Here are the questions from the 10-28 Q&A:
Q: Can you elaborate on the pricing that includes the Azure platform. It looks like that will be billed separately in addition to the Sage license subscription. Is the Azure pricing less than what it would be if we deployed Azure and hosted the current Sage subscription
A: Sorry I should have clarified that. The price is for the software only. The cost for Azure is something that you purchase separately through the CSP. There is not a special price from Microsoft on this but they do have a rebate program for anyone that is certified on Azure.
Q: For Sage 100 Partner Cloud - what does "Includes Sage Support: Version Upgrades, etc." actually mean. Is Sage taking on this upgrade and support work directly as part of the subscription price? If so, I'm assuming the partner could sell standard licensing (along with Azure) and then add or bundle in our partner services rather than selling the Cloud subscription / Sage services?
A: Good question. No Sage won't be managing the upgrades. That will be the partner's responsibility.
Q: What is your strategy for promoting Sage 100 to NCA? Surely you're not giving up? Any updated product roadmap?
A: Our NCA demand gen strategy is not as product-focused as it is industry-focused. For example, there are programs going on now or in planning for campaigns into F&B and Chemicals.
Q: Are the Distribution and Manufacturing bundles that were only unveiled in early 2020 discontinued?
A: No. Those do still existing but the specific bundles are not included in the Partner Cloud Program at this time
Q: I love the concept of Sage Partner Cloud BUT keeping customers on the current release level is presently hampered by the product management of ISVs which is not forcing those ISVS ( including price list ISVs) to release at the same time as Sage. So it's virtually impossible to keep customers current. And that's before the issues that are occurring in the manufacturing area where releases are not being made for compatibility with the latest product updates. Given this environment it seems that all Partner Cloud will be able to offer is hosting vs a true "We keep you on the latest release"
A: We will have requirements that customers remain on the most recent version but there will obviously be a window of time to accomplish this. We are currently determining what that window will be and this issue related to ISVs is one of the variables being taken into consideration
Q: Can the customer choose any ISV application they want in the Azure platform
A: We haven't defined specific ISVs at this point but the ability to be able to include those is key to this offer. We are testing a few during the Beta now and will be looking for partners' assistance on this further as we roll out.
Q: Is the Sage Partner expected to get up to speed and be able to deploy and support Azure environments, windows Server, etc.?
A: It depends on what you mean by 'up to speed'. Our recommendation is to work with a CSP such as Insight to determine the roles and responsibility. The Sage Provisioning Portal will give you the tool to help with provisioning and managing the deployment. More information on this will be provided at the webinar in mid-November.
Q: How will ISV products affect SPC pricing?
A: ISV pricing doesn't change at this time. They are ala carte items
Q: Will this recording be sent to all in a slide presentation form?
A: Due to the confidentiality of the content, we will not be able to share the full deck but are happy to work with you on specific content - just reach out to your PAM and they can help coordinate.
Q: Hello! What makes a current Sage Intacct partner "eligible" to participate in the referral program other than having a current partnership with Intacct?
A: Eligibility is being determined by Peyton Burch and Nancy Sperry.
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Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990
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