Everest Software Gives SMBs Freedom of Choice

Everest Software, Inc., a leading provider of business management software for small and medium sized businesses (SMBs), today announced that its Everest(R) Advanced product will now be available as an on-demand solution accessible via any broadband Internet connection. With today's announcement, Everest offers the industry's only fully integrated business management application that is available either as a fully hosted on-demand solution or as an on-premise solution, giving SMBs complete freedom of choice as to how the solution is delivered.

The upfront and ongoing costs often associated with purchasing, implementing and maintaining business management software can sometimes inhibit SMBs from investing in the technology they need to automate their business. In addition, there are a limited number of solutions available today that offer SMBs an unparalleled view of their business in an ever-increasing competitive environment. Going forward, SMBs that initially deploy Everest in the new on-demand model but later seek to bring control of its business management software in house can easily transition to Everest's on-premise model without the need to endure the inconvenience, cost and time associated with implementing a new software system. Similarly, a customer that initially implements Everest on its premises but subsequently hires remote employees and opens new locations, for example, can convert to the on-demand delivery model.

"SMBs are often reluctant to commit to the implementation of integrated business management software because they don't have sufficient IT expertise or are concerned about up-front costs" said Merle Sandler, senior analyst, SMB and Home Office Research at IDC. "With both on-demand and on-premise options for Everest Advanced, SMBs will be able to choose the model that best suits their needs, expanding Everest's customer base."

Everest On-Demand provides SMBs with a rich set of business management capabilities across key aspects of their operations including accounting, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), e-commerce and shipping/receiving combined with the benefits of an on-demand model. Some of the advantages of this model include minimal IT costs and complexity, access to mission critical information at anytime and from anywhere, and lower cost of entry. This new offering, combined with the on-premise version of Everest Advanced, gives SMB customers a choice in deployment options based on their specific requirements and needs, not the vendor's preference.

"A business like ours currently has minimal IT resources, which means a hosted service like Everest On-Demand allows us to reap the benefits of a fully integrated business management solution without the start-up costs associated with a traditional software license option," said Karen Timme, CEO, DC Drives. "As our business grows and our needs change, we have the opportunity to migrate from an on-demand to an on-premise model without the issues typically associated with transition to a new business management solution (e.g. data conversion, testing, configuration, staff training). Everest has truly listened to the needs of small businesses by giving us a choice as we grow our business and serve our customers."

Everest On-Demand Benefits

There are many benefits of selecting an on-demand solution as opposed to an on-premise solution. A number of these benefits are as follows:

-- Low initial investment: Customers can maintain cash reserves or avoid financing because there is no need to pay an initial license fee in full or purchase new hardware.

-- Pay-as-you-go pricing: Contract terms start at one year and payments are made on a quarterly basis.

-- Minimal IT hardware and knowledge requirements: Everest purchases, configures and maintains a server for the customer at its data center and all updates are installed by Everest. Customer's employees can access the solution via the Internet using their desktop computers.

-- Remote access: Because the solution is accessible using a computer with broadband Internet access, employees can access all business data from home or the road.

-- Short time to productivity and quick ROI: The system can be implemented and users trained within weeks and on-site professional services are not required, resulting in a rapid return on investment.

-- Simplified management: All business information is accessible through a single, easy-to-use interface and database.

Everest On-Demand Features

Everest On-Demand is the only hosted business management solution that integrates all key business functions on a convertible platform and includes professional implementation services, IT services and support in a single package. With no software or hardware to install and the flexibility of paying a periodic subscription fee instead of a large up-front license fee, SMBs can rely on Everest to scale with the needs of their growing businesses.

The features of Everest On-Demand are as follows:

-- Dedicated system: Delivers consistent, reliable performance that is not impacted by other users since separate and secure hardware and software are installed for each Everest On-Demand customer.

-- Adaptable architecture: Scalable on-demand platform enables SMBs to seamlessly transition from a hosted to an on-premise solution if desired.

-- Accounting: Provides a complete accounting system with general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable and bank reconciliation to better manage financial activities.

-- Purchasing: Automates the entire purchasing process from quotation creation through order placement to receiving shipment of items and all background accounting.

-- Payroll: Eliminates the additional effort associated with processing payroll through a separate application or using a third-party payroll service.

-- Inventory management: Optimizes stock levels through automated purchases, drop-shipments, and just-in-time inventory. Everest On-Demand also boosts warehouse operations to optimum levels of efficiency by enabling users to control inventoried items to ensure an adequate supply is maintained at all times.

-- Sales: Automates sales order processing and contact management, tracks sales pipelines and salesperson productivity in real-time, and generates sales forecasts.

-- E-commerce capability: Allows SMBs to quickly launch fully functional and secure Web stores with almost no limit to the number of products or services that can be offered or orders that can be processed

"The introduction of Everest On-Demand is a major milestone for the company as we look to significantly increase our footprint in the business management software market," said James E. McGowan, president and CEO of Everest Software. "As the only offering of its kind to provide both an on-demand and on-premise option for customers, we are addressing the needs of SMBs who are rapidly growing and expanding operations. We are now giving them the ability to view and manage every aspect of their business in a way that scales with their short and long-term growth."

About Everest Software, Inc.

Everest Software empowers companies to view and manage every function of their business more effectively. The company's fully integrated business management software, Everest, is the only solution of its kind available as both an on-demand and on-premise offering. Everest addresses the unique needs of growing small and medium businesses (SMBs) in the wholesale/distribution and retail industries by allowing them to quickly manage and track their business operations online and offline; from storefront to the front and back office. Everest Software is committed to providing customers with the service, support and expertise they require to increase efficiency and profitability with a solution that provides an unmatched rapid return on investment. Everest Software is the proud winner of numerous awards including the SIIA Codie Award for 'Best Business Software Product.' For more information, please visit www.everestsoftwareinc.com, call 800-382-0725, or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .