Interprise Suite review

Accounting packages have become much more than a set of electronic ledgers, now including invoicing, stock control and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. However, these extra features often started out as standalone systems that have since been tied together with a common interface, which can lead to integration issues and problems with backups and synchronising databases.

Interprise Suite offers a wide range of features programmed using Microsoft's .NET 2 Framework. All the data sets and business rules are held in a single database using SQL Server Express or SQL Server. This clean-sheet approach helps to keep the code efficient and reduces the number of potential synchronisation problems.

Interprise Suite's design provides a consistent foundation for future expansion. By making extensive use of both Stored Procedures and the disconnected data technique to minimise database connection overheads, the system should be inherently more scalable than those that have evolved from a desktop application.

At first glance, Interprise Suite looks like a browser-based system, but appearances can be deceptive. Interprise Suite is in fact a fully fledged .NET application, with its own interface providing easy access to the various components. A data dictionary allows a certain amount of customisation to search screens and forms, while a basic system contains modules for CRM, accounting, banking, inventory management, supplier management and VAT returns. Comprehensive reports are available and custom reports can be created using the Report Writer wizard if needed. Reports and invoices can be produced in a variety of formats and be sent by email or fax. An additional e-commerce module can integrate a web-based store front into the system, so that transactions and data associated with it are simply part of the existing data flow and don't require any special handling.

Workflow diagrams and wizards provide a simple and effective way to carry out the many routine tasks, from creating a bank account to managing an existing customer. Detailed manuals and numerous demos and training videos round out a user-friendly system.

The single-user package is a free download and a complete working system, ideal for accountants to experiment with. It would also be handy for a small business. The multiple-user versions install clients on separate systems and use a central database server to hold the data.

With editions ranging from the free single-user version up to one for 25 users - with the option to add even more in blocks of five - it offers more than enough capacity for the SME. Making use of the free SQL Server Express helps keep costs down, although the software's ability to make use of the full SQL Server software if it's installed offers room for expansion as data volumes increase.

Interprise Solutions has taken advantage of Microsoft's .NET technology and database-management software to produce an accounting package that isn't encumbered by legacy technology.

Author: Ian Parsons