Sage is the third-largest player in the Gulf's enterprise software market based on the number of users, size of local operations and distribution channels, and the leader in mid-market enterprise space, say international marketing consultants Frost & Sullivan who recently conducted a study, "The Enterprise Software Market in the Arabian Gulf".

In less than six years, the Sage has emerged as a strong contender in the region, next in size and strength only to Oracle and SAP, the study showed. The total enterprise software markets in the six states is currently worth $55 million, with Saudi Arabia accounting for $30.79 million and the UAE $10.6 million. Sage has over 10,000 users in the region.

Sage Middle East recorded a 30 per cent increase in its billings and added 30 new customers during a 12-month period in 2000-01, the company said. The wins included ToalFinaElf, Sigma Paints, Aggreko, Lucy Switchgear & Burgmann ME.

The company recently launched a total retail solution that allows retail customers to integrate all their operations seamlessly. Their second new product offering is called Business Alerts, designed to offer timely and across-the-board business updates.

Sage estimates the market will grow at 30 to 35 per cent over the next three years.

Sage ME's turnover in 2000 increased 34 per cent to £412.2 million and pre-tax profit was up 46 per cent to £108.7 million. In the region, Sage has built a client base of over 500 customers. Managing director of Sage ME is Amrit Chopra, who is also managing director of Oman Computer Services. The director of operations is Shishir Srivastava, who was instrumental in setting up Sage in the region in 1995. Steve Bailey, managing director, Sage Enterprise solutions, visited Dubai to celebrate the company's surge in the region.

The Sage Group is a leading supplier of business management software and related products and services to small and medium-sized businesses, encompassing market-leading companies in the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and Portugal and market-leading products in the US. Its products are available throughout the world via an extensive network of authorised resellers.

Turnover in 2000 was £412.2 million with operating profit at £111.9 million. The customer base crossed 2 million with support contracts numbering more than 700,000 and sage resellers more than 30,000.

The company began operations from a base in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England in 1981, featuring on the UK stock exchange and the DacEasy (US) in 1989.

In 1992, it acquired Ciel SA in France and Telemagic in the US, following up in 1994 with Timeslips (US), Multisoft Financial Systems (UK) and Saari SA (France).

In subsequent years it acquired US and European companies including Sybel Informatique, KHK Software, Carpe Diem, State of the Art, Pacs, Pase, Meteor, Peachtree, Tetra, Taxsoft, Infologia, Sesam, Best Software, Ubiquis, CSM, Apex Software, Interact and Platinum for Windows.