CMS has been testing the newest Abra 7.5 Upgrade and has discovered some critical technical issues, when upgrading from earlier Abra versions.

Please contact CMS prior to installing the Abra 7.5 upgrade, so we can discuss if there will be any impact on your Abra system.

For additional information, please join Sage Software for the following webcast:

Introduction to Sage Abra Suite v7.5 Informational Webcast

Sage Software is pleased to introduce Sage Abra Suite v7.5 – the latest version of Sage Abra Suite. All current Sage Abra customers are invited to attend this Webcast to learn about the exciting new features and enhancements included with the software, the upgrade process, and resources for assistance.

The Webcast will include:
New product changes and enhancements
Delivery of your software upgrade
How to upgrade to Sage Abra Suite v7.5
Where to go for assistance
Overview of upcoming releases

October 25, 2006
1:00PM - 2:00PM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
2:00PM - 3:00PM Mountain Time (US & Canada)
3:00PM - 4:00PM Central Time (US & Canada)
4:00PM - 5:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

November 7, 2006
11:00AM - 12:00PM Pacific Time (US & Canada)
12:00PM - 1:00PM Mountain Time (US & Canada)
1:00PM - 2:00PM Central Time (US & Canada)
2:00PM - 3:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Details

Click here to register.

If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to call or email.

A brand-new Sage Abra Suite success story is now available on the CMSwebsite. MAB Paints, in Broomall, PA, is a paint manufacturer and distributor with over 800 employees and more than 150 locations utilizing Abra HR, Abra Payroll, and Abra Train. This story is a great testimonial from a midsize Abra customer running payroll for multiple states with various taxing jurisdictions.

"We've yet to see a payroll or HR issue that Sage Abra cannot handle."
-Frank Burns
Controller, MAB Paints

Click here to read.

In September, we announced that several Sage Software customer support teams earned the prestigious Support Centers Practices (SCP) Certification designation. Sage Abra was included in this group, earning certification for the fourth consecutive year. The Sage Abra customer support team received certification after comprehensive, on-site audits confirmed that the team met the requirements of the approximately 100 business elements defined in the SCP Program. SCP Certification quantifies the effectiveness of customer support based upon a stringent set of performance standards and represents best practices in the industry.

SCP Certification, the internationally recognized standard created by a consortium of leading technology companies and Service Strategies Corporation define best practices for delivering world-class technology support. The program quantifies the effectiveness of customer support, establishes a foundation to build on existing quality processes, and provides a clear focus on measurable results. SCP-certified organizations must demonstrate their continued commitment to high-performance standards through annual re-certification audits.

Excellent customer support has always been a hallmark of Sage Abra HRMS. When talking to prospects about why they should choose Sage Abra over other solutions, be sure to reinforce our superior customer support and dedication to customer satisfaction, as evidenced by our SCP certification. And be sure to congratulate the customer support team the next time you call!

Converting Crystal Reports 8.5 for Best to Crystal Reports 10 for Sage

All of the reports created in version 8.5 can be converted for use in Crystal Reports 10 for Sage. By following the steps below, you can convert the database driver to see the new datasource location and can use the reports as before. This way no reports created in version 8.5, or the time required to create them, will be lost.

In order to use the custom reports that were created with Abra Suite 7.4, it is necessary to change the data source in each report and save it to a new folder. Sage Abra HRMS and Crystal 10 must have been installed. The Abra Suite 7.4 data should have been upsized using the Data Upsize Wizard.

To change the data source:
1. Log on to Sage Abra HRMS and Abra Suite 7.4. Since the data source in the reports to be upgraded still reference ADA in Abra Suite 7.4 it is necessary to be logged in to that application.

2. From the Sage Abra Quick Launch Toolbar, click the Crystal button to launch Crystal Reports. The Welcome to Crystal Reports dialog opens.

3. Open one of the custom reports.

4. From the Crystal Reports main menu, select Database -> Set Datasource Location.

5. In the Replace With box, click the plus sign to expand Create New Connections.

6. Click the plus sign to expand OLE DB (ADO).

7. Double-click Make New Connection.

8. The OLE DB (ADO) dialog box opens. Click once to highlight Abra HRMS Data Access (OLE DB Provider).

9. Click Finish. The Set Datasource Location dialog box opens.

10. In the Replace with box, click once to highlight Abra HRMS Data Access. In the Current Data Source box, click once to highlight Abra Data Access. Click Update to update the old Abra Suite data source with the new Sage Abra data source.
Note: You must have the data source to change from selected in the top window and the data source to change to selected in the bottom window before you select the Update button.

11. Under OLE DB, right-click Abra HRMS Data Access and select Add to Favorites.

12. Repeat Steps 3 through 11 for each custom report and subreports.

Note: Depending on the complexity of your reports, you may also need to change field names that are T-SQL reserved words, that is desc, rule, table, and group, and check for empty dates.

Field Name Changes:
You must change the field name for all fields that conflict with keywords in T-SQL such as table, group, desc and rule. The new fields are named the same as the old, but with an 'f' prefixed.

13. If your report requires field name changes, when you update the data source, the Map Fields dialog box is displayed.

14. In the Unmapped Fields box, in the left box, click once to highlight the old field name. In the right box, click once to highlight the new field name. Click Map.

15. Preview the report. If you receive a message stating that one or more database tables have changed, click 'OK'.

Checking for empty dates:
In Sage Abra, all date fields that do not have a specific date assigned to them are now NULL. If you have any reports in which you check for an empty date in a selection formula using the Empty() function, you now need to use the Isnull() function. The example below illustrates selecting benefit records in the HBENE table.

Before:
{hbene.b_beneid} in ["S", "I"] and {hrpersnl.p_active}="A" and (EMPTY ({hbene.b_expdate}) or {hbene.b_expdate} > CurrentDate

After:
{hbene.b_beneid} in ["S", "I"] and {hrpersnl.p_active}="A" and (ISNULL ({hbene.b_expdate}) or {hbene.b_expdate} > CurrentDate

How to Calculate the Employer Match on a Deduction Not Linked to an Abra HR Benefit

Sometimes a benefit deduction is created that is not linked to a benefit on the HR side of Abra Suite. If not linked, there are special precautions and steps to take to ensure the correct calculation of the benefit that is provided to the employees. The instructions below show how to set up the match within the Payroll deduction itself since it is not linked to HR.

Example: Employer will match 50% of the employee’s 401(k) contribution up to 3% of the gross salary.

From the Activity Center, select Payroll, Rules and Deduction Codes. Click the plus (+) or More to detail the Deduction Code and click the Employer Match tab.

HR Benefit Code: Not Linked
Dollar/Percent Match: Percentage - Base or Percentage - Gross
Employer Match: 50
Employer Max Contribution: 1.5

To determine the Employer Max Contribution, If the employer Matches 50% up to 3%, multiply .50 * 3=1.5

For pay period earnings=$810.14, Employer Match calculates: $ 810.14 *.03 * .50=$12.15

(Note: If either selection: Percentage - Base or Percentage - Gross is made for Dollar/Percent Match, the match will calculate on the amount of earnings based on the earnings selected on the Earning Basis tab of this deduction)

Pay Group Setup

Abra Payroll includes the capability to set up employees in multiple pay groups. Grouping employees by pay group facilitates payroll processing and reporting, and allows for differences in pay frequencies, bank payment accounts, and methods of time entry. For example, having separate pay groups for employees with automatic time sheets, manually entered time sheets, and imported time sheets streamlines the time entry for speedier processing. The following are helpful tips for working with pay groups in Abra Payroll:

Adding pay groups: When adding pay groups, verify that the last quarter end date is correct. This field populates automatically from the payroll setup for the company. When copying a pay group from another company, the last quarter end dates may not match in both companies.

Restoring data: Occasionally, you may need to restore your Sage Abra data. Perhaps an incorrect check date was entered for the trial payroll; however, the error was not discovered until after the checks had been printed. If an internal backup made before the final payroll was run is not available, an earlier external backup would need to be restored. If the data being restored had been entered a week or more earlier, it is possible that payroll history for that period is lost. When this occurs, it is important to verify the payroll status for all pay groups and rerun any payroll processes that were lost before running the current payroll.

After restoring data and reforming indexes, verify the pay group setup detail on the payroll status tab for all pay groups. Note the last pay period end date and last pay period check date fields. If the trial pay period end date and trial pay period check date fields are populated, it means that that payroll is still in progress and not yet complete. If final payroll is complete but check printing is not complete, the pay group will not be available to run the trial payroll for the next period. All the values displayed on the left side of the payroll status page should display ‘Complete’ or ‘NA.’ For any processes that display ‘not complete,’ rerun that process if that data is lost. If the final payroll flag is set to ‘not complete,’ trial payroll can be run for any check date that is equal to or later than the last pay period check date.

CHICAGO, IL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 06, 2006 -- 9th Annual HR Technology Conference & Exposition -- Sage Software announced today that it is adding a new service offering for Sage Abra HRMS customers, Sage Abra Benefits Connect. The electronic service securely automates communication of Sage Abra customers' employee benefits enrollment data to their specific insurance carriers, eliminating the need for mid-market companies to submit paper enrollment forms and giving them greater flexibility in adding benefits programs or switching among insurance carriers. Abra Benefits Connect is being introduced to attendees of the 9th Annual HR Technology Conference & Exposition in Chicago this week, where Sage Software is also exhibiting its Sage Abra solution in Booth #1220.

"Current open enrollment processes tend to be highly paper-intensive and error-prone," said Karl Grass, senior vice president and general manager for Specialized Business Solutions at Sage Software. "Abra Benefits Connect simplifies the back-end of the enrollment process between the employer and the carriers. It is easy-to-use and affordable. When paired with Abra Benefits Enrollment, our employee enrollment portal, Abra Benefits Connect virtually eliminates the need for handling paper throughout the entire enrollment process, resulting in even greater labor and paper cost reductions."

Abra Benefits Connect eliminates the costly errors associated with duplicate data entry and 'missed enrollments' both during annual open enrollment periods and for employee changes throughout the year by automatically extracting the benefits data from the customer's Abra HR database and re-formatting it to meet the specific requirements of each benefit carrier. The service requires an Internet connection, but no IT support or customized programming on the part of the customer. Abra Benefits Connect service is secure, and supports the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) ANSI X12 834 specifications for benefit enrollment and maintenance transactions.

"Today, mid-market companies who handle their own benefits administration have two basic methods for sending employee enrollment data to their insurance carriers: paper forms or customized electronic files," said Mark Dresser, a Sage Select Business Partner representing Sage Abra. "Both methods are costly and time-consuming to implement and maintain, plus each time companies change plans or switch carriers, additional time and costs are incurred. Abra Benefits Connect gives mid-market companies a better alternative."

For mid-market companies, especially those with fewer than 1,000 employees, it is not uncommon for HR departments to have responsibility for communicating benefit enrollment data to their carriers. Depending on the carriers selected, companies may end up working with multiple custom formats, including spreadsheets, ASCII text files, XML, EDI, hard copies and fax forms. Abra Benefits Connect eliminates all this complexity and cost by using a standard format to pull enrollment data from Abra HR, transforming the data into the specific data formats and media required by each carrier, and delivering the data to the carriers. And, as more and more carriers require electronic connections in order to increase their efficiencies, the flexibility of Abra Benefits Connect gives mid-market companies more provider choices.

Abra Benefits Connect will be available from Sage Software and certified Sage Abra business partners in late Fall 2006.

Sage Abra is Sage Software's flagship HR/payroll offering from its portfolio of complementary front- and back-office solutions, including accounting, fixed asset management, customer relationship management (CRM), and solutions for specific vertical industries. In addition to its best-of-breed status, Sage Abra integrates with Sage Software's Sage MAS 90 ERP, Sage MAS 200 ERP, Sage MAS 500 ERP, Sage MIP Fund Accounting, Sage Accpac and Sage Timberline Office products, plus its Sage Payroll Services offerings, as well as third-party solutions for the mid-market.

For more information about Abra Benefits Connect or other Sage Abra HRMS offerings, please contact (800) 517-9099 or visit www.cmshris.com.

C 2006 Sage Software. All rights reserved. The Sage Software logo and the Sage Software product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sage Software or its affiliated entities.

Sage Software Cited as a Strong Performer for Mid-Market Human Resource Management Systems by Independent Research Firm

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - October 3, 2006 - Sage Software announced today that it was among the select companies that Forrester Research invited to participate in The Forrester Wave: Human Resource Management Systems, Q3 2006. In this evaluation*, Sage Software was cited as a Strong Performer in the overall U.S. mid-market evaluation. According to the report*, "Sage, with its [Sage] Abra product, offers the most cost-effective software solution among the products evaluated for companies with fewer than 1,000 employees."

According to Forrester's Sage Software Vendor Summary**, "... rated as a Strong Performer in our overall U.S. mid-market evaluation, Sage Software's Sage Abra product clearly leads as the on-premise HR solution of choice for the small and medium-size business (SMB) company segment (businesses with six to 999 employees)."

"Sage Abra offers tremendous value, with its strong usability and outstanding core HR and payroll functionality," said Karl Grass, senior vice president and general manager for Specialized Business Solutions at Sage Software. "That value is the reason why we have such a large installed base in the mid-market. Sage Abra's reasonable price points maximize return on investment and minimize total cost of ownership, which is especially important for SMBs. In addition, Sage Abra offers extended HRMS capabilities, including outsourced payroll options and payroll tax compliance solutions, all backed by a financially strong parent company."

Sage Abra is Sage Software's flagship HR/payroll offering from its portfolio of complementary front- and back-office solutions, including accounting, fixed asset management, customer relationship management (CRM), and solutions for specific vertical industries. In addition to its best-of-breed status, Sage Abra integrates with Sage Software's Sage MAS 90 ERP, Sage MAS 200 ERP, Sage MAS 500 ERP, Sage MIP Fund Accounting, Sage Accpac and Sage Timberline Office products, plus its Sage Payroll Services offerings, as well as third-party solutions for the mid-market.

*For The Forrester Wave: Human Resource Management Systems, Q3 2006, Forrester evaluated Sage Software's current offering and strategy for HR management systems against approximately 92 criteria.

*Forrester Reaserch, "The Forrester Wave: Human Resource Management Systems, Q3 2006", September 2006, Paul Hamerman with Sharyn Leaver and Elisse Gaynor

**Forrester Research, "The Sage Group is a Leading HR Management Systems Choice for SMBs," The Forrester WaveT Vendor Summary, Q3 2006, September 2006, Paul Hamerman with Elisse Gaynor

Focus on Exceptional Customer Service Earns Prestigious Support Center Practices (SCP) Certification for Sage Software Support Teams Across North America

IRVINE, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- September 26, 2006 -- Sage Software announced today that multiple customer support teams for its small and mid-sized business (SMB) products and services have achieved new certification under the prestigious Support Center Practices (SCP) Certification program. Nine separate locations received certification after comprehensive, on-site audits confirmed that the support teams meet the requirements of the approximately 100 business elements defined in the SCP Program. SCP Certification quantifies the effectiveness of customer support based upon a
stringent set of performance standards and represents best practices in the industry.

"Exemplary customer support plays a significant role in creating and preserving customer loyalty, and our primary customer service goal is consistently ensuring that they have a world-class experience," said Ron Verni, president and CEO of Sage Software. "We are thrilled with the continued independent validation of SCP Certification that lets companies choosing our products and services know they will be cared for throughout their life as a Sage Software customer."

Several Sage Software support centers received SCP certification for the first time this year, while others have been certified annually for up to 9 years. Sage Software support centers that have achieved SCP certification include the Scottsdale, Arizona support center for Sage CRM SalesLogix; the Austin, Texas support center for Sage MIP Fund Accounting and Sage Fundraising solutions; the Richmond, British Columbia support center for Sage Accpac ERP and Sage Pro ERP; the Irvine, California support center for Sage MAS 90, Sage MAS 200, and Sage MAS 500 ERP and Sage PFW ERP; the Atlanta, Georgia support center for Peachtree by Sage and Timeslips by Sage; the Rocklin, California support center for BusinessWorks Accounting; the Beaverton, Oregon support center for Sage Timberline; and the St. Petersburg, Florida and Herndon, Virginia support centers for Specialized Business Solutions, representing Sage Abra HRMS, Sage Carpe Diem, Sage FAS Fixed Assets, and Sage TimeSheet solutions.

The SCP program evaluates approximately 100 support center practices in the areas of customer feedback, service delivery processes, service performance, employee development, total quality management and many other facets of operating a successful support center.

"I always receive excellent results from Sage Software's support team," said Joyce Gordy, senior accountant for Orlando, Fla.-based Invivo Corporation, a Sage FAS Fixed Assets customer. "The very knowledgeable technical analysts provide me with prompt resolutions whenever I am having a problem, so I can get on with my day. It feels good to know we're using the right solution."

SCP Certification, the internationally recognized standard created by a consortium of leading technology companies and Service Strategies Corporation define best practices for delivering world-class technology support. The program quantifies the effectiveness of customer support, establishes a foundation to build on existing quality processes, and provides a clear focus on measurable results. SCP-certified organizations must demonstrate their continued commitment to high-performance standards through annual re-certification audits.

Sage Software is among the ranks of leading technology companies that have achieved SCP Certification. Currently, over two hundred organizations in more than 20 countries around the world are participating in the SCP program. These companies include industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin Incorporated, McKesson Corporation, Mentor Graphics Corporation, Network Appliance Incorporated, Nokia, and Xerox Corporation, among others.

About Support Center Practices (SCP) Certification

The Support Center Practices (SCP) Certification program defines best practices for delivering world-class technology support. The program quantifies the effectiveness of customer support, establishes a foundation to build on existing quality processes and provides a clear focus on measurable results. The world's leading service and support providers use SCP Certification as a roadmap for service excellence and a measure of success. Service Strategies Corporation is responsible for administering the SCP Certification program and conducting on-site certification audits. For more information about SCP Certification, contact Service Strategies Corporation at (858) 674-4864, toll-free in North America (800) 552.3058, e-mail info@servicestrategies.com or visit www.scpcertification.com.

Company Ranks #30 in Manufacturing Business Technology's Global 100; Selected to the Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100; and Chosen a Start-IT Magazine 2006 Hot Company

IRVINE, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- September 27, 2006 -- Sage Software has demonstrated continued success in addressing the manufacturing, distribution and supply chain needs of small to mid-sized business owners by garnering distinguished recognition from three top industry publications. The company ranked in the top 30 of Manufacturing Business Technology's "Global 100" for sixth straight year, taking the number 30 spot overall and ranking number seven in the publication's breakout of Enterprise and Supply Chain Vendors. For the second year in a row, Sage Software was selected to the Supply & Demand Chain Executive "100" for outstanding innovation in supply and demand chain services and technologies. And most recently, Start-IT Magazine named Sage Software as one of its "2006 Hottest Companies," the fourth consecutive year and fifth overall time that Sage Software has been so honored.

"Customers today need integrated business solutions that not only support business-specific manufacturing, distribution and supply chain needs, but also seamlessly integrate with day-to-day operations, such as accounting, CRM and human resources," said Himanshu Palsule, senior vice president and general manager, Mid-Market Accounting Solutions. "The strength of Sage
Software is in delivering this level of integrated solutions to our customers around the globe. Recognition from three premiere industry publications validates that customers within these industries agree with our approach."

Sage Software offers a variety of award-winning solutions specifically designed for companies with manufacturing, distribution and supply chain needs. Starting with special editions of Peachtree by Sage for small manufacturers and distributors, the Sage Software industry portfolio also includes Sage MAS 90 ERP, Sage MAS 200 ERP and Sage Pro ERP for entry-level to medium mid-market companies, Sage MAS 500 ERP and Sage Accpac ERP for medium to larger mid-market customers plus Sage PFW for process manufacturers. Sage Software ERP offerings integrate with other
award-winning Sage Software offerings, which include ACT! by Sage, Sage CRM, Sage CRM SalesLogix, Sage Abra HRMS, Sage FAS Fixed Assets, Sage TimeSheet, Sage Payroll Services and Sage Compliance (tax compliance) Services.

Manufacturing Business Technology "Global 100"

The Global 100 profiles the top IT players driving manufacturing productivity gains. Selection to the list is determined from a vendor's revenues from the past year and includes a veritable who's who of those supplying IT solutions to the manufacturing industry. Sage Software ranked 30th overall and seventh in the publication's 2006 breakout of Enterprise and Supply Chain Vendors.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive "100"

The Supply & Demand Chain Executive "100" identifies the leading providers of supply chain services and technologies who are at the forefront of innovation. Based on submissions to the "100" from end users and solution providers, the judging committee for the "100," including the editorial staff of the magazine, in conjunction with the editorial advisory board, has compiled a list of the leading supply and demand chain innovators. Sage Software is named to this year's "100" in the June/July issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.

Start-IT Magazine 2006 "Hottest Companies"

Start-IT Magazine's 2006 "Hottest Companies" award is given to technology providers targeting the manufacturing industry that have shown good financial results, important client wins and significant events and accomplishments during the past year. These accomplishments help set the company apart from the competition. A five-time recipient of the award, Sage Software is named a 2006 "Hot Company" in the Summer Issue of Start-IT Magazine.

CMS would like to offer you an exclusive view into the leading HRMS Solution on the market today, designed to help you manage your most expensive resource: People and Benefits.

Please join us for a free informational webinar, and receive a FREE executive whitepaper "Winning Strategies For Recruiting & Retaining Quality Employees."

Sage Abra HRMS Technology Webinar
Wednesday, October 11th @ 10:30 am

To register today, please visit our website
http://www.cmshris.com/abrawebinars.html
Or call us toll-free at 1-800-517-9099.

Can't make the above date? Please email us at info@irecruit-us.com to request a different one.

Did you know? On this site you can also take a 15-minute tour of Abra Suite at any time by clicking on the link below:
http://www.cmshris.com/ABRATOUR/abrademoreg.html