Sage’s X-3 manufacturing software came on the market with a lot of hype and reseller praise two years ago. The word-of-mouth verdict has swung against the product with some VARs saying the product is not ready for prime time, at least not ready for the United States.

Previous newsletter items have talked about Sage VARs having wandering eyes for other vendors. I don't think I'm beating a dead software package because what has become clear over the last two weeks is that the channel is distressed by what it sees the company doing, including competing with direct sales and according to some, denying that.

This does not pertain directly to the mid-market reselling business. But since so many VARs have CPAs on staff or run CPA programs, the penetration of Apple products into traditional tax and accounting firms should be of interest.