“Best Software has built its SMB leadership around providing business management solutions that enable our small to medium size customers to succeed by gaining insight to their businesses,” said Ron Verni, CEO of Best Software. “Individually, Interact and Best have been delivering comprehensive front-office/back-office solutions for small and mid-size organizations for some time. Offering all of these products under the Best Software brand will provide our customers with integrated CRM, accounting, and business management solutions they need to compete in today’s challenging environment and achieve even greater success.”

Interact Commerce Corporation was acquired by The Sage Group plc in May 2001 to deliver its market-leading products, ACT! and SalesLogix , to Sage’s installed base of nearly three million customers worldwide and specifically to Best Software’s 1.6 million customers in the U.S. SalesLogix is the small business and mid-market CRM leader with more than 4,000 customers and ACT! is the best-selling contact manager with over four million individuals and 12,000 corporate accounts worldwide. Integration is currently available between SalesLogix and Best’s MAS 90, MAS 200, and Best Enterprise Suite solutions, as well as between ACT! and Peachtree Accounting, MAS 90, and MAS 200. ACT! and SalesLogix will also continue to offer their customers back-office integration with other key providers.

“There are almost six million companies needing CRM in the SMB and mid-market segment. CRM technology decisions within these markets are driven by cost, ease-of-use, and the ability to integrate with existing applications,” said Karen Smith, research director, CRM, Aberdeen Group. “Best Software currently has more than 1.6 million SMB customers. Best Software will now be able to deliver CRM, integrated accounting for commercial and non-profit organizations, business management, HR/payroll, and fixed asset solutions to small and mid-size organizations, enabling the company to continue to penetrate and gain market share among SMBs.”

In related news, Pat Sullivan, formerly CEO of Interact Commerce, will continue working with Best Software and Sage Group, plc. in an advisory role as Vice Chairman offering insights on new technologies, trends, and the competitive landscape for the Customer Relationship Management marketplace. Management of Best’s new CRM Division is shared by Greg Head and Tim Fargo, who will continue as general managers for ACT! and SalesLogix, respectively. Both will report directly to Best Software CEO Ron Verni.