What’s Ahead in 2004/2005 for MAS 90/200

With the recent release of Version 4.0, it’s only natural to wonder what’s coming up in future versions. Although many details are not yet resolved, it’s possible to provide a sketch of product content and release timing.

The recent acquisition of the large library of Macabe enhancements (now Best Software Extended Solutions) has given Best’s development of MAS 90/200 a boost. This release will incorporate selected Extended Solutions for added functionality in the software as well as provide payroll and 1099 updates and other maintenance enhancements for customers with an active subscription plan. You can look for the next version to be released in late 2004.

Looking further into the future, Best Software’s next major release of MAS 90/MAS 200, Version 4.1, is scheduled for summer 2005. This release is expected to include significant architectural enhancements to five modules: Accounts Receivable, Sales Order, RMA, Bank Reconciliation and eBusiness Manager. These enhancements include the grid-based user interface design first introduced in General Ledger. Other enhancements planned for the release include expanded integration between the Sales Order and Job Cost modules, and significant additional flexibility in Sales Order Shipping Data Entry.

SQL Platform

MAS 200 for SQL Server will be following an exclusive release schedule, independent of the releases outlined above. Microsoft’s next SQL release, SQL Server "Yukon" is a major upgrade to the Microsoft SQL Server technology and was previously scheduled for release in 2004. Microsoft recently delayed its release until 2005, and the specific date remains uncertain. When Microsoft releases the product, Best Software will be working to leverage the new features as quickly as possible for our customers.

In the meantime, the next release of MAS 200 for SQL Server is version 3.72, currently scheduled for the last quarter of 2004. This release will include several functional enhancements specifically for our MAS 200 for SQL Server customers, as well as any federally mandated year-end Payroll, Accounts Payable and Magnetic Media changes.

It’s important to note that these are estimated time schedules and Best Software reserves the right to make any changes. We’ll keep you posted in The Mariner regarding these releases over the coming months.