Ampersand-Baysoft Set To Merge Software Packages

The Bangalore-based Ampersand-Baysoft is set to merge its two flagship software packages to launch the first of a complete enterprise resource package (ERP) solution for Indian corporates.

The integrated software package will provide a complete solution for large Indian corporates. It is likely to cost one quarter of the cost of ERP solutions being provided now from abroad, costing around Rs 2 crore.

Barring manufacturing, the proposed package under development will cover the entire administration and management of corporates.

Tentatively named Amon V2R2, the package will handle accounting & finance, track shareholders, manage employees issues & payroll plus marketing and sales.

Ampersand Software Applications Ltd and Baysoft Pvt Ltd recently merged to become a globally competent Indian software company, Ampersand-Baysoft Company Ltd.

In line with the trend in the US, Ampersand is also planning a marketing coup of sorts for branded Indian software products by throwing in a full CD-ROM drive free for buyers of its existing financial accounting package, Amon Financials. The company is negotiating with a drive manufacturer abroad. This is expected to pit Amon Financials with the well known accounting package `Tally, developed by the Bangalore-based Peutronics Pvt Ltd.

About the proposed package, R Dhirendra, director, finance and sales, said a special feature in it will enable corporates to customise the software according to their needs around its `core engine.

The first integration of Amon Financials with Baysofts Baypay for pay processing automation, will begin in September, and will be released as Amon V1R2. The package will be priced at Rs 12,000. This will be followed by a second version called V2R0 in December, which will be based on client servers. Windows will be the platform for this version.

The integration of these two packages will allow them to `talk to each other, Dhirendra said. This will enable corporates to make employees appraisal and track job interviews.

Ampersand plans to create a market for Amon Financials abroad by customizing it with accounting practices of different countries.

For home PC buyers, Ampersand plans to develop its Amon Home Financials in Compact Disk (CD) and sell it at key bookstores across the country. The software is now priced at Rs 1,500.

Amon Home, which is akin to the famous personal finance software of US, Quicken, is also targeted at the swelling Indian home PC market.

The company is opening a new office in Mumbai and later in Chennai and Calcutta.