Best Software Launches SalesLogix 6

Best Software today announced the official launch of the latest version of its mid-market CRM platform, SalesLogix version 6.0, which, according to the company, operates on an entirely new architecture for faster deployment and open development.

In total the package contains more than 200 alterations and upgrades, all intended to help better integrate the .NET compatible package with applications like MS Office and Visual Basic, says SalesLogix general manager, Tim Fargo. "The new architecture also allows for backward compatibility with existing customizations and add-on products, simplifying the upgrade process for customers and partners," he says.

In addition, there is a completely redesigned mail-merge feature that includes template management, merge-at-contact, account, opportunity or group level, and the ability to automatically exclude individuals based on their solicitation preferences, Fargo says.

"SalesLogix 6.0 gives our customers the foundation they need to keep pace with emerging business opportunities and technologies, such as integrating their CRM application with back-office applications, using .NET applications, and leveraging Web services," Fargo says. "The new architecture and significant feature enhancements better enable SalesLogix to grow and evolve along with the changing business needs of our customers."

Companies that participated in a beta test of the new package, such as Code 3 Collectibles, a retailer of scale-model replicas, are attesting to the product's efficiency and overall capability. "The single biggest feature our end-users like so far is the new mail-merge capabilities," says John Meyer, CIO at Code 3. "We do a lot of e-mail marketing, so I'll be using the HTML capability often. In addition, SalesLogix 6.0 is even easier to use, because of the refined user interface and more accessible location of the menu options and toolbars."

Ryan Farley, lead application developer for Customer FX Corporation, a SalesLogix business partner, says of the package, "The new SalesLogix Provider gives unlimited flexibility to integrate existing Web services, Web applications, or desktop applications into a complete solution to fit a customer's needs. With SalesLogix 6.0, I can build applications and services with .NET or other development environments and have it appear as a built-in part of SalesLogix. Developing CRM solutions has never been easier."

The company also announced today a strategic alliance with Vaultus, an enterprise mobility software company. As part of the alliance Vaultus will allow SalesLogix users access to SalesLogix functions via PDAs and Pocket PCs through its Vaultus Mobile Sales Designer tool.

"This program allows us to provide SalesLogix business partners with the tools they need to support a wide range of customers across different geographies and vertical industries that desire mobile access to their full SalesLogix application," says Kevin Reilly, Vaultus chief executive officer.

Says SalesLogic's Kevin Myers, vice president, strategic account sales: "With the launch of the Vaultus Strategic Alliance Program and the release of the Mobile Sales Designer tool, our business partners will now be equipped to satisfy the demand for a compelling mobile extension of SalesLogix to a PDA within their customer bases."