Overall, the new version is designed to help users "get through most common A/R [accounts receivable] tasks in less time," says Shari Willman, principal product marketing manager.

The company updated its enter Sage 50 line, including the Complete, Premium and Quantum versions but dropped First Accounting. First did not include payroll and most new businesses, even if they don't need payroll at first, operate under the assumption that they will grow, Willman said.

Under the new naming scheme, Simply Accounting, which is marketed in Canada, became Sage 50 Canadian Edition. The primary changes to the North American product line were as follows: the former MAS 90 and MAS 200 are now Sage 100; Accpac is Sage 300 and MAS 500 is Sage 500. Those name changes were made last year.