Open Systems Starts Referral Programs

Minneapolis (Aug. 19, 2004) -- Open Systems has launched three new channel programs that will enable CPAs and other financial professionals who don't want to be software resellers to be involved with the company’s mid-market software.

The company now offers consultant, referral partner, and business analyst partner programs. Professionals who join can receive training; free marketing materials; not-for-resale versions of its two software lines, Open Systems Accounting Software and Traverse; and referral fees of up to 10 percent of the sales amount. They will also have an account manager.

“I believe the whole CPA community is moving away from reselling and consulting,” says Rita Strauss, the company’s director of business development. Open Systems will help develop relationships between non-selling professional advisors, including accountants, and its resellers.

“If they want to partner with a reseller, we’ll help them locally,” says Strauss. “They can define the relationship in terms of how much do they want the reseller to do and how much they want to do themselves."

Participants also can receive technical support and access to eVAR, the resellers’ section of the Open Systems Web site, along with the ability to attend reseller forums.

-- Robert W. Scott

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