Microsoft's decision to end Convergence and replace it with a conference called Envision has set a lot of parts in motion. Overall, Envision, aimed at business leaders, is a bit of a Dynamics AX show with those catering to three other ERP packages not pleased. The AX crew seems happy, although one report that the number of user attendees is down sharply, won't please anybody if true. Josh Richards, marketing director for Merit Solutions, notes, "We do believe we will have more access to, and higher quality conversations with, organization's C, VP, and director levels," he says. He also reminds people Envision is not a Dynamics-centric conference.

Online accounting software package FreshBooks has been redesigned. In what he called an open letter, CEO and company co-founder Mike McDerment said the revamp is needed to enable the company to meet its goal of serving self-employed professionals and their teams. McDerment, who said the re-write is still under way, said the result would be "A product that's easier to use, evolves faster and makes working with clients and teams easier."

Acumatica believes its channel is about the right size. "I am happy with the partners we have," CEO Jon Roskill said at this week's Acumatica Partner Summit. That means the company is unlikely to repeat the enlistment of 60 new resellers in 2015. Roskill said the company has more than 300 resellers worldwide with about 240 in North America. Of last year's class, 42 were added in this continent.