Have you upgraded yet? MAS 90 and MAS 200 Version 4.20 includes features that can improve your business processes, your efficiency, and your bottom line.  If you have not upgraded your system because your Sage Subscription or Support Plan has lapsed, now is the time to renew! Sage offers a 20% discount on lapsed plan renewal pricing through March 31, 2008; contact Blytheco for a quote or more information about the benefits of Sage Subscription and Support Plans. For more information about upgrading your system, please visit our website, or just give us a call!

Tax table updates (TTU's) and year-end program changes for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 are now available for download from Sage Support Online. Year end files are available for Sage MAS 90 and 200 versions 3.71, 3.72, 3.73, 4.0, 4.05, 4.10 and 4.2.

Winter Promotions
MAS 90 and MAS 200 customers can take advantage of the following discounts through March 31.

• Get back on a ClientCare Plan – Lapsed customers receive a 20% savings! The Sage Client Care plan provides updates and upgrades to your Sage software system, plus access to Sage Support Online and the ability to add new users and modules.
• 20% off any Accounts Payable Extended Solution like “Multiple Company Accounts Payable,” or “Electronic Payment for AP.”
• 50% off any Paperless Office Extended Solution, like “Paperless AR Invoices,“ or “Electronic Forms Delivery.”
• Sage 20% on Sage Sales Tax, Powered by AvaTax through February 29, or 15% savings through March 31.
• Upgrade to Sage MAS 200 and get a $400 user credit (regularly $300 per user).
• 20% savings on Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 additional user licenses through Feb. 29, or 10% savings through March 31.

Protecting Your Data

Today’s businesses depend on technology. Most companies would find it very difficult to operate without their servers, workstations, laptop computers, peripherals, and most importantly, the data stored within that technology. With something this valuable, it makes sense to invest in security. Your technology is vulnerable to a number of dangers, from natural disasters to power interruptions to simply wearing out. Below are a few simple tips on keeping your technology and your data safe.

Protect Your Power

Power spikes or disruptions cause more data loss than all other natural disasters combined. Every piece of crucial electronic equipment should be connected to an UPS (uninterrupted power supply) device. It’s even a good idea to place a small UPS device on each workstation, since power interruption during a transaction update, for example, could result in corrupted data.

UPS devices provide continuous, conditioned power capable of evening out surges and supplying varying amounts of auxiliary power to allow you to safely shut your equipment down in the event of a full outage. Once your equipment is shut down, it’s not a bad idea to completely unplug equipment to keep it entirely off the grid until even power is restored.
 
Back It Up!

The importance of a reliable and efficient backup system cannot be overstated. Today’s backup software is robust and sophisticated. Carefully choose a solution with powerful features provided by a company you trust. The investment in a modern backup solution including tapes, drives, and software is significant. However, the return on investment is immediate and undeniable should disaster strike. See “Backing Up Data in MAS 90 and MAS 200” below for more detail.

Tape backup systems are still the dominant backup method used by savvy small and mid-sized organizations. Symantec, a leading publisher of backup systems, notes that tape remains the best solution for long-term and offsite storage. Symantec cites its portability and ruggedness as factors making tape the most efficient way to protect a business from disaster or for long-term storage.

Disk-based backup systems are gaining in popularity. A disk-based backup solution typically writes the same data to a file on a disk volume as it would write to a tape drive. When used conscientiously, disk drives can provide faster, more flexible backups and restores than tape.
 
During your daily operations, it’s always a good idea to periodically save important files you’re working on to a separate hard drive, portable storage drive, or CD.
 
Whatever backup system you select, you must periodically do a test of your restore capabilities. Don’t assume it will work at that crucial time.

Shadow Backup Can Save The Day
Inherent in many Windows operating systems is a useful protective tool called “Shadow Backup.” This feature uses available space on your server to make copies of directories and files on a timetable you specify. Should you accidentally delete or overwrite a valuable file, you can simply scan through the earlier saved versions of the file and restore the one from before your accident.
 
Offsite Storage A Must
It is imperative that backed-up data be moved offsite regularly to ensure that all of your backups will not be destroyed if something happens to your facility. Several companies provide offsite storage services that include picking up and delivering tapes when they are to be rotated. At a minimum, have a trusted employee take a backup tape home with them each night.
 
Disaster Recovery Planning
Accidents happen. So do power outages, natural disasters, and malicious attacks. Systems wear out and have to be replaced. Prepare a comprehensive disaster recovery plan specific to your organization. A person or group should be charged with constantly supervising your organization’s disaster preparation efforts. Someone should install and maintain hardware protection devices, make sure all departments have a plan if the server goes down temporarily, and confirm that backups are made and rotated offsite regularly. Also, it is a good idea to document your plan for reference purposes.
 

Backing Up Data in MAS 90 and MAS 200
How many times have you heard about a company whose computer crashed and they lost all their data? When you heard it, did you think:

• That will never happen to our company.
• Someone else is making sure our data is safe.
• We have backup software, so there's nothing to worry about.

We aren’t trying to be pessimistic, but if you're thinking along these lines, you're likely to regret it. Computers can sometimes be unpredictable, and just like the vehicle you drive to work, they need regular maintenance to keep running. PLEASE be proactive about backing up your data and ensuring that you can RETRIEVE that data once it has been backed up. Talk with your internal or external IT support to make sure all of your critical data files are getting backed up, that backup media are kept off-site, and that the backups are regularly tested to ensure the data that is being backed up can be restored.

Also note that even though programs can be reinstalled from their original CDs, those shiny silver platters have a way of getting lost when you need them most. In addition, you may have downloaded the installation files for Sage Extended Solutions, Master Developer enhancements, or third-party applications for which you have no CD to rely upon. The safe bet is to make sure you regularly back up not only your data files, but your program files as well. And don't forget about those custom forms and reports that have been developed for your MAS system!

So now the $64 Million question is: "How do I know where my MAS 90 or MAS 200 files are stored?"

Within MAS 90 or MAS 200, click on File > Run. Type *info in the "Program" field and click the OK button.  The screen that launches will include an "Installed Directory Path" which shows the path to your MAS 90 folder (from here on we'll reference this location as "..\MAS90").

WHERE ARE THE MAS PROGRAM FILES STORED?

For all 3.x and 4.x versions of MAS 90 and MAS 200, the MAS program files are stored in folders directly under the "..\MAS90" folder, with one folder for each installed module. Note that if you have Sage Extended Solutions, Master Developer Enhancements from Blytheco, or any other third-party modifications, the modified program files should be located under the "..\MAS90" folder of the module that was modified. For example:

• All Accounts Payable program files are in the "..\MAS90\AP" folder.
• All Accounts Receivable program files are in the "..\MAS90\AR" folder.

WHERE ARE THE MAS DATA FILES STORED?

Depending on your version of MAS 90 or MAS 200, your company's data files are stored in different locations.

For version 3.x, data files are stored under the "..\MAS90" folder, with folder names conforming to "MMCCC" where "MM" represents the Module ID and "CCC" represents the Company Code. For example:

• All Accounts Payable data files for company code "dsh" are in the "..\MAS90\APdsh" folder.
• All Accounts Receivable data files for company code "dsh" are in the "..\MAS90\ARdsh" folder.

 
For version 4.x, data files are stored under folders conforming to format "..\Mas90\Mas_CCC\" where "CCC" represents the Company Code. For example:

• All Accounts Payable data files for company code "dsh" are in the "..\MAS90\MAS_dsh\APdsh" folder.
• All Accounts Receivable data files for company code "dsh" are in the "..\MAS90\MAS_dsh\ARdsh" folder.

 
WHERE ARE MAS 90 AND MAS 200 CUSTOM FORMS AND REPORTS STORED?

Depending on your version of MAS 90 or MAS 200, your company's custom forms and report files are stored in different locations.

For versions 4.05 and lower, custom forms and report files are stored according to the "...\MAS90\Reports\###-CCC ” directory structure  where ### represents a User or Group, and CCC represents a company code. A "..\MAS90\Reports\###-###" folder is created upon installation for forms and reports used globally  (all users/groups and all company codes) throughout MAS, but additional subfolders for other forms and reports that have been customized for combinations of specific users and companies may also exist. For example:

• Reports customized only for company code "dsh" are in "...\MAS90\Reports\###-dsh".
• Reports customized only for user "vf" in company code "dsh" are in "...\MAS90\Reports\vf#-dsh" (note that the subfolder name is always 7 characters long and in the format of '3-3', with the pound symbol or number sign (#) representing any unused characters, if for example you are only using a 2-character User ID).

 
Starting with Version 4.10  there are two separate locations that may contain customized forms & reports.

• Custom forms and reports for the legacy modules which have not yet been upgraded to the v.4.x framework (such as Payroll, Purchase Order, etc.) are still retained in the  "...\MAS90\Reports\###-CCC” directory structure as found in versions 4.05 and lower.
• Custom forms and reports for Version 4.x framework modules (GL, AP, AR, BR, SO, RMA) are found in "..\MAS90\MAS_CCC\Reports" folders.  

WHAT ABOUT VISUAL INTEGRATOR IMPORT AND EXPORT JOBS?

If you use the Visual Integrator (VI) module to import data into or export data from MAS, you should regularly "back up" these import/export jobs. Within MAS browse to Visual Integrator > Main > Job Export. 

In the "Export File Name" field, enter the path and a filename to create the backup of the jobs you are currently using. Click on the folder icon to browse out to the default folder ("..\MAS90\Home\Textout") or select another network folder that is backed up nightly. Consider using a filename that includes the current date to make it easier to identify the files. In the example below, the filename used was "2007-12-07-VI-JOBS.EXP". (NOTE: Do not change the default file extension of "*.EXP".) Click on the "Select All" button to create a single *.EXP file with all VI Import and Export Jobs.

As an additional precaution, consider printing the Job Listing for each import/export job and saving the report to a PDF file. In the event you need to recreate the VI job from scratch, this Job Listing will provide all of the details required.

• Within MAS, browse to Visual Integrator > Main > Import Job Maintenance or Export Job Maintenance and select a job.
• Click on the Printer icon in the lower right corner of the task window.
• From the Print Job Listing's "Import Job Definition" task window, click on the checkbox to select ALL job names.
• Click on the Printer Setup button and either select a PDF-compatible printer or select the "Export File" radio button to create a text file.
• Click on the OK button.
• Click on the Print button to generate the PDF or export file. Make sure this file is saved to a network folder that is backed up nightly.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER APPLICATIONS INTEGRATED WITH MAS?

Other Sage applications (including FAS Asset Accounting, ACT! and SalesLogix) and third-party software (including FRx, PCCharge and StarShip) are generally installed in their own folders. Please consult with Blytheco to determine the path of program and data files used by these integrated applications.

THIS ALL SEEMS LIKE A LOT TO MANAGE. CAN'T WE TAKE A SIMPLER APPROACH?

Most of the data you want to safeguard (exclusive of integrated applications and third-party software) is found under your "..\MAS90" folder. To keep it simple, make sure the entire "..\MAS90" folder and all files and folders underneath it are backed up. Then make sure you back up those files and folders used by your integrated applications and third-party software.

Upcoming Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 Authorized Training Classes

Sage MAS 90 and 200 Visual Integrator (2 Day) - Tues., 1/22/2008 ATC Class—You'll be amazed at how well you can create import and export jobs with this targeted training that includes many hands-on activities.... »See all dates and locations Sage MAS 90 and 200 v.4.2 Customer Upgrade Workshop - (from version 3.7, 4.0 & 4.05) - Thur., 1/24/2008 ATC Class—If you are upgrading from version 3.7, 4.0, or 4.05, you'll experience all the new enhancements that have been added to the General... »See all dates and locations Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 Core Applications Bundle (w/o Payroll) - Mon., 1/28/2008 ATC Class—Designed as an introduction to MAS90, these comprehensive classes cover Introduction to MAS90, Library Master, General Ledger, Accounts... »See all dates and locations Sage MAS 90 and 200 Introduction and System Administrator - Mon., 1/28/2008 ATC Class—This course combines Introduction to Sage MAS 90 and 200 and the Sage MAS 90 and 200 for System Administrators into one comprehensive... »See all dates and locations Sage MAS 90 & MAS 200 Manufacturing Bundle (3 1/2 Days) - Mon., 1/28/2008 ATC Class—Gain control of your manufacturing solution by taking this comprehensive class, which is taught with a series of courses over 3 1/2... »See all dates and locations Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 Core Applications Bundle (with Payroll) - Mon., 1/28/2008 ATC Class—Designed as an introduction to MAS90, these comprehensive classes cover Library Master, General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts... »See all dates and locations Sage MAS 90 and 200 Inventory Management - Mon., 1/28/2008 ATC Class—Successful Inventory Management starts with these important insights into setting up your Inventory Management System, including how... »See all dates and locations Sage MAS 90 and 200 Bill of Materials - Tues., 1/29/2008 ATC Class—What a difference a day makes in this valuable course that enables you to easily create and maintain detailed bills of components... »See all dates and locations

CLICK HERE for more Sage MAS 90 & MAS 200 Authorized Training Classes!

Check out the FREE Sage MAS 90 & 200 online seminars below!

Moving at the Speed of Your Business Free Recorded Seminar — As your business grows, so do the demands on your ERP system. Listen in on a discussion on how Sage MAS 200 ERP will: Sage MAS 90 Business Insights Explorer Free Recorded Seminar — Please join us for an overview of the exciting new business intelligence tool that is included with version 4.20. Business Insights... What is New in Sage MAS 90 and 200 v4.2 Free Recorded Seminar — Preview the latest enhancements in Sage MAS 90 and 200 v4.2, including new customization and personalization features within Accounts... eBusiness Manager for MAS 90 and 200 Free Recorded Seminar — The e-Business Manager module provides an “out-of-the-box” yet customizable way to create an online store on your Web site without... Credit Card Processing for Sage MAS 90 Free Recorded Seminar — The Credit Card Processing module allows your customers to safely and easily make credit card purchases and invoice payments through... Business Alerts Professional Free Recorded Seminar — Meet Bob, your best employee. He seems to be on top of everything and has tasks done before you even ask. His secret? Business Alerts... Return Merchandise Authorization Free Recorded Seminar — This presentation of the RMA module shows the simple but powerful steps to process customer returns from the first contact by the... Integrating ACT! with Sage MAS 90/200 Free Recorded Seminar — See how joining the strengths of Sage MAS 90 or 200 and ACT! by Sage Contact Manager, #1 selling contact management system sold today,... Visual Integrator for Sage MAS 90 & 200 Free Recorded Seminar — Seamless automated data transfer between your Sage MAS 90 or 200 system and other custom or vertical software packages is critical...

Contact Blytheco at solutions@blytheco.com or 800-4-BLYTHE for more information or with any questions.