NACDS encourages members to use RollStream’s CEN to assure CPSIA compliance

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (SaaS Newswire) A group representing the nation’s chain pharmacies alerted retailers and manufacturers Thursday about a new rule, part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, that requires tracking labels on certain products.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores said that under the new CPSIA rule, which goes into effect March 1, 2011, packaged items –– including certain DVDs, video games, art materials, sporting goods and other products geared for children ages 12 years or younger –– may require tracking labels to be in compliance with CPSIA.

The legislation imposes new document-sharing requirements regarding product-safety-testing certificates on certain consumer products. The new rule follows the first round of implementations this past February.

In an effort to assist retailers and manufacturers to comply with the law, NACDS is encouraging its members to participate in the certificate exchange network developed by RollStream. The CEN provides retailers, manufacturers and distributors a single, online platform to exchange certificates of conformity. It enables manufacturers to directly post certificates to the online platform or provide a link to existing certificates of conformity that a manufacturer may store electronically elsewhere.

“The certificate exchange network has helped retailers and suppliers prepare for the implementation of the requirements of the CPSIA,” said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson. “NACDS urges retailers and manufacturers to utilize the CEN for the next round to help reduce the risks and minimize the costs associated with compliance.”

Added RollStream CEO Kristin Muhlner, “While complying with CPSIA regulations can be challenging for many retailers and manufacturers, noncompliance can be financially devastating. We are excited to provide NACDS members with a solution that enables the industry to reduce the risks and minimize the costs associated with CPSIA compliance.”

By Allison Cerra
Pulled from/Sourced: http://bit.ly/aMe8Yv

Tags: CEN, certificate exchange network, compliance, CPSIA, nacds, rollstream

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Zoho Suite is November’s most popular application on GetApp.com

Barcelona, Spain (SaaS Newswire) 3 November 2010 - GetApp.com, the business software app store, published today the Top 20 Business Apps ranking for November 2010. The ranking shows which business software applications were most popular on the GetApp.com platform amongst enterprise buyers, a majority of them small businesses, over the last 30 days.

This month’s ranking sees the Zoho Suite taking the top honors. With millions of user, Zoho offers a popular portfolio of over 20 integrated online applications, including various collaboration and productivity tools for businesses of all sizes. In continuation of recent months’ trend, CRM solutions also remain strongly represented in this November’s Top 20.

‘Zoho’s apps have been listed on GetApp only for a month or so, and we are already seeing well-qualified business leads coming from there’, said Raju Vegesna, Zoho’s Evangelist. ‘Also, GetApp serves as an easy, one-stop shop where small & medium businesses can find all software to run their businesses on.’

The complete GetApp.com Top 20 Business Apps ranking for November 2010 is as follows:

1. Workbooks – CRM
2. Mavenlink – Project Management
3. LiveBall – Website Optimization
4. SurveyGizmo – Online Surveys
5. WORKetc – CRM & Billing
6. PipelineDeals – CRM
7. @task – Social Project Management
8. Zoho CRM – CRM
9. Checkfront – Event Management
10. NetSuite – Business Management Suite
11. Net Atlantic – Email Automation
12. TeamSupport – Customer Service
13. Corecon V7 – Architecture, Engineering and Construction
14. TeamLab – Collaboration
15. PipeJump – CRM
16. Loc8 – Asset & Help Desk Management
17. Topyx – E-Learning
18. RevX Advanced Billing & Customer Care – Billing & Customer Care
19. CloudSigma – Infrastructure As a Service
20. 3Scale – API Management

Each month, the top-ranked software applications receive a GetApp.com badge of excellence, as well as increased publicity and exposure throughout the GetApp.com network.

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About the GetApp.com Top 20 Business Apps Methodology
The GetApp.com Top 20 Business Apps ranking is based on a composite algorithm that incorporates several criteria, including listing popularity on GetApp.com, number of reviews and comments, social media presence such as Twitter and Facebook followers, volume and quality of integration points, and input from analyst reports. The ranking is updated monthly.

About GetApp.com
GetApp.com is a business software app store for the buyers of enterprise applications. It offers a simple way for buyers to find, compare and evaluate applications and a low cost channel for providers to be found online. Software buyers come to GetApp.com for the convenience of researching enterprise applications and deployment solutions in one place, saving weeks from their traditional purchasing cycles. Application providers come to GetApp.com to reach out to a worldwide audience of active buyers, receive qualified traffic to their website and receive sales leads relevant to their target markets. For more information, please visit http://www.getapp.com/.

Press Contact
Tom Dibaja
tom.dibaja@getapp.com

Tags: getapp.com, liveball, mayenlink, mobile app wire, pipelinedeals, saas news, surveygizmo, top 20 business app, workbook apps, workbooks, worketc

SaaS: State of Wyoming, Virgin America Both Go Google

Posted by Ben on October 28th, 2010

Two major customer wins for Google in one day: The state of Wyoming and airline Virgin America say they’re migrating to the Google Apps cloud productivity suite. Better yet: Both migrations appear to have been managed by Google partners. Here’s the scoop.

According to the customary celebratory Google Enterprise blog post, Wyoming stands to save $1 million of taxpayer funds annually by moving all 10,000 state employees to the cloud. The announcement comes at what appears to be the end of a two-year competitive evaluation process, with Google partner Tempus Nova providing the winning bid.

Virgin America doesn’t have as m,any employees as Wyoming, but a different Google Enterprise blog post says that they look to cut their email costs alone by half by moving their 1,700 seats over to Google Apps. And beyond messaging, the airline gets better collaboration through Google Calendar, Google Talk, and Google Docs for the same cost.

Moreover, Virgin America gets to save 18 terabytes of legacy storage as messages move into the cloud. SADA Systems, the Google partner in charge of the Los Angeles Google Apps migration, got the nod in this case. In addition to deployment, SADA Systems will help Virgin America implement single sign-on user access so one password works all over.

Two related points: No sooner do I point out that Google Apps tends to focus on the small business than they announce two fairly large-scale deployments. And no sooner do I point out that Microsoft doesn’t focus on the SMB market then they launch Office 365.

The cloud market is never dull with Google and Microsoft around, so stay tuned to MSPmentor for more.

Sourced: http://www.mspmentor.net/2010/10/28/saas-state-of-wyoming-virgin-america-both-go-google/

Posted October 28th, 2010 by Matthew Weinberger

Tags: google, google enterprise blog spot, state of wyoming, virgin america

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Dubai-based Iris Executives Chooses Bullhorn for Recruitment Software

Posted by Ben on October 26th, 2010

Recruitment Firm uses Bullhorn’s Applicant Tracking and CRM System to Reach Customers from Anywhere, at Any Time.

Boston, MA (SaaS Newswire) October 26, 2010

Bullhorn®, the global leader in on demand recruitment software, today announced that Iris Executives has selected Bullhorn as its applicant tracking and customer relationship management (CRM) system provider. Iris Executives, located in Dubai, utilizes Bullhorn’s cloud-based, Software as a Service (SaaS) solution to reach clients from anywhere and at any time, enhance business efficiency and assist in the delivery of its unique recruitment services to local customers.

As a highly specialized, full-service recruitment firm, Iris Executives supports the local government, banking and private industry sectors. The company’s business model is focused on the recruitment of local candidates for leading businesses, with a mission to enhance the UAE (United Arab Emirates) job market.

“With locals being rare in this market, and a primary goal of establishing ourselves as the most specialized localization recruiter in the UAE, we needed software that would act like the brain of our company, centralizing all of our recruitment activities and simplifying the recruitment process for us,” said Hamza Zaouali, CEO of Iris Executives. “Bullhorn supports us in this endeavor and is able to effortlessly provide this for our company.”

“We are delighted that Iris Executives has decided to implement Bullhorn to drive their business to the next level,” said Peter Linas, Marketing Director in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa region). “As we further strengthen our business and reputation in the Middle Eastern market, we are thrilled to partner with such a reputable firm.”

Iris Executives uses Bullhorn’s integrated applicant tracking and CRM system to manage all of its recruitment needs. A 360° view into every aspect of the company, including quality prospects and all pending activity, allows Iris Executives’ staff to increase client satisfaction and ultimately gain a competitive advantage.

With Bullhorn’s Web-based infrastructure and 24/7 support, more and more businesses around the world, irrespective of their time zone, are choosing Bullhorn’s recruitment software to grow their business.

“Bullhorn’s quality support and readily available system, combined with their flexibility and consultative approach, made them an easy choice for us,” added Zaouali. “After being live on Bullhorn, I can say with confidence that we made the right choice and can safely look ahead to the future success of our company.”

About Bullhorn, Inc.
Bullhorn is the global leader in on demand staffing and recruiting software, providing the only fully integrated applicant tracking and customer relationship management system, backed by the most comprehensive roster of cloud-based partner solutions. Bullhorn’s state-of-the-art technology enables recruitment, sales and management to collaborate and rapidly source and place candidates, while delivering 360° visibility into every activity, from job order to placement, at any time and from any place. Delivered through Software as a Service (SaaS), Bullhorn’s completely extensible solution continually meets the evolving business and recruiting needs of thousands of users worldwide, including some of the largest global recruitment firms. For more information, visit: http://www.bullhorn.com
About Iris Executives
Iris Executives, a specialized full-service recruitment firm with exposure in government, banking, and private sectors, is a leader in the emiratisation (or local hiring of UAE citizens) market. Iris Executives has developed a prestigious client portfolio with one of the highest rates of client retention in the region and an extensive database of UAE Nationals. Iris invests heavily in strengthening the local talent pool and works hard to ensure that their clients are always met with top of the line service that suits each business’ specific needs. For more information, visit: http://www.irisexecutives.com

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Media Contact

Bullhorn Inc.

Meg Toland

617-478-9309

Tags: bullhorn crm, bullhorn inc, bullhorn.com, iris executives, on demand recruitmant software, saas news, up and coming saas

What’s Next – World Domination? Talking with Avectra and NFi Studios

Posted by Ben on October 27th, 2010

blogtalkradio.com

Call-in Number: (347) 884-9582

10/28/2010 @ 2pm

Host Name: Acronym Soup Radio

SaaS Newswire via blogtalkradio.com

We read the news earlier this month, but what’s the REAL story? Tune in Thursday to find out everything you wanted to know about Avectra & NFi’s new relationship!
October 6, 2010 – Avectra, the leading provider of web-based association management software (AMS), announced it has completed the acquisition of NFi Studios, a privately held innovator of web technology connecting member & industry communities by delivering social technologies to member-based organizations. Sterling Raphael (President, NFi Studios) is an entrepreneur, speaker and the founder of NFi Studios, a leading provider of web technology for associations and events around the world. Before founding NFi Studios, Sterling directed the creation of interactive applications for organizations including Disney, the Orlando Magic, the Pittsburgh Steelers and many more. NFi Studios is partner with renowned organizations including Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE), and Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

Richard Davis (CEO, Avectra) is responsible for providing strategic direction and day-to-day operational leadership for Avectra. He brings more than 30 years of sales, marketing and operational experience in the technology industry into his role as chief executive officer. Richard started his career in technology with several cutting-edge software companies, gaining extensive experience developing strategy and growing revenue. His international experience includes managing operations throughout Europe, China, Mexico and Panama. Richard most recently served as president and CEO for Ultimus, Inc. Previous CEO positions also include Ardence, Inc., and Rand McNally and Company. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Boston area non-profit From the Top, which showcases America’s best young musicians, as well as AccuRev, Inc., a software change and configuration management (SCCM) solution provider.

Pulled from: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/kikilitalien/2010/10/28/whats-next–world-domination-talking-with-avectra-

Tags: AMS, fsae, mpi, nfi studios, richard davis, sterling raphael

Avectra Acquires NFi Studios

McLean, VA (SaaS Newswire) October 6, 2010

NFi Studios, a privately held innovator of web technology connecting member & industry communities by delivering social technologies to member-based organizations.

Acquiring NFi Studios accelerates Avectra’s strategy of delivering an industry-defining technology platform that enables member-based organizations to engage members in more sophisticated, relevant and transparent relationship programs to promote advocacy, action and drive business value.

“Both companies are experiencing great success, momentum and have enormous opportunities ahead of them,” said Richard Davis, chief executive officer of Avectra. “We believe our combined strengths will not only immediately benefit our respective customers but will also provide access to a larger total addressable market and significant long-term growth opportunities — especially in emerging areas such as the not-for-profit, international and new vertical markets.”

“Being a client of both NFi Studios and Avectra, it is very exciting to see these two companies come together,” said Alise Miner, vice president, Internal Systems and Project Teams, Specialty Equipment Market Association. “Combining Avectra’s deep back office AMS functionality with leading-edge online social networking features not only helps maximize our member’s participation but equally enriches current membership initiatives and operational effectiveness. We are eager to continue working with each group to discover new opportunities to help our members realize even greater value from our combined solutions.”

As part of the acquisition, NFi Studios, based in Orlando, Florida, will operate as an independent division of Avectra and will continue to support the MemberFuse product line as well as their existing customers and partners.

For more information about Avectra’s membership management software or to sign up for a free online demonstration, visit www.avectra.com/livedemo .

About Avectra
For the last 16 years, Avectra has been translating our customers’ needs into market-leading association management software – whether our customers serve members by the hundreds or hundreds of thousands. Our 100% Web-based technology integrates data with business processes and then automates it, so our customers can engage members, provide access to all of their resources and get more done. Each of our solutions is continually refined by the user community, ensuring that we have the features our customers need to run their businesses and lead their industries. With ongoing, automatic upgrades that won’t disrupt service or incur additional costs, we keep our customers current with the latest technology. Avectra is headquartered in McLean, Va., with a regional office in Chicago.

To explore the netFORUM family of products, please visit www.avectra.com , or call 800-858-8272.

About NFi Studios
NFi Studios is the leading provider of web technology connecting member & industry communities. By delivering social technologies to associations to marketplace matching solutions for tradeshows, NFi Studios takes a creative approach to delivering powerful interactive solutions for our clients.

Media Contacts:

Patrick Dorsey
(703) 506-7037
pdorsey(at)avectra(dot)com

Elizabeth Baranik
(877) 634-7883
Elizabeth(at)nfistudios(dot)com

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Tags: AMS, avectra, nfi studios acquisition, saas provider, social community strategies, social technology

From the Editor and CEO

I stayed the night last night at the Marriott Wardman in DC to visit a friend of mine from Rochester NY, Nick Rizzo, who was presenting at the "fly convention" (everyone at the conference is brought together by this common ground as they all use flies to do their cell research and such, pretty interesting but over my head).

DC is a funny place where anything can happen, as it was, i was just sitting here this mourning and had SaaS Newswire up on my computer screen and a man stopped to ask me if i had used the service, i notified him that I own it and that it's still in the infant stages. I was blown away to hear that he had seen the site before already and that's why he was curious, this man is a journalist from California and staying here anticipating the large gathering of government officials that would be here tomorrow.

He asked to be added to the list of journalists .. Timing is everything

Stay at it, things will work