Best Software's Momentum Continues as ACT! Customer Base Nears Two Million Individual Users and 16,000 Corporate Customer Accounts(email this article)

Scottsdale, Ariz. – Sept. 23, 2003 – Best Software (Company Profile, Past Stories, Case Studies) today announced that ACT! has hit a record number of customers –1.9 million registered individual users and 16,000 corporate customers - further solidifying ACT!'s leading position as the best-selling contact management solution in the market today.

The company continues to steadily grow retail customers that purchase ACT! for individuals and small businesses, as well as the number of organizations that select ACT! as their small business or corporate workgroup solution. According to a recent NPD Techworld report that evaluated both point-of-sale (POS) and consumer tracking information for approximately 90% of the market, ACT! was one of the top ten business management programs sold in retail for July 2003. In addition, Best Software has been adding close to 5,000 corporate customer accounts annually for the past three years.

"The rapid growth of both individual users and organizations selecting ACT! for contact management is a testament to our relentless focus on meeting small business customer needs," said Greg Head, general manager of ACT!. "We deliver a product that is easy to use and provides high levels of return on investment, the two most critical considerations for prospective users."

Much of ACT!'s success can be attributed to more than 16 years of customer-driven innovation to deliver solutions that truly help small businesses gain insight and meet everyday business needs.  Recent innovations include the availability of ACT! on multiple platforms with Windows, Web and Palm versions of the software, as well as the ability to link data to Palm and Pocket PC devices. Access to complete customer and contact information on a variety of platforms enables business owners and selling professionals to be productive, whether they are in the office or on the road.  

Additionally, ACT! integrates with business management solutions small businesses use every day, including Microsoft Office, e-mail applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Lotus Notes and Eudora, and popular accounting packages such as Best Software's Peachtree Accounting and MAS 90, as well as QuickBooks. Integration with other business management solutions provides ACT! users with insight about their customers across their entire business for better decision making.


"Today's business environment is highly competitive, tough and demanding.  Ultra-successful professionals and small businesses rely on the technology of a contact management package to give them an edge," says Terry Brock, expert marketer and syndicated columnist with Business Journals Across America. "The beauty of ACT! is the robust functionality, the easy to use interface, and the extensive availability of support through consultants and add-on products. A non- technical person can get up and running, both easily and inexpensively, so they can start generating more business.  I not only recommend the product on a regular basis, but I use it."

As a leader in the small business market for more than 25 years, Best Software has attracted a vast network of certified partners and complementary add-on products to assist small businesses in maximizing their technology investment.  More than 650 ACT! Certified Consultants have joined Best Software, many with over 10 years of experience in assisting SMBs with contact management, to provide implementation, customization and training support. In addition, more than 170 products are available in ACT!'s Add-on Partner Product program to further extend its already-robust functionality.  


About Best Software

Best Software offers leading business management products and services that give more than 1.7 million small and mid-sized customers in North America the insight for success throughout the life of their business. Its parent company, The Sage Group plc (London: SGE.L), supports 3.1 million customers worldwide and has revenue of approximately $890 million. For more than 25 years, Best Software has delivered easy-to-use, scalable and customizable applications through its portfolio of leading brands, including Abra, ACT!, CPASoftware, FAS, MAS 90, MIP, Peachtree and SalesLogix, among many others. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.bestsoftware.com or call (866) 308-BEST.