I read an interesting article today from Aberdeen research. It went into great detail on what is really driving companies towards SaaS (Software as a Service)/Hosted ERP solutions vs. the traditional On-Premise solutions.

For the record, the number of companies installing On-Premise ERP solutions still far outweighs the number going live with a hosted solution, but that trend is slowly reversing itself.

The number one driver for implementing an ERP in the Small-to-Medium Business market is to reduce costs (no surprise there). Thus the number one impetus which would push a company to invest in ERP is finding an affordable solution at minimal risk. This is where the SaaS model fits in quite well.

SaaS total cost of ownership is less than On-Premise when you consider backups, hardware, IT staff, upgrades and service packs (bug fixes). A lot of companies are looking to outsource providers to host their ERP systems and take care of the "maintenance" of the system that their own staff would traditionally have to handle. The main cost considerations that drive the appeal of SaaS are :

• Lower total cost of ownership
• Reduces the cost and efforts of upgrades
• Lower up front costs
• Company has limited IT staff and no interest in hiring more
• Seeking the best fit solution to their business needs
• No emotional attachment to having it in-house
• Strategy to focus resources elsewhere

Because of these driving factors, the number of companies considering SaaS ERP has jumped 61% from 2009 to 2010 (source : Aberdeen SaaS ERP : Trends and Observations 2010).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Log (Press Release) – Feb 01, 2010 – WebSan Solutions Inc. an Aurora, ON based Certified MS Dynamics Partner, announces expanded Salesforce.com service offerings.

"WebSan has been working with Salesforce.com as a Referral partner for a number of years and have successfully implemented the product numerous times. Our expertise in the ERP/CRM space and specifically with MS Dynamics GP, has resulted in a number of very interesting and complex integration projects between the products.  Naturally it made sense to formalize our relationship with SFDC so we can be kept abreast of the leading developments and the product roadmap at SFDC." stated Andrew King, Senior Partner.

Andrew continued that "This new SFDC offering allow us to complement and round out our other CRM service offering, such as Microsoft CRM, and provide service to a customer with which ever leading CRM solution that best fits their requirements. "

On May 29^th WebSan held a SQL Reporting Services Webinar. We discussed the ability to export reports to any other formats like Word, Excel, PDF etc. and we toured of the most popular SQL Reports. To be kept up to date latest webinars, send us a message or e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can view the recorded webinar and other Microsoft Dynamics GP training videos at our YouTube Channel.

Join us for our upcoming June webinars!

-          Move from QuickBooks to Microsoft Dynamics GP on June 21 @ 2:00 p.m. EST

-          10 Tricks in 30 minutes – The Top 10 Features of Dynamics  GP You’re Not Using and Should Be! On June 19 @ 11:00 a.m. EST

Executives from all industries are keeping a close eye on the economy these days. While the Canadian economy seems to be recovering, there is no collective sigh of relief in the US.

So while some companies "hunker down" and reduce all expenses, leading companies are looking to invest in technology according to the following strategies (source Aberdeen© Reports):

• Streamline and accelerate processes to improve efficiency and productivity
• Standardize business processes
• Optimize the use of current capacity (both personnel and equipment)
• Provide visibility to business processes across functions and departments
• Modernize technology infrastructure and applications

In times of economic turmoil, those companies that invest now in preparation for a turnaround are more likely to outperform the competition after the recession is over.

Many companies are turning to "hosted" or SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions to reduce the capital expenditure typically required to purchase Enterprise software packages. Our strategy has been to support both implementation methodologies, On-Premise and Hosted. The Hosted solution can reduce a Client's investment by over 60% and accelerate the ROI dramatically.

The software acquired as a Hosted solution is identical to that of the On-Premise solution.

If you're interested in learning more, please feel free to contact us.

I don’t have anything against a mouse – a computer mouse that is – but sometimes I find I can be more efficient using the keyboard.  Over the years, you have probably gotten so familiar with some keyboard shortcuts that you find yourself even using the shortcut keys when you speak instead of the actual function it is used for – “Just Control+V that in the email.”

Sound like you?  If it does, you may find some of these Microsoft Dynamics GP Keyboard Shortcuts to be quite handy:

• ALT+F:  Activates the File menu in a GP window
• ALT+E:  Activates the Edit menu in a GP window
• ALT+M:  Activates the Microsoft Dynamics GP menu on the main toolbar
• ALT+R:  Activates the Reports menu on the main toolbar
• ALT+A:  Activates the Transactions menu on the main toolbar
• ALT+I:  Activates the Inquiry menu on the main toolbar
• ALT+C:  Activates the Cards menu on the main toolbar
• ALT+H:  Activates the Help menu
• CTRL+L: Opens a Lookup Window

 By: Rahim Jiwani, Application Specialist,WebSan Solutions Inc.

WebSan Solutions Inc. has won silver in the Best Small Business Solution category for this year’s CDN Channel Elite Awards. http://www.computerdealernews.com/channel-elite-awards/winners

This award honors the partner that has created the most innovative and problem-solving hardware, networking, cloud or software-based solution for an organization or department with up to 100 seats or less using the solution.

CDN is the voice of Canada's IT channel community for more than 25 years and defines an information technology solution provider as an organization that resells computer hardware, software or peripheral products along with providing IT-related professional services, support services, consulting in a cloud or on-demand environment, on-premise fashion or as managed service.

Congratulations WebSan Solutions! Well done team!

By: Natalie Williams, Application Developer, WebSan Solutions Inc. a Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner and 2013 Canadian Channel Elite Awards Winner.

 Dynamics Virtual Summit November 22nd, 2022 @ 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM EST This Virtual Conference will highlight the future of the Microsoft Dynamics Ecosystem and how it solves today's business challenges. Sessions Include: The Future of Business Central for SMBs Microsoft 365 Ecosystem - Recession Proof Your Business Business Central Wave Releas...

In recent news, there has been an uproar amongst US companies regarding the NSA Prism Program.

It’s been said that the US government had direct access to data stored on servers of well-known companies; this news was leaked by whistle-blower Edward Snowden.

"The PRISM disclosures are damaging, and I think I'm prepared to speculate extremely damaging to commercial firms that have offered cloud and related kinds of services, and that do or would benefit from efficient cross-border data flows," says Philip Verveer, the former U.S. coordinator for international communications and information policy at the State Department.

With that being said, we at WebSan Solutions believe that everyone should have a right to have secure data.

WebSan Solutions Inc. has a SAS70/SSAE16 certified data centre, located in Toronto Canada. We can assure our customers our its data center operations meet the higher level of quality. Independent auditors review WebSan's processes, policies, and procedures and validate our security, availability, and operating integrity.

On June 2^nd 2013, WebSan Solutions took part in Becel’s 26^th annual Ride for Heart. More than 13,000 cyclists rode their bikes across the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway. The event raised a record of $5.5 million, which is $500,000 more than it did in 2012.

We are glad that we could make a positive impact in eradicating heart disease and stroke! It has been a proud moment for all the employees here at the office.

To view our photo and the July edition of Snap North York, click here: http://www.snapnorthyork.com/index.php?option=com_sngevents&id[]=520947

By: Natalie Williams, Marketing Coordinator, WebSan Solutions Inc.

Since Microsoft has released an update to its Dynamics CRM Online software, they decided to add a new capability to its system. Skype is a service that allows back and forth communication with people by voice and video using a microphone and a webcam, and instant messaging over the Internet.

Users could make Skype calls when using Dynamics CRM. Microsoft has said that this new feature will "Guide sales and service professionals through predefined lead, opportunity and case-management processes."

But users aren’t forced to use the Skype application. You have the option of “opting in or out” of this new feature. Microsoft understands that their users might prefer to use the Outlook interface instead.

Microsoft has also stated that this new update includes support for Firefox, Chrome Browsers on Windows PC and Safari on Macs. The update also includes more integration with Bing Maps that will create addresses and other information about prospects and leads. In mid-2013, Microsoft is preparing to run a mobile version of CRM on Windows 8 and iPad devices.

Microsoft is moving in the right direction integrating customer relationship management with social media. This is a great way to stay connected and to maintain relationships, whether it’s a B2B or B2C relationship.

We are still accepting resumes for our Application Specialist position.  Hurry & forward your resume before its too late!

http://www.websan.com/about/careers

We are accepting applications from recent university graduates as well as current GP users looking to broaden their knowledge.  Work for a young & vibrant company in uptown Toronto!

WebSan has continued its growth by expanding its office facilities.  We have recently taken over additional office space, doubling our office size.  We are also expanding our workforce.  If you have the proper blend of technical capabilities & a knack for business, applying to one of our openings at the link below:

http://www.websan.com/about/careers/

One of the lesser known setup features of Microsoft Dynamics GP2010 is the ability to have the system pop-up a predefined message box on login advising to the status of an environment.

If anyone has used the fabrikam company, you know what I'm referring to, the modal dialog box that appears advising that this is a demonstration company, etc etc.

There are actually two other message boxes that you can trigger for your own company.

If you navigate to your company setup screen  (Tools--> Setup --> Company --> Company)

You can add two different reserved tags to the end of the Company Name.

PHP is one of the most versatile programming languages for building web applications.   However, one of the problems with PHP is that there is more than one way to do the same thing.  This might not sound like a problem, but PHP's ease of use is also its downfall.  Because there are less restrictions on the structure of the code you write, it's much easier to write bad code. The solution to this problem is to use a framework and design pattern such as Model, View, and Controller (MVC).

There are many PHP frameworks out there.  Here, at WebSan, one of the PHP frameworks we use regularly is Codeigniter.  The reason is that it is well documented, small footprint, exceptional performance and has a large user community.

Here are some resources to get started with Codeigniter:

Tutorials:
CodeIgniter From Scratch: Day 1, Nettuts.com - Getting Started With the Framework
CodeIgniter From Scratch: Day 2, Nettuts.com - Database Selecting Methods
CodeIgniter From Scratch: Day 3, Nettuts.com - Sending Emails
CodeIgniter From Scratch: Day 4, Nettuts.com - Newsletter Signup

IBM developerWorks - Getting started with CodeIgniter

Congratulations Team WebSan! The final tally of the fundraiser is in at a respectable total of $1,260 in the Becel Heart and Stroke Ride for Heart. It has been a proud moment for all the employees here at the office. Dressed in bright orange shirts, the team could be visibly seen from miles away - way to represent! (Pictures soon to follow)

For a limited time, take advantage of the rich functionality of one of the top Enterprise Accounting systems on the market today!

From now until June 24, 2011, buy 1 Dynamics GP user (either AM or BE) and get 3!

“Microsoft is excited to announce the “Buy 1, Get 3” offer – a Microsoft Dynamics promotion for small and medium sized businesses that wish to take advantage of the rich functionality offered by Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2. The promotion allows a customer purchasing either the Advanced Management (AM) or Business Essential (BE) Foundation Pack (which both includes 1 user as standard) to then get two (2) additional user licenses. This offer applies to new customers making their initial purchase of Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010″

By : Andrew King, Managing Partner, WebSan Solutions Inc.

Interested in a career with a dynamic, growing Firm? Check out our open postings: here

We are currently advertising for a PHP developer, but we're interested in meeting talented people willing to join our team.

The foundations of ERP are found in manufacturing resource planning, traditionally used by companies which produced tangible goods in factories. The adoption of ERP and MRP systems was initially quite slow – management were content with the status quo and saw no reason to change what seemed to be working. However, the recession experienced in the late 1980s and early 1990s forced many companies to make a choice: Either find new ways of operating more efficiently and effectively, or go under. This created a massive boom in the ERP market, which lead to massive changes in the ways in which fundamental business operations were conducted, and those organizations that made it through the recession came out stronger.

North America is no longer the goods-producing collection of nations it once was and is instead dominated by service industries. However, many of the same problems that existed in manufacturing organizations twenty years ago still exist in these businesses: Lack of integration, inability to respond and take advantage of environmental change, time and money wasted on data entry and redundancies, and so on. Much like the recession twenty years ago, the economic downturn caused by the subprime mortgage crisis has forced many modern companies to find new ways of performing more effectively and efficiently.

This is the time to get ahead of the competition, and Microsoft Dynamics GP is the perfect solution for organizations looking for more than simple accounting and reporting features without high maintenance costs and complexity.

Recently, one of our Directors, Andrew King, has been featured at www.techrepublic.com, a website for IT professionals.

See his latest blogs here :

• The Perfect Enterprise Software Project : Myth or Reality?

• Is enterprise software for the small to medium business market truly safe and affordable?

I see a lot of Clients attempting various methodologies to research and find new software.

One of the great resources that I've recommended is : FindAccountingSoftware.com

This is a website whereby you can find objective, 3rd party information on many systems offered (there are many, believe me!). We've had numerous Clients find us through that website and they're quite happy with their selection of MS Dynamics GP and WebSan Solutions Inc.