchase orders, invoices and statement printing, automatic faxing, receipting, electronic bank statements and full cash book reconciliation and cash receiving.

The Dataline deal brings Solution 6's acquisition tally to 10 this year, with purchases including Canadian company PC DOCS for A$46m ($30m), Australian knowledge management company CVSI for A$15m ($9.8m) and application development tools vendor Emphasys for A$4m ($2.6m).