Sage Software Showcases Abra HRMS With New Multiple Database Support and Outsourced Payroll Offerings at SHRM 2005

At SHRM 2005, being held this week at the San Diego Convention Center, Sage Software (formerly Best Software) is showcasing new HRMS technology, focused on multiple database options, and new outsourced payroll offerings for mid-market companies and organizations.

"We now offer our customers and the market more flexibility than ever before," said Mary Doizé, vice president and general manager of Sage Abra HRMS solutions, Sage Software. "Not only can a customer choose among database options for their HRMS, now they can also choose whether to run their payroll in-house or outsource it completely."

Shipping in September, and being demonstrated in Booth #2616 at SHRM, a key feature of Sage Abra HRMS version 8.0 (formerly Abra HRMS) is multiple database support, including Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Desktop Engine (MSDE) and Visual FoxPro. Abra customers whose growth or IT demands require them to move to a new database will be able to easily and seamlessly manage the migration of Abra data via a simple upgrade wizard, while their user interface remains the same. The new Abra HRMS version also integrates with Abra Workforce Connections, the employee self-service and online benefits enrollment system for Abra.

"Customers who have managed their HR needs with Abra for years, and have experienced growth in their workforces, can now migrate to a database that conforms to their scalability requirements," added Doizé.

Abra HRMS modules -- Abra HR, Abra Attendance, Abra Train, Abra Alerts, and Abra OrgPlus -- will be offered with multiple database support starting in September. Abra Payroll will follow in calendar year 2006.

Sage Payroll Services is also being showcased to SHRM 2005 attendees. Built on a true Web-native architecture, Sage Payroll Services is designed to provide the full functionality of other traditional service bureaus, but with unique advantages designed specifically to address the needs of small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). The new Sage Payroll Services include Sage Payroll Services - Abra Edition, which integrates with Sage Abra HRMS solution; Sage Payroll Services - MAS Edition, which integrates with the company's Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200 accounting products; and a stand-alone Sage Payroll Services offering, which can be used in conjunction with any in-house accounting system.

Sage Software's other online service offerings for SMBs include Peachtree Payroll Service, Sage Compliance Services, formerly known as FLS tax compliance services, and SageCRM for hosted CRM.

About Sage Software (formerly Best Software)

Sage Software offers leading business management products and services that support the needs, challenges and dreams of more than 2.4 million small and mid-sized customers in North America. Its parent company, The Sage Group plc (London: SGE.L), supports 4.5 million customers worldwide. For more than 25 years, Sage Software has delivered easy-to-use, scalable and customizable applications through its portfolio of leading brands, including Abra, ACCPAC, ACT!, BusinessWorks, CPASoftware, FAS, MAS 90, MAS 200, MAS 500, MIP, Peachtree, SalesLogix, and Timberline Office, among many others. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.bestsoftware.com/moreinfo or call (866) 308-BEST.

Press Contact: Cynthia Sutton Sage Software 703-793-2700, x3032 Email Contact